News and Events

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Something’s Fishy at New Fantasyland!

Published December 1, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Sure, I’ll admit it. I am one of THOSE people. I LOVE the Little Mermaid. I know what a snarfblat is, I love Ariel, and I love little singing crabs with Jamaican accents. At the risk of keeping Disneyways family friendly…I think Prince Eric is kinda confident and sexy. I can’t think of another prince who wouldn’t get all embarrassed if you asked about his dinglehopper.

It’s OK because I know I am not the only one.

I remember all the lyrics to “Part of Your World” and have been known to sing them on demand. So when it was revealed that there would be a Little Mermaid attraction added to the new Fantasyland – well – let’s just say it was kind of a big deal to me. This may explain why I believe in my heart that Scuttle saw me and actually SPOKE to me (ala Turtle Talk with Crush) on one of my first rides through the attraction. I was alone…and it has not happened since…so it could just be that I had a little too much Le Fou’s Brew that morning.

Anyway, it is in this spirit of love for Princess Ariel, and the grand opening of the New Fantasyland on December 6th, that I wanted to share with you this video from Attractionsmagazine.com. Here you will find footage of the full ride and queue line preceding it. I hope you can come see the real thing for yourself very soon.

Oh – and if you hear singing from the clam shell behind you – that just might be me – so lean over and say hi before covering your ears.

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Ooh La La! Bistro de Paris Gets a New Name!

Published November 29, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Bistro de Paris will soon have a new name, Monsieur Paul. The restaurant has been closed since July 2012, and the new name has been spotted on the most recent Epcot guide maps. “Monsieur Paul” is in reference to Paul Bocuse, one of the three chefs who started the restaurant. Not one to steal anyone’s thunder…as of right now… Remy is only making appearances at Chefs de France. I think he and Chef Paul are friends however. Here is some photographic proof.

Chef Paul has been named Top Chef of the 20th Century by the Culinary Institute of America. He is also considered to be the first “celebrity chef,” because he put his name on his own restaurant way back in 1965. The newly re-named Bistro in Epcot (Monsieur Paul) is expected to re-open in early December 2012.

Before the Bistro closed, it was a little known fact that you can see Illuminations (Epcot’s fireworks) while dining there. The second floor view was said to be awesome – as long as you requested (and got) a window seat. If you’ve eaten there I hope you’ll share your experiences. Hopefully one day soon I will make it to Monsieur Paul. 

Until next time…Passez une bonne journée magique! (I think that means have a magical day.)

Walk-through Tour on Video of Be Our Guest!

Published November 28, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I searched for a long time. I wanted to find just the right video to give you a feeling of what it was really like in the early days of previews for the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. The first time I saw that waterfall outside I almost cried. You read about something so historical in Disney history (like the opening of New Fantasyland), see pictures, read some more, look forward to it…and once you get there in real life…well…it was hard for me not to be overwhelmed. Even though I have probably been there 20 times since then, and even got to have dinner in the new restaurant,  I am still like a little kid and totally impressed none the less! This video is special because it is from those early days when it was so new – it hadn’t been seen by much of the public. It may never be this quiet and empty again during opening hours, so this is a special memory for me. Thank you wdwmagic.com for sharing. Enjoy!

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Live from New Fantasyland! Gaston, The Man, The Myth, The Legend…

Published November 27, 2012 by Disneyways.com

This video reminds me of those shows on TV that give you the “real” Hollywood story. I have seen Gaston in person, and  I am too bashful to talk to him.

That’s why I was so thrilled to find this!

Here is Gaston, doing what he does best. The ladies love him!

Props to InsideTheMagic.net for the awesome video!

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Be Our Guest – for dinner!

Published November 26, 2012 by Disneyways.com

My husband, some family members, and I were able to enjoy dinner at the brand new Be Our Guest Restaurant on November 18, 2012. It was a beautiful, cool night! Everyone at the table really enjoyed their food and the overall experience. I would have to agree with the consensus that this is the best food I have ever eaten in the Magic Kingdom. I shared many pictures of our meal on facebook and instagram so today I wanted to share the thoughts and photos with you from some other great bloggers!

By far…one of the most creative write ups I have seen so far was from my friend Wendy. Read it here at mymagic100.wordpress.com! Join in her experience – synchronized to the lyrics of the song! Doubtful that you will see this anywhere else!

For all of you detail oriented foodies out there – check out AJ over at the  Disneyfoodblog.com. AJ has posted photos of everything on the menu,  all 3 dining rooms…and even some of the first alcoholic beverages ever to be served inside the Magic Kingdom. Tired of those nasally sounds you may have heard from your kids all day? Have some wine with your whine. You will only find these libations inside Be Our Guest!

