Don’t take away my M.M.Y!!

Published August 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I was hearing rumors about Disney taking away ” The Magic, Memories, and You” which is my favorite show!

But here’s what I found out from Disney:

“Celebrate the Magic,” a new nightly projection show on Cinderella Castle, will debut at Magic Kingdom Park in mid-November. “Celebrate the Magic” will incorporate favorite elements from “The Magic, The Memories and You!” with all-new music, storytelling and special effects. “The Magic, The Memories and You!,” will be presented for the last time on Monday, September 3, 2012 at both Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park.

SO, to me, I think they are actually just improving my favorite show – not just taking it away.

Whew!

YEE HAW!! Hoop Dee Doo!

Published August 20, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I’m pretty excited to announce that after years of working for Disney dining…and booking the Hoop Dee Doo review for probably hundreds of other people…I finally get to go see the show for myself. I’m sitting in category 1, and the big day is August 31st. I really want to hear from you if you have been!! What’s your favorite thing on the menu? Do you have any tips on how early to arrive? What was your take on the show over all? This is what my face looks like while I am typing all of these questions. As you can see, I really want to know!

Try the Grey Stuff – it’s Delicious! – What we can expect from Be Our Guest Restaurant

Published August 19, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I did a little research on the newest restaurant that is coming to Disney World, the fabulous Be Our Guest Restaurant. It will be a table service restaruant in the new Fantasyland located in what looks like the basement  of Beast’s Castle. Here is a link to check out a model for yourself . Disney has said we can start booking for dinner some time in August (any day now!)

In listening to one of my favorite podcasts I found out that grey stuff is NOT on the menu but is said to be delicious (if you are familiar with the song from the movie).  We get to look forward to a massive mural and THREE themed dining rooms. Get ready to feel truly immersed in scenes from the 1991 animated film “Beauty and the Beast”.

Photo credit: Disney

 

 

Here are some more interesting details:

The Be Our Guest Restaurant will be counter service for lunch, so that means we won’t need reservations for that time period. As far as counter service goes, it will be fancier then what we are used to. We will see things like real plates and real silverware. One of my personal favorite differences about this dining facility is that we will food at the counter and then get to sit down and wait for the food to be brought to us, similar to the way things work at Wolfgang Puck Express. Here is a wonderful review with pictures in case you want to know more about Wolfie’s….

At dinner we can expect full table service dining. This is the part of the day where you will certainly want to have a reservation. As a former Disney restaurant hostess,  I can tell you with confidence it is highly unlikely the restaurant will not be taking walk-ins, at least for the first few months.

Here is the expected Menu for the Be Our Guest Restaurant:
Counter-Service Menu: Sandwiches and salads on the menu will include a tuna Niçoise salad and a Croque Monsieur sandwich with carved ham, Gruyere cheese, béchamel and pommes frites, plus Carved turkey on a warm baguette with Dijon mayonnaise, or a grilled steak sandwich with garlic butter spread. These are also served with pommes frites. A braised pork dish — this is the Chef’s favorite. Vegetarians will enjoy a loaded vegetable quiche or quinoa, shallot, and chive salad. On the kid’s menu at lunch, expect a carved turkey sandwich, roasted pulled pork, Mickey meatloaf, seared mahi mahi, or whole-grain macaroni topped with marinara and mozzarella.

Table-Service Menu: Charcuterie plate with cured meats and sausages, mussels steamed in white wine, French onion or potato leek soup, a salad with champagne vinaigrette, and a salad trio with roasted beet, raisins, and orange; green beans, tomatoes, and roasted shallots; and watermelon, radish, and mint.

Main course options include a thyme-scented pork rack chop with au gratin pasta, rotisserie rock hen with roasted fingerling potatoes, pan-seared salmon in leek fondue, grilled strip steak with pommes frites, sautéed shrimp and scallops with veggies in puff pastry with creamy lobster sauce, and an oven-baked ratatouille.

For dessert, enjoy strawberry cream cheese or triple chocolate cupcakes, a chocolate cream puff, or a passion fruit cream puff.

For kids at dinner, it’s grilled steak, grilled fish of the day, whole-grain macaroni, or grilled chicken breast.

