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!

Kilimanjaro Safari Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Published November 5, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Friday November 2nd 2012 was a great day for the safari ride over at Animal Kingdom. The weather was BEAUTIFUL, and the animals were loving it! Since they were feeling so frisky and active, some of them modeled for my photo shoot. A few pictures are a little blurry but others came out great!

What do you think?

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Sweets under the Big Top – a Photo Tour!

Published November 4, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Under the Big Top Gift Shop at Storybook Circus Area is my new favorite gift shop in the Magic Kingdom. The smell is amazing when you walk in! These wonderful treats might just have something to do with that!

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Try the Grey Stuff at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

Published November 2, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I was super excited to see the photo and review posted over at the DisneyFoodBlog.com today!

Here it is – the ever famous “Grey Stuff”! Photo credit Faith Gagliardi

The gang over at DFB said the taste was subtle. They took turns at guessing the flavor but were finally told the grey stuff is actually cookies and cream flavored. The decorative topping had a Rice Krispie type of flavor – and they said it was delightful. I just had to share! Have a magical day!

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Throwback: Video and Photo Tour Halloween Around the Globe 2012 – Disney Style!

Published October 31, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Decorating the house or the yard for Halloween is one thing, but imagine what it must be like to celebrate Halloween with thousands of people each year. That is exactly what Disney does, and here is how they did it all around the world in 2012. Photos are ©Disney

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom Park is home to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, where Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite costumes for this ticketed event. The festivities feature two lively performances of Mickey’s “Boo to You” Halloween Parade, which begins with a spooky and spirited ride by the Headless Horseman.

Magic Kingdom Park boasts 15 treat locations, two character dance parties, about 60 Disney characters, and a Happy HalloWishes fireworks spectacular with Disney villains trick-or-treating in the night sky. Magic Kingdom gives away more than 215 tons of candy to trick-or-treating guests and nearly 200 individually themed carved pumpkins adorn the balconies and windowsills along Main Street, U.S.A.

Disneyland Resort
New to Mickey’s Halloween Party in 2012, Town Square becomes Villains Square each party night at the Disneyland Resort, with loathsome characters such as Jafar, Ursula, and Captain Hook entering on a ghostly horse-drawn carriage to mingle!

On the Rivers of America, the Dapper Dans have been transformed into Cadaver Dans, singing spooky songs as they float along. These guys created a huge buzz on Twitter this year! They were very popular! 

Also new this year is the Halloween Carnival at Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree in Frontierland, featuring the Magic Cauldron Sideshow. Guests can help cast a magic spell, conjuring a Disney Villain from his or her realm before returning to worlds beyond. YIKES!

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
At Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, guests are celebrating Halloween in true island style, and they are really living my dreams out there! Disney characters wear Halloween costumes to meet and greet guests attending arts and crafts classes and at Halloween events at Aunty’s Beach House and Pau Hana. A Hallow’Teen event after dark on the beach at Ki’i One offers a pumpkin-sculpting contest. A Teen Glow Kinect Dance Challenge and Scary’oke contest at Painted Sky are also part of the spooky fun. Younger children are the stars on Ohana Disney Movie Nights featuring Disney Pixar’s “Monsters Inc.” and “The Haunted Mansion.”

Disneyland Paris
Celebrating Disneyland Paris’ 20th anniversary in joyfully wicked style, Disney’s Halloween Festival makes a mostly ghostly experience for guests.

Pumpkins, ghosts and other spooky spirits welcome guests on the Castle Stage at Sleeping Beauty Castle for “Mickey’s Halloween Treat in the Street!” Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dress up as vampires and Donald Duck is a “little devil” as they and their pals play a series of interactive games with Guests to share in the holiday fun. Disney Villains join the party in Fantasyland, where they mix and mingle with wary Guests at the Castle Courtyard. This video gets cool about 10-20 seconds in – so stay tuned!

Disney’s Halloween Party is must-see entertainment at Disneyland Paris, and Terrorific Night is scarier than ever at Walt Disney Studios Park. Disney Dreams! is a nightly show created to mark the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Paris. It  features scary moments featuring Dr. Facilier (“The Princess and the Frog”), Ursula (“The Little Mermaid”), and Captain Hook (“Peter Pan”) ! Not to be outdone, Goofy has designed a special machine to make his favorite Halloween treat. This strange candy-making contraption can be found by following the puffs of smoke and sweet smells across Town Square.

Photo credit parkscout.de

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
WOW! This is like a techie’s dream! Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates Halloween a little differently! It’s a clash between the Vampire Coven and the Were Tribe in the “Choose the Dark Side Challenge” smartphone game app and augmented reality (AR) experience that attracts gamers and fun-seekers this Halloween season.