While you’re at it – I hope you will subscribe to get Disneyways updates by email –  so you never miss a post!

OH- and the grey stuff?

It really is delicious!

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Video: March in Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at Magic Kingdom Park

Published November 24, 2012 by Disneyways.com

This guy is following his dreams!!

 

Shhhhh!!! It’s a quiet “knight” in the Be Our Guest Restaurant!

Published November 22, 2012 by Disneyways.com

As you enter the Be Our Guest Restaurant inside Disney World’s New Fantasyland, you will see knights standing guard in the hallway to your right. Stop and listen for a moment.

You just might hear the knights whispering to each other! Great video from Zannaland.com and DisneyFoodBlog.com!

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Video of Celebrate the Magic on Opening Night!

Published November 14, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Here is a great video from wdwmagic.com from the opening night of Celebrate the Magic in case you can’t get here to see it for yourself. Check it out and please let me know your thoughts. Have a magical day!

 

 

Holiday Highlights at Walt Disney World!

Published November 7, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Disney elves blend yuletide traditions and Christmas cheer to create a wintry wonderland ready for holiday revelers at Walt Disney World Resort as early as November 9.  There’s an extra night of merry at the Magic Kingdom with 20 nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party; and at Epcot, Candlelight Processional.

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Highlights:

Magic Kingdom

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will have its longest-ever run with 20 magical nights from November 9-December 21. For a quarter century, Walt Disney World guests have been mesmerized by this must-see event, a grandly festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit.

Dates for 2012:

Nov. 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30

Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. For more information, visit http://www.Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty.  NOTE: this is a hard ticket special event after regular park hours; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Entertainment, Fireworks and More: Santa’s elves have transformed the Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland with festive wreaths, bows, garland, sparkling lights, parades and towering Christmas trees.  The fun includes the Holiday Wishes nighttime spectacular: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season fireworks, plus live entertainment with Disney characters all dressed up for the holidays.

Castle Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle: Cinderella Castle transforms into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays — thanks to a special effects spectacle bathing the castle in 200,000 shimmering white lights. Magic Kingdom guests are treated nightly to the dramatic castle celebration and stage show.

Epcot

Candlelight Processional is a timeless holiday offering at Epcot that combines seasonal music with the poignant reading of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a mass choir performing seasonal melodies, and a 50-piece live orchestra nightly November 23 – December 30, at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Crowd favorites Neil Patrick Harris and Gary Sinise return to America Gardens Theater stage on select nights.  Guests can purchase a Candlelight Dining Package, which combines lunch or dinner at select Epcot restaurants with guaranteed seating for the Candlelight Processional and VIP viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.  For more information and reservations: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining/candlelight-dinners/

Holidays Around the World: Storytellers from around the world share traditions and lore from their homeland throughout World Showcase.  The merriment continues with meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus the nightly “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” laser, light, fireworks display capped with a seasonal finale.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights: This massive seasonal display features millions of dancing lights, plus animated displays and 3-D effects perfectly synchronized to electrifying holiday tunes amidst snowfall.  The rich tradition takes place on the Streets of America, dazzling guests from Nov. 9, 2012 to Jan. 6, 2013.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Celebrate safari style as Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.”

Downtown Disney

Get all your Christmas shopping done at Downtown Disney during Festival of the Seasons. The shopping mecca is draped with yuletide cheer, plus live entertainment, holiday carolers, a lively street party, plus photo ops with Santa and Santa Goofy.

Walt Disney World Resorts

The resorts are dressed up for the holidays with festive décor, gingerbread houses and more.

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FREE Activity in Downtown Disney Until December 1, 2012

Published November 6, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality
Back on  September 1, Disney introduced”Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality.” This is located in Downtown Disney. Adults and kids can participate in this FREE augmented reality offering. The experience is located next to Bongos Cuban Café.  The way it works is you actually step onto a platform and virtually interact with Phineas, Ferb, Dr. Doofenshmirtz and Agent P (in their animated forms) on a screen above. Expect to get any one of 20 different interactions, from dancing “The Platypus Walk” to getting caught in Dr. Dr. Doofenshmirtz’s Freeze-inator. When the interaction is over you can  digitally share a souvenir photo of your adventure with family and friends. This is also FREE!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that, of course, special “Phineas & Ferb” merchandise will also be available to purchase.

“Phineas and Ferb & YOU: A Brand New Reality” will run through December 1, and is open from 2-9:30 p.m., daily. Here is a great video from Attractions Magazine to demonstrate how it all works!