Get Your Ruby Slippers Ready! Oz the Great and Powerful – is it Really All That Great?

Published March 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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I wouldn’t have it any other way….between my husband and two teen-aged boys, I am out-numbered by men in my home. Even our pug Gizmo is a boy.

I lovingly joke that (at least for now!) I am the only one who doesn’t get 5 o’clock shadow. You never know what menopause will bring for me.

Besides the occasional popular TV series, my family’s choices in quality viewing entertainment couldn’t be more different. That’s why it was nothing short of a miracle when the Oz previews started to appear on TV and everyone in my house agreed that they wanted to see it.

My reasons of course, Oz is a family Disney movie, it’s rated PG – and (BONUS!) it was playing opening night at the AMC Dine-In Theater Downtown Disney. I followed my heart down the yellow brick road – and in a twitch of Glinda’s wand – I pulled up Fandango on my computer and bought my family’s tickets. I am not one to spend money a movie, especially in a theater. I justified it as being a tax-deductible cost of doing business. Research – for the blog.

My next thought? I wonder if we could use this as a reason to meetup with some Disneyways readers? There are so many that I would really love to meet in person! With that, the facebook and blog invitations went out, and I did my very best to make sure everyone, near and far, knew they were welcome.

Disneyways blogged about Oz fashion. We welcomed our spectacular new guest blogger Jay – who did a fabulous job reviewing the Oz makeup palettes, both the Theodora and Glinda versions. I posted photos of the Oz garden in Epcot – all in anticipation of the movie release.

Just in case we had some folks turn out for the meetup, I prepared some goody bags as a thank you gift. The bags included bubbles, in honor of Glinda the good witch of Oz, and her preferred method of transportation. Before we knew it – March 8th arrived – and it was a GORGEOUS cool Florida evening. The kind of weather I dream of having all year long. Our small yet mighty group of 10 arrived, introductions were made, necks were hugged, and we all settled in to watch this highly anticipated movie. We enjoyed Ghiradelli’s and some shopping afterwards.

I am not a movie critic – so I don’t want to try and act like I understand things like cinematography, visual graphics, or surround sound. I have provided a link below to Commonsensemedia.org if you were looking for that sort of thing. But I know what I like, and I just want to share without giving too much away, that in my opinion, this movie was more than great – it was absolutely fantastic.

Oz the Great and Powerful has something for everyone. Children will enjoy the wonder and magic (although there were a couple of startling/scary parts that made ME jump a little in my seat), teenagers will enjoy seeing some of their favorite modern day actors in such different roles, adults will enjoy the beautiful imagery, romance and fun. Those adults who are more “seasoned” will enjoy looking for the quiet subtleties and connections that are reminiscent of the original Wizard of Oz film from 1939.This is all speculation on my part of course – but if you see the movie I think you will recognize all the things I am mentioning here.

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In closing – I highly recommend spending the extra money to go see this film in theaters. If you are reading this a year or 10 years from 2013 – check out the DVD – upload it to your flying car – whatever you have to do. I believe it was worth the effort and expense. In fact, you may just want to take it a step further and come see the beautiful gardens that celebrate Oz in this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

In my humble opinion, I think you will be glad you did that too.

Have you seen Oz yet? What did you think of it?

Sharing the Disney Magic!

Published March 10, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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I have had a ton of fun guest blogging for wonderful folks like Mousekejournals ,  The Main Street Mouse,  The Disney Gals, Chip & Co. DisneybytheNumbers.com and VinylmationWorld.com

In fact, I have had so much fun that I wanted to share – and extend an invitation to others to guest blog here at Disneyways! 

Anyone can apply but special consideration will be given to my current readers and subscribers.

This is because many of you all have been with me since the beginning, so you are familiar with our mission statement and the positive, upbeat feel of our site.

 

Here is a link for more info on guest blogging for Disneyways!

Solving the Mystery Surrounding the Rapunzel Tower in New Fantasyland: March 2013 Grand Opening Video Edition

Published March 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

The day we have all been anticipating – finally arrived!

March 8th 2013 – the Rapunzel area walls finally came down! Here is what we saw…

Disney Function and Fabulosity – this bag has it all.

Published March 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

My wonderful sister-in-law Karen recently gave me a Vera Bradley bag for my birthday. It is the cross-body style and it is by far the best bag I have ever used to carry what I need around the Disney parks. Hands free, machine washable,  and just the right size. What’s not to like?

