Joanne’s Stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite

Published December 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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There is only one hotel room INSIDE all of The Magic Kingdom…the Cinderella Castle Suite. The Cinderella Castle Suite has become the dream experience for a few very lucky Disney fans and celebrities. In just a few short years, it has attained the cult-like status of exclusive Club 33 restaurant or Walt’s Apartment in Disneyland, and rightfully so, as it’s arguably more exclusive than either of those locations. Recently we had a very special guest on our show who was able to stay in the castle suite during the month of September 2013 and we know you will be super excited to hear about her experience just like we are! Click the photo below to be taken to this episode of the Disney Parks Podcast! Our thanks to Joanne for this wonderful interview!

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Baby Sinclair, Pregnant Polar Bears and More on this Holiday Theme Park Round-up

Published December 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

The Orlando Water Hole podcast is a local favorite. You can always count on the podcast’s wonderful host, Ben, to keep you up to date on what’s going on here in the town where Mickey Mouse lives. I was super excited to be included along with Maureen from AutismAtTheParks.com and Kellie from SeaWorldMommy.com to come on to the show and talk about holiday highlights at all of your favorite Orlando theme parks. It was such an honor to be included in this esteemed panel!

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Ben was a terrific host, as always and he kept the show at right around 30 minutes. As a podcaster this is no easy task, especially with 4 guests on the show at once! I hope you’ll tune in and find the show helpful if you are a local or a tourist who wants to come spend some time in the parks this holiday season! You can catch the show by clicking HERE.

Highlights include:

  • Who is selling Hot Toddies… Mmmmm
  • Where you can find a giant hippo as a holiday icon!
  • New enhancements to classic Disney attractions.
  • The connection beagles have to polar bears.
  • Where in Orlando you can find Baby Sinclair.
  • Where you can hear the festive sounds of Mannheim Steamroller live!
  • Favorite holiday events outside the theme parks!

Toys for Tots and Krista on the WDWNT Podcast

Published November 29, 2013 by Disneyways.com

WDWNTLivecharity2013WDWNewsToday.com is hosting a live podcast that will feature a drive for Toys for Tots begining at  8 p.m. eastern November 29th. Here you will have a chance to donate what you can to Toys for Tots through the FirstGiving fundraising page or in-person at the Theme Park Connection store. I am super excited to be  joining a team of 6 other hosts live on the show on Saturday November 30th from 5-7pm eastern. The entire broadcast will be streamed live on WDWNT.com by going directly to WDWNT.com/listen. WDWNTunes also streams through several mobile applications available at WDWNT.com/apps.WDWNT: The Radio Show is a live, weekly radio program on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando that began airing in August 2013. The show can be listened to online at 1520WBZW.com

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More on the show, details and how to tune in were published by WDWNT – and here is what they had to say:

LISTEN
Join Us at 8 p.m. EST November 29th for Our Live 25 Hour Toys for Tots Drive
After an 8 month hiatus, the only late night Disney talk show, “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless, will return for one special episode on Friday November 29th at 11pm EST.
Game shows to be played during the event include WDWNT: The Match Game, Where in the World is Tom Corless?, and Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics.
The WDW News Today Podcast will kick-off a new segment counting down the most important moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios contend down to the 25th anniversary of the park in May. You can be a part by voting for the 25 Biggest Moments in the History of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at this link.
The entire 25 hour broadcast will conclude on our newest program, WDW News Today: The Radio Show, on Saturday November 30th from 7-9PM. WDWNT: The Radio Show is a live, weekly radio program on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando the began airing in August 2013. The show can be listened to online at 1520WBZW.com

Every year since 2008, WDW News Today has hosted a charity drive to raise money for the Toys for Tots Foundation. To date, we have raised over $11,000 for this amazing organization with donations through our website and those made during our annual WDWNT Live! program on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, we will be doing the same with the help of some new sponsors and partners, and we are asking you to be a part of this holiday tradition where we continue Walt Disney’s dream and try to make a difference in  the lives of those less fortunate.

Over 60 years ago, Walt Disney became one of the original sponsors of the Toys for Tots foundation, which ensures that every underprivileged child receives a toy during the holiday season. Walt and his animators personally designed the original Toys for Tots train logo that is still used today and the first poster created for Toys for Tots.

In this spirit, WDW News Today and our many friends and partners are putting on a 25-hour live broadcast this year to raise money for Toys for Tots. We hope you will join us beginning at 8PM ET on November 29, 2013 when the broadcast begins and will help us by making a donation to this great cause at toys.WDWNT.com.