Important Info:

  • Reservations will be very difficult to get when it first opens. ADRS will open late August!
  • A credit card number will likely be required at time of booking. If you need to cancel, do so prior to 24 hours before your reservation time; there will be a fee to cancel within 24 hours.

Here is a video of fun things to look for in the restaurant- so you can point them out to your friends when you eat there. The video also features some fun facts. How many lights ARE there in the chandelier?

Well, now you’ll know. You will hear them say they want us to have an “eyes up jaw down reaction” when we walk in the restaurant. I can almost grantee that kind of reaction from me, how about you?

Related articles

My Disney Experience Mobile App for Apple and Android

Published August 13, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Have you heard about the My Disney Experience Mobile App?

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Here is the scoop:

“Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online has released  My Disney Experience, a free mobile application designed to help Guests make the most of their experience while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort.
• The app includes state-of-the-art maps with GPS and in-park navigation that provide a vivid, accurate representation of the theme parks, resorts and other on-property points of interest.
• My Disney Experience also includes park hours, wait times, dining and attraction information, a digital tip board and nearby attractions and services.

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• Some of the features require Guests to create an account and sign in to activate functionality.
• Initially, the app is available for the iPhone and iPad (Apple App Store). My Disney Experience for Android smartphones (Google Play and Amazon Android Marketplace) as well as Android tablets, Blackberry, and Windows devices.
• Enhancements and updates will be made to this application as needed.

FAQs

1. What is My Disney Experience?

My Disney Experience is a mobile application created by Walt Disney

Parks and Resorts Online as the official app of the Walt Disney World Resort.

2. How much does My Disney Experience cost?

My Disney Experience is available at no cost. However, messaging and data

charges may apply; check with your mobile carrier.

3. Will My Disney Experience be updated with new information regularly?

Similar to other Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts online content, My

Disney Experience will have the most up-to-date official information from the

Walt Disney World Resort.

Magical YouTube Playlist from Disneyways

Published August 6, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Are you ready to be whisked away to Disney for about two hours – at least in your imagination? Today I want to share with my YouTube playlist of some of my all time favorite Disney songs and videos. You can play the list any time you need a Disney “fix” to hold you over between visits to the happiest place on earth!

I am so thankful for the people who filmed these videos and posted them to YouTube! I do not own – or have rights to any of these videos, but I enjoy watching and listening to them – and I hope you do too!

Once you click the link, put your headphones on or turn up your speakers. From there you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy as each video automatically follows the next.

I hope for you is that this can be a magical distraction from the every days of real life – just like it is for me – at least for a little while.

What songs would you add to the list?

Excitement is “brewing” Over Starbucks at Disney!!

Published August 3, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Disney Food Blog posted a wonderful piece today that includes beautiful pictures of the new Starbucks that has been placed in n the heart of Disney California Adventure’s new Buena Vista Street! Why is this exciting? Because it means the Starbucks at Disney World are coming soon!

If you are in DCA you will have to keep your eyes peeled. Disney is famous for adding little touches and details that you really have to look for, and the sign at the new Starbucks fittingly is discreet. You will want to go inside Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe, which is a quick service restaurant, for your Starbucks fix. While you’re there you can also choose to partake of some of the cafe’s food offerings. They have soups, and also sandwiches, like the roasted veggie or roast beef and cheddar.  Check out the sweet treats too!  With a few exceptions, the top two shelves in the case are Starbucks treats, and the rest are Disney.

I am still California dreamin’ but if you get to go – please send me a note and pictures.  I’d love to hear all about it! 

Click here to go to the Disney Food Blog and see the post!

Tables in Wonderland Event at the Tusker House in September – No Park Admission Required!

Published August 1, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Tables in Wonderland – Special Events for September 2012

Things to note about the new process:

Prior to Monday August 6, the website will not be available.

Your credit card is charged at the time of booking and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.

Things to note about this event:

The event is limited to 40 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.  Park admission not required.

Tables in Wonderland

Restaurant Event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park®

“Elephants & Bees” at the Tusker House Restaurant

Saturday September 8, 2012 at 6:30pm

Dress Code:  Resort Casual

$110 per person, including tax and gratuity

Guest Speaker: Joseph Soltis, Ph.D, Research Scientist

Joseph Soltis received his Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from UCLA in 1996 and arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2003. Since then he has been investigating the social behavior and vocal communication system of the African elephant, both at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, and in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, Kenya. Joseph works on ways to reduce human-elephant conflict that benefit both elephants and people.