Here is a photo of the one I have:

Check out the Little Hipster! It is 9.75 x 6.5 x 1.75 and it retails for $45. It has a zip around pocket in the front with card pockets, ID window and a bill pocket and then a zip main compartment and a slip pocket with a magnet on the back. Photo credit OhMyVera.com

Have you heard about the new Disney-inspired handbags and accessories by Vera Bradley?

They are coming in the fall of 2013. Cathy Dawson, merchandiser for accessories at Disney Parks says, “We are thrilled to introduce Vera Bradley to our accessories assortment. In recent years, we’ve seen several guests in our parks and resorts sporting fun, colorful bags by Vera Bradley. Even our Disney Cruise Line team recently added some items by Vera Bradley to the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. We thought it would be wonderful to add a splash of Disney to these popular and colorful accessory items.”

Vera Bradley names all of her patterns and these are no exception. The black pattern is called “Midnight with Mickey,” while the pink pattern is named “Just Mousing Around.” These patterns will be seen on duffel bags, totes, cosmetic bags and more.

When released this fall, we will be able to buy these items at select locations in Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They will also be sold via the Disney Parks online store at a future date.

Recently I visited the  Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival  Festival Center, located between Mission: SPACE and Universe of Energy in Future World, to get these photos for you of the bags on display. Needless to say, I am in love with these new bags, and I hope you are too!

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Detailed Food and Beverage Listing for the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Marketplaces – so you can plan your snack (and beverage) attack!

Published March 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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For the first time in history, Epcot’s 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival will include some food and beverage marketplaces throughout World Showcase. March 06 – May 19, 2013, Disney welcomes you  to savor a taste of spring with sophisticated small plates and harvest-derived beverages that deliver a world of flavor. Each pavilion in world showcase features its own nation-themed Garden Marketplace.

I am pretty excited about the addition of the food and drink samples available for purchase Are you ready to pick your favorite foods and plan your snack attack?

This list should help embark on a whirlwind culinary adventure! You can even click here to see a World Showcace map in advance.

No worries however, if you don’t feel like planning ahead, all this information will be available at the park once you arrive.

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FRUITS BY THE GLASS will be located in the World Showcase Plaza: 

“Toast to Spring with mango and blueberry wines, nonalcoholic wild berry slush and gluten-free raspberry ale, among others.”

Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail
Wild Berry Slush – Non Alcoholic
Sea Dog Blue Paw Wild Blueberry
New Planet™ 3R Raspberry Ale (this one is gluten free!)
Florida Orange Groves, Mango Mama, Mango Wine
Florida Orange Groves, Blueberry Blue, Blueberry Wine
DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Chardonnay
DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir

FLORIDA FRESH loated in World Showcase Promenade, on the Mexico side:

“Taste the Sunshine State with watermelon and feta salad, shrimp and grits, and tomato and carrot wines!”

Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction
Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro
Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries
Florida Orange Groves, Hot Sun, Tomato Wine
Florida Orange Groves, 40 Karat, Carrot Wine
Orange Blossom Pilsner
Strawberry Slush (Non Alcoholic)

JARDIN DE FIESTAS – Mexico

Tacos de Carnitas (Pork Tacos topped with Tamarindo salsa, served on a flour tortilla with Chicharrón)
Tostada (Crab tostada served with Chipotle Mayo and Valentina Salsa)
Flan de Guayaba (Guava Custard)
Conga Fruit Punch – Non Alcoholic
Corona Light Draft Beer
Rosita Margarita
Organic Tequila Flight

LOTUS HOUSE – China

Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries
Spring Pancake with Grilled Chicken and Green Apple
Pan-Fried Vegetable Bun
Peach-Oolong Bubble Tea
Kung Fu Punch (Vodka and Triple Sec with Mango and Orange Juice)
South Sea Storm (Guava with Light and Dark Rum)
Plum Wine
Tsing – Tao Beer
Lychee Aerated Water
Peach Aerated Water

BAUERNMARKT: Farmer’s Market – Adjacent to Germany

Savory Bread Pudding with Spring Peas and Wild Mushroom Ragout
German Meatloaf Sandwich with Sweet Mustard and Fried Shallots
Potato Pancakes with house made Apple Sauce**
Florida Avenue American Wheat Ale
Krombacher Hefeweizen
Goose Island Brewing Company’s Honker Ale
Blue Point’s Toasted Lager
Beer Flight
Hugo – Charles De Fere “Organic” Brut with Elderflower and Mint
Krombacher Hefeweizen

PRIMAVERA KITCHEN – Italy

“Italy will be serving lobster with asparagus, spring vegetable lasagna, panna cotta, fruity cocktails and Italian wines.”