We are proud to announce Theme Park Connection as the official sponsor of this year’s show and charity drive. As part of their sponsorship, they are accepting cash donations in-person at their store and providing prizes for all of the many games that will be played during the course of the live program. A portion of our 25-hour broadcast will also be conducted live from their store on Saturday, November 30th, from 9:00AM until 3:00PM EST. Theme Park Connection can be visited online at ThemeParkConnection.com or at their new store location at 2160 Premier Row in Orlando, Florida, near the Florida Mall.

The choice to do a 25-hour broadcast this year over 24 was not a coincidence. To commemorate the upcoming WDWCelebrations event “Studio 25″, we are matching every year of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with an hour of live broadcasting. Also, during the course of the show, registration will officially open for this fan event at WDWCelebrations.com.

During the course of the show, we will be presenting many of the shows, segments, and games for which we are known:

  • After an 8 month hiatus, the only late night Disney talk show, “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless, will return for one special episode on Friday November 29th at 11pm EST.
  • Game shows to be played during the event include WDWNT: The Match Game, Where in the World is Tom Corless?, and Disney Don’t Forget the Lyrics, and WDWNT: The Price is Right
  • The WDW News Today Podcast will kick-off a new segment counting down the most important moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios counting down to the 25th anniversary of the park in May. You can be a part by voting for the 25 Biggest Moments in the History of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at this link. The segment will take place at 9PM EST on Friday November 29th.
  • WDWNTunes’ Around the Hub (the show of competitive Disney banter) will also be part of the show, taking place from 6PM-7PM EST on Saturday, November 30th.
  • The entire 25 hour broadcast will conclude on our newest program, WDW News Today: The Radio Show, on Saturday November 30th from 7-9PM. WDWNT: The Radio Show is a live, weekly radio program on AM 1520 WBZW in Orlando the began airing in August 2013. The show can be listened to online at 1520WBZW.com

This entire broadcast will be streamed live on WDWNT.com, accessed by going to the WDWNTunes tab and clicking listen. You can also go directly toWDWNT.com/listen. As well, WDWNTunes streams through several mobile applications available at WDWNT.com/apps.

We hope you will join is for this fun show starting on November 29th at 8PM EST and will donate what you can to Toys for Tots through our FirstGiving fundraising page or in-person at the Theme Park Connection store.

 

Enter to Win a $50 Disney Gift Card and Annual Passholder Magnet

Published November 24, 2013 by Disneyways.com

We would like to thank Homes4uu.com for sponsoring this giveaway!
Click HERE to enter!!

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MagicBands – Disney News and More!

Published November 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Don’t miss the latest episode of the Disney Parks Podcast! Exciting Disney news and so much more!

Just click the photo above to be taken to the show!

Have a magical day!

 

 

Faith and the Magic Kingdom and a FREE GIFT! Today only!

Published November 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Author Randy Crane Pens New Book ”Faith and the Magic Kingdom”

What makes Tom Sawyer Island unique and how does it set an example for taking risks as a Christian?
You can find out this answer and more in Randy Crane’s newest book that will be launched on November 15, called Faith and the Magic Kingdom. This book strives to connect spiritual faith lessons with Disneyland Park while helping to enhance the guest experience by allowing them to have a greater appreciate for “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Readers will see Disneyland in a brand new way as they experience true life in Christ, becoming more fulfilled along the way.

Lee Cockerell, a retired executive Vice President of Walt Disney World Resort says, “No matter what your faith is, you will find Faith and the Magic Kingdom interesting, educational, and inspirational.”

Randy is offering a few perks for those who pick up a copy of this book, and today is the LAST DAY! For those who buy a copy of the book during that window, either Kindle or paperback form, and emails Randy a copy of their receipt to bonus@faithandthemagickingdom.net, they will receive a PDF copy of his first book, “Once Upon YOUR Time: 7 Strategies for Gaining Control of Your Time Through a Tour of the Magic Kingdom”, the audio book of Faith and the Magic Kingdom (as an MP3), and a 1-hour “Faith and the Magic Kingdom” audio walking tour of Disneyland.

Randy is also donating all proceeds from the first 100 books sold during November 15 – 24 to the Special Olympics.

Randy is so convinced that people will love and be blessed by this book that if anyone buys it during launch week and hates it, all they have to do is email him and he’ll buy it back from them at the price they paid.

With this book, Randy wants to share that what we experience in every trip to Disneyland–whether we realize it or not–can have a significant impact on our lives.

With the Holidays coming, Faith and the Magic Kingdom will make the absolute perfect gift!

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About Randy
Randy grew up not far from Disneyland, and his experiences there were just as influential on him as was his upbringing in the church. In the midst of his upbringing two things that remained regular parts of his life: his ability to write well, and his faith. He went to Bible College and became a pastor.

While in his early 20s, he realized that Disneyland was the place where he could “recapture my childhood.” The more time he spent there and got to know it, the more valuable it became to him and the more he wanted to learn. It, and its creator, Walt Disney, became an integral part of him, and he was able to use the park as a teaching tool, a writing inspiration, and a resource.