Welcome Reception

Chef’s Selection of passed Hors d’Oeuvres

Graham Beck Brut Rosé Sparkling

Amuse Bouche

Sweet Chili Shrimp Cocktail with Mango Foam and Guava Nectar

Springfield Estate Wild Yeast Chardonnay, Robertson

Salad Course

Roasted Golden Beet and Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese, Arugula, Dual Balsamic Drizzle and Black Lava Salt

Edgebaston The Honey Pot White Blend, Stellenbosch

Fish Course

Seared Lake Perch in a Saffron-Tomato Broth

Paul Cluver Pinot Noir, Elgin

Main Course

Tamarind-glazed Lamb Chops, Sweet Potato Puree, Rainbow Chard

and a Peppered Honey Gastrique

De Toren Z Bordeaux Blend, Stellenbosch

Dessert

Flamed African Honey Beehive Cake on Amarula Cream

Fairview La Beryl Blanc Chenin Blanc, Paarl

For reservations, please note our new process:  Please visit the following website http://www.disneyurl.com/TIWAnimalKingdom for self-booking and instant confirmation.

The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday August 6, 2012 at 10:00am.

When you go to the website please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number, starting with the W

First and Last Name of everyone in your party (you may purchase up to 10 tickets)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit CardPersonal

Email Address

Food Allergies (if any)

Video! 2013 Disney Dining Plan Entitlements Explained

Published July 29, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Here is a pretty good 5 1/2 minute video that Disney released to help guests understand the differences between the quick, basic, and deluxe dining plans. Prices are not included but it helps with understanding why some people choose which dining plan is best for them. Remember the Disney dining plan is exclusively available to guests staying in Disney resorts.

Click here to watch the Dining Plans explained in 5 1/2 minutes

The Disney Dining Plan has become a Guest favorite to include as part of Magic Your Way Vacation Packages. The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) for 2013 mirrors the 2012 program, with a new option for table-service restaurants to offer menu add-ons and prix-fixe menus.
• Prix-fixe menu: Table-service restaurants may offer a separate prix-fixe menu that is available for a retail price. DDP Guests can choose this option with payment of a surcharge in addition to the table-service entitlement redemption. Separate surcharges for Disney Dining Plan Guests and Deluxe, Premium, and Platinum Dine Plan Guests will be noted on menus.
• For restaurants that offer only a prix-fixe menu (such as Cinderella’s Royal Table) or have a prix-fixe menu included on their regular a la carte menu (such as Captain’s Grille): the prix-fixe menu is fully covered by the required DDP meal entitlements.
• The new offering is a separate prix-fixe menu that is available in addition to the regular a la carte menu. DDP Guests who select the separate prix-fixe menu will be required to pay a surcharge in addition to the table-service entitlement redemption
• Menu add-ons: Table-service restaurants may offer menu add-ons, the ability to add another protein component to their entrée selection (e.g., option to add sea scallops to entrée). This option will be listed on the menu and requires payment of a surcharge by Guests who choose this option. DDP Guests can choose the menu add-on with payment of the surcharge in addition to the table-service entitlement redemption.
• Be Our Guest Restaurant: Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom Park offers fast casual service for lunch (requires one quick-service entitlement); however, for dinner, it operates as a table-service restaurant (requires one table-service entitlement).

Key reminders about the Disney Dining Plan
• Participating locations: Most Walt Disney World Resort theme park, resort hotel, Disney water park, EPSN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Downtown Disney Area restaurant locations accept the Disney Dining Plan, including Operating Participants.
• Eligible snack items: The list of eligible snack items includes a large variety of food and beverage items available at carts, kiosks, quick-service and select merchandise locations across property. A complete list of eligible snack items will soon be available on The Hub >> Food Tools
• Refillable Mug: All Disney Dining Plan packages include a Resort Refillable Drink Mug allowing Guest to refill at Quick Service locations and select Merchandise Shops at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel at which they are staying and throughout the length of their current stay.
• Dining reservations for table-service restaurants can be made in advance or cancelled online at http://www.disneyworld.com/dining. Guests can also make or cancel a reservation by visiting any Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Front Desk, Concierge or Guest Relations, by calling 407-WDW-DINE, or by pressing 55 from any house phone.