Asparagi con Aragosta all’Ortolana (Green asparagus, lobster, garden cocktail sauce)
Lasagna Primavera (Spinach Lasagna, green peas, zucchini, mushrooms, broccolini, béchamel and fresh tomatoes, with garlic and basil leaves) 
Panna Cotta al Limoncello (Limoncello flavored Panna Cotta, wild berries)
Fontana Candida, Pinot Grigio
Castello di Querceto, Chianti
Bosco del Merlo, Prosecco
White Peach Bellini
Strawberry Rossini
Italian Primavera
Birrificio Del Ducato – Nuova Mattina (Spring Saison Ale)
Birrificio Le Baladin – Nora (Specialty Ale)
Birra Del Borgo – Rubus Lamponi (Specialty Wild Fruit Ale)
Beer Flight

THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brews – The American Adventure Courtyard

“Get into some finger-lickin’ barbecue—pulled pork and smoked brisket—and ice-cold craft beers at The American Adventure.”

Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw
Smoked Beef Brisket with Collard Greens and Jalapeño Corn Bread
Rocky Road Brownie Mousse
Mama’s Little Yella Pils (Czech style Pilsner)
Liberty Ale from Anchor Brewing Company,  San Francisco, Ca. (India Pale Ale)
Red Ale from Orlando Brewing, Orlando, Fla. (Red Ale- Organic)
Blackwater Porter from Orlando Brewing Company, Orlando, Fla. (Stout- Organic)
The Original Rib Shack Red Wine
Beer Flight

HANAMI – Japan

Frushi (Fresh strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe rolled with coconut rice, atop a raspberry sauce sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream)**
Chirashi Hanazushi (Grilled Salmon, cooked shrimp and crab stick served over a bed of fragrant ginger rice with Volcano and Dynamite sauce)
YakiSoba Pan (Fresh grilled carrots, onions and cabbage with Japanese noodles and teriyaki sauce served on a bun with mayonnaise and Beni Shoga)
Green Tea Flan (Silky custard with macha green tea and caramel glaze)
Yuzu Rita
Fruit Sake
Hana Awaka
Frozen Kirin Ichiban

TASTE OF MARRAKESH – Morocco

“Enjoy Morocco’s lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula, desert rose cocktail and more.”

Spiced Lamb Kebab with Vegetable Couscous Salad
Harissa and Lamb Confit Chicken Drumettes with Chermoula and Cucumber Salad
Baghrir (Moroccan pancake with honey, almonds and Argan Oil)**
Desert Rose
White Sangria
Guerrouane Red
Casa Beer
Mint Iced Tea

L’ORANGERIE – France

“France presents a rustic ratatouille tart, country pâté with cherry compote and, of course, a selection of French wines.”

Tarte à la ratatouille et fromage de chèvre (Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions and tomato tart with goat cheese)
Terrine Campagnarde, baguette et compote de cerises (Country style pâté served with baguette and cherry compote)
Verrine charlotte au pèches (Caramelized peaches and rosemary and light vanilla cream)
La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush (Grey Goose Vodka Orange,
St. Germain liquor with White and Red Cranberry Juice)
Muscat Pétillant, Sparkling Muscat Charles de Fère
Chardonnay, White Burgundy, Macon Village Georges Duboeuf
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux Beau-Rivage
Kronenbourg Blanc 1664, (Fruity White Beer with Citrus Notes)

THE COTTAGE: Savories, Trifles and Tea – United Kingdom 

“Stop by the United Kingdom for tea and delectable dainties, including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit, an ultra-gourmet Caprese and a trio of trifles.”

Potato, Chive and Cheddar Cheese Biscuit with Smoked Salmon Tartare and Sour Cream
Baked Goat’s Brie with Kumquat Chutney
Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes   with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and Basil
Chocolate Trifle
Berry Trifle
Ginger and Tea Trifle
Trio of Trifles
Hot Teas (Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Lemon Green Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, Spiced Apple Chai, Pumpkin Chai, Mixed Berry Black Tea, Pomegranate and Raspberry, Camomile Honey & Vanilla, Honeybush, Mandarin and Orange, Pure Peppermint, Lemon & Ginger)
Peach Cold Brewed Iced Tea
Mixed Berries Cold Brewed Iced Tea
Poema Cava Brut Rosé
Chilled Rose Blush Lemonade – Non alcoholic

PINEAPPLE PROMENADE – World Showcase Promenade, Canada side.

“Take a delicious break in your day, indulging in spiced rum Dole Whip, pineapple upside down cake, fruit cups and more.”