He started his journey with a single sermon and realized that there was much more to this than he’d previously thought. In July of 2010 he began blogging it at FaithandtheMagicKingdom.net. Last year he published his first book, Once Upon YOUR Time: 7 Strategies for Gaining Control of Your Time Through a Tour of the Magic Kingdom. Faith and the Magic Kingdom is his second book.

For more information about Randy Crane or his new book, Faith and the Magic Kingdom, visit faithandthemagickingdombook.com

To learn more or to schedule an interview with Randy, please contact: Randy Crane at randy@faithandthemagickingdom.net

Get your copy of Faith and the Magic Kingdom HERE

 

On This Day in Disney History: November 21st

Published November 21, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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1929:
The following snippet appears in this day’s issue of The Film Daily
(a daily Hollywood publication):
Walt Disney, with his “Mickey Mouse” and “Silly Symphonies” series, is paving the way for
a bigger and better year. Grauman’s Chinese, Carthay Circle, Fox Palace, and Criterion
theaters have signed for the product. The Disney boys are making rapid headway with
their creations, adding new sound effects with each cartoon.

1942:
Mouseketeer Ronnie Steiner is born in Canada.
He joined the Mickey Mouse Club in the first season as a dancer.

1955:
The Mickey Mouse Club airs on ABC-TV. Today is Fun With Music Day. Musical numbers include Roy Williams dressed as the “boy at the dike” singing Roy at the Dike and Jimmie Dodd dressed as Tom Sawyer (along with a handful of the Mouseketeers) singing Painting Aunt Polly’s Fence.

2001:
Disney World unveils its holiday lights and decorations with The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios.
(Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne received worldwide attention when he first created the luminous light show for his daughter more than a decade ago.) The glowing bulbs light Residential Street, Washington Square and New York Street in merry holiday displays that include 170 flying angels, two 30-foot-tall carousels, illuminated trees, and 50 lighted Mickey Mouse figures.

New Information on the Construction in Morocco at Epcot

Published November 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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We got some new information on Spice Road Table, the exciting new waterfront restaurant coming to the Moroccan World Showcase Pavilion in Epcot! I wrote a story for Chip & Company with all the details! You can check it out HERE.  I can’t wait to see the new restaurant, how do you feel about it?  

An Interview with Belle in Episode 79 of the Podcast!

Published November 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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It’s hard for me to believe I am even writing this, but yes, it’s true! We were very fortunate that the awesome Julie Nathanson, current speaking and singing voice of Disney’s Princess Belle agreed to come on the Disney Parks Podcast as our very special guest. Julie is warm, sassy, funny, and she has so many wonderful qualities that you would probably expect from Princess Belle herself. There is so much feminist controversy over the Disney Princesses and my very favorite part of the interview was hearing Julie put into words how she feels about Belle, and why Belle’s character is a wonderful example for young girls. Julie has such a beautiful way of expressing herself that I admire so very much.

More great moments during the interview include:

  • The story of how Julie got a part on a soap opera, which one it was, and what character she played
  • What it has been like to be the voice of Belle, and how she got the job
  • Julie sharing how she feels about filling the shoes of the amazing Paige O’Hara (the original voice of Belle)
  • There is so much MORE to Julie besides playing Belle and it’s awesome to learn how versatile she has been in her career. Some of her other roles may surprise you!
  • I couldn’t sweet talk Julie into singing for us on the air but you can click HERE to hear a sample of her singing as Belle on iTunes
  • The always exciting rapid fire questions!

Here are some ways to tune in:

You can catch Julie’s episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer. Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately.

Please head over to iTunes and subscribe! This will give you access to each episode as soon as it is released.

On This Day in Disney History: November 19th

Published November 19, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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On November 19th there are a few important Disney birthdays.

1959:
Actress Allison Janney, the voice of Peach in Disney/Pixar’s 2003 Finding Nemo, is born in Dayton, Ohio. She also supplied the voice of Charlene Doofenshmirtz on Disney Channel’s Phineas and Ferb. (Allison is also known for her role as C. J. Cregg on the television series The West Wing.)

1905:
Actress Eleanor Audley, the voices of the wicked Maleficent in Disney’s 1959 Sleeping Beauty AND Lady Tremmaine in the 1950 Cinderella was born in New York City. Both characters were given facial features to resemble Eleanor thanks to animator Marc Davis.

1906:
Writer Imagineer and Disney legend William Cottrell is born in South Bend, Indiana. He was the brother-in-law of Lillian and Wlt Disney. William workde on Pinocchio, The Reluctant Dragon, and Alice in Wonderland. He was also the first president of what is now known as Walt Disney Imagineering.