World Secrets: Video! Walt Disney and the 1960 Olympics

Published July 28, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Opening ceremonies for the 2012 Olympic Games was on TV  – and with it – lots of talk about the Olympic Games of the past. In 1960 the organizers of the Olympics asked Walt Disney to provide the entertainment for the event. Walt brought in big named entertainment, fashion shows, and even snow sculptures to the Winter Olympics. He also had Art Linkletter plan logistics for performers to provide nightly entertainment for the athletes and officials. You will hear Art Linkletter tell you in this video that the stars and performers came out to be a part of this at no charge. Not only that – but Art got to be a guest in Walt’s home while all this work was taking place.

Walt wasn’t just responsible for glamour and glitz – they even asked him to provide help with tickets, parking, and security. Walt was such a pioneering business man, was there anything he couldn’t do?

The 1960 Olympics were where many “firsts” took place – thanks to Walt. For instance, this Winter Olympics introduced Disney artist John Hench’s Olympic Torch design, which all further torches have been based on. Then came the idea of having the first ever Olympic sponsors. Walt Disney decided on the concept of thirty steel poles for the flags of all nations participating in the games. They each cost $500-$600 (big money back then!) so every flagpole came with a plaque from Walt thanking the Olympic sponsors for their contributions. What a way to get your company some exposure!  After the Games were over, each company received the flagpole their finances had helped place. Things I wold imagine you don’t read on a thank you note every day…my paraphrased version: “Yay you got to be one of the first Olympic sponsors in history! Thanks so much, and here’s your flagpole back now.” Actually, I’m sure Walt Disney would have written a thank you note with much more class…if he actually wrote thank you notes that is.

Olympic officials complained about the costs for some of Walt’s elaborate plans but he quickly responded, “Either we’re going to do it the right way or Disney will pull out.” (You tell ’em Walt!) The Opening and Closing Ceremonies involved 5,000 participants, 1,285 instruments and 2,645 voices from 52 California and Nevada high school bands. This and so much more meant Disney set new pageantry standards for future Olympic games. In the Los Angeles Times, reporter Braven Dyer wrote, “The opening ceremony was the most remarkable thing I ever saw. No matter how much credit you give Walt Disney and his organization, it isn’t nearly enough.”

Disney Podcasts!

Published July 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com


I recently started doing a mile a day on a treadmill in my living room. I guess I am still in the honeymoon stage because I look forward to my evening “walk” and have not missed a day since my friend Amy gave me the thing, and my son put it together for me.  Something I did not count on is how much fun I have had actually taking time to listen to some of my old favorite songs, almost completely without distraction. It is amazing how easily you can forget about the little things in life  when you are busy – even the little things that you really used to enjoy!  In case you were wondering, yes I still remember all the words to every Olivia Newton John song in history. I do have some Justin Timberlake and Usher thrown in as well, just so I can tell myself I am still young and cool.

Even when my teenage sons have friends over – I am not ashamed to belt out the songs (from Olivia or any other artist) as I walk. It is now just a price you pay for being a guest in my home. I figure since I  make them dinner, and I give them fair warning, they will just deal with it. So far – it’s worked out for us…my children haven’t lost any of their good friends…and I haven’t heard a whole lot of complaining.

Much to my delight – today I found a link on the internet to a whole bunch of Disney podcasts! These podcasts are usually hosted by Disney rats like myself and the content includes everything from the sounds of the parks, audio from the rides, Disney food reviews, Disney wedding tips,  and even Disney celebrity interviews. Today I listened to about an hour of the guy who does the voice in the Tower of Terror, just talking about some of the other cool Disney voice-over gigs he has had, and how he got started in the business. Quite possibly the most boring thing ever to some people, but fascinating to me. I just wanted to share the link with you today, in case you need a Disney distraction from work, while sitting in traffic, or- if like me – you are just doing housework and would rather be at Disney World! I am a new listener to the podcast scene so if you have any shows you particularly enjoy – please let me know what they are. I think the podcasts are fun and I can’t wait to listen to more. I hope you feel the same – and have a magical day!!

CLICK HERE FOR THE LIST OF DISNEY PODCASTS!

Here is a super cool write up on the new podcast app!