Dole® Whip
Dole® Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum
Pineapple Upside Down Cake featuring Dole® Pineapple
Dole® Pineapple Fruit Cup
Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade – Non Alcoholic
Samuel Adams® Cream Stout

INTERMISSIONS CAFE — Festival Center
Beet Lollipop
Grapes
Fruit & Cheese Plate
Vegan Trio
Southwest Chicken Wrap
Tuna Salad with Pita
Italian Salad
Asian Tuna Salad with Noodles
New Planet™ 3R Raspberry Ale (Gluten Free) (12 oz.)
Blue Point’s Spring Fling (12 oz.)
Florida Orange Groves, Mango Mama, Mango Wine
Florida Orange Groves, Blueberry Blue, Blueberry Wine
DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Chardonnay
DeLoach Vineyards Heritage Reserve Pinot Noir
Poema Cava Brut Rosé

Are you headed to the festival this year? Are you as excited as I am about these food and beverage tastings? Please let me know your thoughts!
 

Published March 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

SO very exciting!

blweb's avatarThe Magic of Disney

 

At the Magic Kingdom, the new “Tangled” themed area looks like it’s nearing completion and should be open sometime soon. There is a waterfall feature on the tower that is now up and running, as is the river underneath the bridge. Final touches on the landscaping, trees, and plants seem to have been installed. As of now, the area is confirmed to open with two restrooms, a charging station area for cellphones, and lush scenery inspired by “Tangled”. I’ve also heard talk of a character meet-n-greet at this location. We’ll just have to wait and see, I guess. This new complex is being built to replace the nearby restrooms, which will reportedly be closing to create an extended, interactive NextGen queue for Peter Pan’s Flight.

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2013 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival- an overview

Published March 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

One of the most welcome signs of spring is Epcot’s annual International Flower & Garden Festival. While the grounds at Epcot are always beautiful, the Flower and Garden Festival takes them to the next level. If you’ve never been to the festival – here is more about what we can expect. Below are are some Disneyways photos from last year.

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Throughout Epcot over 100 topiaries will be on display. The Flower Power Concert Series will return as well as special kids’ activities and gardening workshops.  An exciting addition to this year’s Festival is several presentations by HGTV stars at the Designers Stage.

Perennial Flower and Garden favorites such as the Flower Power Concert series, the English Tea Garden, and Ask An Expert will be returning. For the kids, there’s Bambi’s Butterfly House, GoGo on the Go Challenge, the Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden, and the Bee Scavenger Hunt.

Over at the France Pavilion, there will again be a “lift and sniff” Fragrance Garden focusing on some of the flowers used in making the Guerlain line of perfumes.

Throughout the event, Disney horticulturists and garden experts will conduct seminars, sharing tips and secrets for you to try at home.

Discover dazzling gardens, high-energy entertainment, family fun and more at this spectacular springtime event. The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV is brimming with special experiences for every age and interest.

Festival highlights include:

With so much to see and do, you can return to the festival again and again… and discover something new each time!

Get Into the Groove

Musical entertainment pairs perfectly with brilliant botanicals during the nightly Flower Power Concert Series. Enjoy a diverse lineup of performers — popular musicians of the 1960s and 1970s — throughout the festival.

Learn Tips, Techniques and More!

Fascinating designer presentations offer helpful information that you can use in your home or garden. Whether you wish to learn new gardening techniques or simply see a favorite television personality, you can look forward to an array of engaging seminars and demonstrations.

Beauty Abounds All Around

Special displays — like blossoming gardens and vibrant topiaries — add to the beauty of Epcot.

Know Before You Go

Epcot theme park admission is required. Most Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival events are included with admission to Epcot theme park. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.

World Secrets: Jellyrolls Dueling piano bar near Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Published March 1, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Our latest edition to our World Secrets Series is taking us to Jellyrolls! This adult-oriented facility provides a noisy – yet very FUN retreat for the 21 and up crowd.   Jellyrolls  is named after Jelly Roll Morton, a legendary jazz pianist, not a desssert. His real name was Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe – but that probably wouldn’t fit on the marquee quite as well.

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Depending on where you start out on Disney property,  you can get to Jellyrolls Piano Bar by boat, a bus, or even on foot. More on that later.

So what’s Jellyrolls like?  Well, it reminded me of Howl at the Moon, which is a similar piano bar located here in Orlando, and in 15 other locations across the country. What makes this different is it is at Disney, perhaps the only place in the world where you will hear a gritty-voiced piano man sing a song like “You ain’t never had a friend like me.” from the movie Aladdin. Just write your song request on a little piece of paper, add a tip, and *poof* your wish for nearly any song is magically granted.