Guests participate through AR technology by joining vampires in a struggle for power with werewolves. The ultimate showdown takes place at “Main Street, U.S.A. ? Clash of Evil,” where the supreme ruler of the dark forces will be revealed.

Haunted Halloween Magic Mirrors can be found around the theme park. The magic in the mirrors is activated by certain T-Shirts! Check it out!

Jack Skellington and his crew from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” augment the spooky celebrations by leading the “Glow in the Park Parade.” And the haunting “Revenge of the Headless Horseman” spooks Guests in the heart of Adventureland, while nearby the Grim Reaper searches for victims in “Adventureland-Cursed Jungle.”

Tokyo Disneyland Resort
“A Halloween Daydream” is on display at Mediterranean Harbor at Tokyo DisneySea. Many favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse and his bony, newfound skeleton friends, are welcomed to join the carnival-like celebration with Guests reveling in the friendly festivities.

“Chip ‘n Dale’s Skeleton Fiesta” highlights a lively parade-like atmosphere featuring a live band, vibrant costumes and dancing along in this Dia de los Muertos-inspired celebration in Lost River Delta at Tokyo DisneySea.

Bring your Tokyo currency! More than 400 Halloween-themed merchandise items are available at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. New merchandise items featuring the Disney characters that appear in “A Halloween Daydream” will be offered at both parks. The Refreshment Station offers a “black” version of the popular Gyoza Sausage Bun, and at Miguel’s El Dorado Cantina, Guests can enjoy skull-motif taco rice.

Disney Cruise Line
Check out the Halloween treats if you are a guest on  Disney Cruise Line at this time of year:
· Haunted Parties: Beloved Disney characters in special Halloween costumes join guests for a fun-filled Halloween costume party complete with live music, dancing and lots of candy. For adults, the nighttime entertainment district on the Disney ships becomes the ghoulish setting for a costume contest and party sure to bring chills to everyone.

· Spooky Movies: To get Guests into the spirit of the season, Halloween-themed movies will be shown on Funnel Vision by the family pool and in Guest staterooms.

· Ghoulish Delights: Disney Cruise Line chefs have conjured some very special treats for Halloween, including chocolate cake with pumpkin filling, spider cakes and a special “Witch’s Brew.”

That about does it for Disney Halloweenies this year! I hope you’ve enjoyed Halloween globe trotting with me today!

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Festival of the Masters (FREE!) Begins November 9, 2012

Published October 30, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I’ve been called many things but “refined” and “cultured” aren’t adjectives that have been used very often. That’s probably one reason why the Festival of the Masters has not really been on my radar until this year. One of my friends is really excited about this event because she is a person who really appreciates fine art. She is also an AMAZING artist herself!  So, of course, I will be heading to check out the Festival this year and I am really excited to share this experience with her (and you!) . Perhaps some of her “culture” will rub off on me!

Besides – many activities, as well as parking at Downtown Disney are FREE! That’s a great price if you ask me!

From Disney:

“The 37th Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels is a vibrant, open-air fine arts festival in the Downtown Disney area, held November 9-11, 2012. Featuring award-winning artists, this world-renowned show is a highly anticipated annual event for Guests, artists, collectors and art lovers.
Discover fun for the entire family, including:
Dazzling displays of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more
Hands-on activities for Guests of all ages and interests
Live musical performances
Unique shopping opportunities—from fine art to Disney collectibles

Whether you’re seeking a colorful day amid Disney magic or a spectacular piece for your personal collection, you’ll discover a variety of delightful experiences at Festival of the Masters presented by Michaels.

— Marketplace
• Family Interactive Activities:
o Disney Interactive –Showcasing Epic Mickey and the Power of 2
o Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop – Kids can make their own Sundae magnet.
o LEGO® – Join in the fun as you help a real LEGO Master Builder to construct an 8-ft tall Hulk™ model for the first time!
o Rainforest Cafe® – Experience the joy of watching tropical birds as they perform for you
• NEW! Emerging Masters – Get a glimpse of more than 30 up-and-coming artists as they display their unique talents.
• The Florida Chalk Artists Association – Street Painters from the Florida Chalk Artists Association will cover over 1,000 square feet of sidewalk! The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday at 3pm at the Waterside Stage
• Art of Disney – Our flagship store at the Marketplace full of art from the Disney Masters! Artist appearances will be scheduled throughout the weekend. In addition, this location will present a unique offering by artist Dave Avanzino, giving them the opportunity to have their name made into a custom art using letters found around the Disney Theme Parks
• Michaels® – Make It Take It – Duct Tape Craft – Who knew duct take could be this fun? Visit the Michaels exhibit near the Waterside Stage to create your very own luggage tag take home craft.