They’ve got all the typical sing-alongs too like Sweet Caroline, Livin’ on a Prayer, even some Justin Beiber songs can be thrown in for good measure.When my friends and I approached the bar we heard an Elvis song playing, and a singing voice that sounded much like Billy Joel’s. I am a big fan of both – so I was thrilled.  The place was packed and everyone was having a great time. Our piano players for the evening were amazingly talented and even managed to entertain us with jokes without missing a note on the ivories. Guests who love music, cocktails, and people watching – will really enjoy this place. I sure did, and judging by this photo, my friends had fun too.

Here’s what you need to know before you go:

  • Jellyrolls has a $12 cover – and they only take cash at the door.
  • This is a fairly intimate establishment with somewhat limited seating. Doors open at 7pm and you may want to arrive early to guarantee yourself a seat.
  • This is a great place to go solo because the music is so loud. Got a blind date the maybe isn’t going so well? Great place to go for that too. You can also take that friend that talks too much, or the friend that wants you to carry on the whole conversation – just don’t take someone you want to get to know better. Talking to each other is nearly impossible without screaming. At one point I typed words into my iPhone’s notepad app – so my friend could read them. 
  • Most live bands take a break between sets; that doesn’t happen at Jellyrolls.  They have two duos who take turns working in shifts, so that there is music playing up until closing at 2am! I think this helps ensure they get to every single requested song that comes in. Pretty awesome if you ask me!
  • Don’t arrive too hungry. There is no appetizer menu. They do offer complimentary buttered popcorn, however.
  • Bring extra dollar bills and even $5 bills to hand to the pianists when you turn in your song requests. These guys are worth every penny!
  • The servers and bartenders will accept credit cards and key to the world cards for your drink orders.
  • Photos are allowed but they won’t allow you to take video.
  • Dress is completely casual, but you could certainly dress up a bit if you wanted to. It is not uncommon to see patrons wearing their Mickey ears and tiaras!

How to get there:

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If you begin your journey in…

Magic Kingdom Park: Guests can take a bus directly to the Magic Kingdom Park or walk to Epcot, take the monorail to the Ticket and Transportation Center and transfer to the Magic Kingdom Park monorail.

Epcot: Guests can walk to the rear entrance of Epcot, the International Gateway in less than 10 minutes. Besides walking, the Friendship water launches can provide you with a leisurely, air-conditioned shuttle to Epcot. Leisurely, in that it could take up to 20 minutes, as the launch stops at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts as well as the Swan and Dolphin hotels.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Friendship launches transport guests to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with stops at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts dock and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts dock as well.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: Take the Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park bus

Downtown Disney Marketplace, Downtown Disney West Side: Take the Downtown Disney bus

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: Take the Downtown Disney bus

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park: Take the Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park bus

Jellyrolls has a great fan-based site, an official Disney site, and even a facebook page that will keep you updated with their latest information and coming events.

Check out more posts in our World Secrets series!

So what are you thoughts? Have you been to Jellyrolls?

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival 2013 – A sneak peek at the Land of Oz Garden in photos

Published February 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

The 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival begins on March 6th 2013! Official Disneyways Man on the Scene reporter Ramon Rodriguez captured some wonderful early photos of the Land of Oz Garden. This themed area is to help Disney promote their new movie Oz the Great and Powerful, coming to theaters on March 8th. The Land of Oz Garden will include a playground as well. I think my favorite feature however  is the fantastical art-glass poppies “planted” among beds of real flowers, which will be updated through the festival’s end date of May 19. What do you think?

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If you love the Flower and Garden Fest like I do, please check out our other posts on this wonderful event.

Can’t get enough Oz? Why not join us for or first ever Disneyways meetup on March 8th? You can read details on the meet here.

Exclusive Video from Day one! Limited Time Magic: Dapper Dans – the “Original Boy Band”

Published February 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Dapper Dans – The “Original Boy Band”

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February 25 to March 3, 2013

From Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando Florida:

“The Dapper Dans tip their hats to a new kind of music that they discovered while “strolling through the park one day.” Watch for this winsome quartet and their all-new medley that will have “Everybody” seeing “What Makes You Beautiful.” But they won’t be saying “Bye Bye Bye” to barbershop completely—after all, the Dapper Dans are the “Original Boy Band.” Part of Limited Time Magic, this musical time warp is a can’t-miss experience at Magic Kingdom park in Florida.” – source LimitedTimeMagic.com
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Click here to see video from Day One (February 25th!) of the Dapper Dans.
Video provided by Ramon Rodriguez, VIP Theme Park Concierge and our official Disneyways on-scene reporter!