Pleasure Island
• Disney Artist Village – This location will be immersed with character art created by our own Disney Masters from Disney Design Group, Yellow Shoes, WDI, Acme Archives Limited and local Disney licensed artists. See original works of art, giclées, prints, one-of-a-kind Vinylmation and the opportunity to meet the artists behind the creativity
• Michaels® Master Mural – It’s your turn to take center stage in the creation of this Disney masterpiece! Join the Michaels team as together we bring to life a masterful work of art…piece by piece!
• Fuego – Come play dominoes! Three custom domino tables will be available for play
• Curl – See several artists create a masterpiece on a pair of TOMS shoes
• Irish Artwork at Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant – Check out the designs of Graham Knuttle, a renowned Irish painter and sculptor.

West Side
• Michaels® – Make-it Take-it – Mickey Ear Wood Framing Experience – It’s time to get creative! Design and take home your very own Mickey Ear Wood Frame with a personalized artistic touch. Let your imagination take the wheel with this fun experience designed for families and children of all ages.
• D-Street – Home of Disney Vinylmation; a uniquely shaped three dimensional pallet with creative design from many of our talented Disney artists. Whether you collect or trade, make sure you stop by to see the newest collections
• Cirque du Soleil – Complimentary face painting by a La Nouba artist Friday and Saturday noon – 4pm and live performances by La Nouba performers 4:00pm to 4:30pm
• House of Blues® Folk Art Festival – See grassroots and funk art at its finest, presented by approximately 35 local and national folk artists.
• Disney Art Tent – View a variety of art styles featuring beloved Disney Characters, presented by featured artists.”

For even more info on the festival click here and here.

Iron Man 3 Trailer Released

Published October 29, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Iron Man 3 Trailer

Click on the photo of Iron Man above to see a video of the trailer for Iron Man 3 – coming to theaters May 3rd 2013.

Click here to read about the actors and plot!

The release date is a while from now – but I wanted to give you the option of being one of the first to see the trailer if you are interested.

Have a magical day!

How to take Disneyways with you wherever you go…on your iPhone

Published October 28, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Go to Disneyways.com on your iPhone and then look for this little square with the arrow in it (pictured above).  After that you hit the option  “add to home screeen” and you should see the Disneyways app (website icon) on your phone.

Now all you have to do is tap the icon and we will be at your fingertips with the latest post on top!

I frequently use the post with the all the resort addresses for my GPS – so I really like having it handy. Click the link below to be taken to that directly.

Email me if you have questions at disneyways@disneyways.com

Thanks so much for taking us with you – and have a magical day!!

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Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – Secrets and History

Published October 27, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Usually when I tell people I am headed to Hollywood Studios to catch the  Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights, folks will ask, “OZZY Osborne?” I usually just laugh and reply, “no, not those Osbornes.” Although that would be a hilarious twist!

In fact the Osborne families could not be more different. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights started modestly in Arkansas as a single home’s annual display.

osborne

This festive display of lights and sparkling holiday bulbs was designed by Arkansas businessman and philanthropist, Jennings Osborne. This tradition began years ago when Jennings strung 1,000 red lights as a Christmas gift to his daughter, Breezy. Soon, their 22,000 square-foot home was covered in millions of lights.  Every year, Jennings Osborne and his family set up an elaborate collection of holiday lights and over the years, the collection of lights grew, and grew… and grew! In 1995, the Osborne family decided to share their magic with the world, and Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort happily offered to become the new permanent home for this exceptional exhibition of holiday cheer.

Approximately every 10 minutes, the lights “dance” to holiday music, while “Florida snow” falls in the background, making this the perfect Christmas setting. The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is a CAN’T MISS if you will be anywhere near Disney’s Hollywood Studios around Christmas time.

You will want to look for  the infamous mannequin leg lamp from “A Christmas Story” (and check out what show is on the TV!) You’ll also find the more obvious hidden Mickeys at EVERY turn.

There are also surprises that sometimes the cast members are not even aware of! Each year a black cat is hidden somewhere among the lights. The story goes that when the lights were unpacked back in 1995, a Halloween Cat decoration had been mistakenly packed in, and was still used anyway. Each year it gets placed in a different location for guests to hunt. Here are pictures of him from years past so you know what to keep your eyes open for!

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This is NOT your grandmother’s Christmas lights – it may be one of the most amazing things you’ve seen in your life. Come bask in the glow of one of the most popular holiday traditions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Come see the trees, spinning carousels, 3-D and motion-based displays. Delight in the flying angels, toy soldiers and giant Santa Claus light creations all strung along the high-rise backlot cityscape of Streets of America.

The best part?? The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is included with standard admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park! Video does not do it justice but it gives you an idea. Please let me know if you will be coming to see this event!