Disney World
All posts tagged Disney World
Video: What is it like to meet Hiro and Baymax at Hollywood Studios?
Published November 11, 2014 by Disneyways.comHave you been wondering what it’s like to meet Hiro and Baymax at Hollywood Studios?
Check out this video to find out! Click HERE to learn more about Big Hero 6 – get printables and so much more!
Our thanks to ThemeParkConcierges.com for this insider video!
Epcot’s Test Track – The New Version
Published November 4, 2014 by jpmdoTest Track is a giant slot car attraction at Epcot’s Future World in Walt Disney World. The ride uses some of the rough tests that General Motors uses for its concept cars, ending in a high-speed drive around the outside of the attraction. It closed for refurbishment in April 2012 when sponsorship changed from GM to Chevrolet and re-opened on December 6, 2012.
In the queue, instead of crash test dummies and cars being tested, the way it was before the refurbishment, it shows two Chevrolet concept cars. Guests then have the choice of designing their own car that will be tested on the sim-track. While guests wait to board the sim-cars, they’re told to scan their design key to upload their car design to the ride.
After riders board the sim-cars and go through the seat belt check, the car that they designed will go through four different tests: capability, efficiency, responsiveness, and power. In the capability test, the car first rushes past a rain/snow projection and skids out of control. Next, the continuing path disappears and the sim-car turns around to speed up again. The sim-car then makes a sharp left turn as a lightning bolt strikes, and then passes by a futuristic city. The sim-car then starts the efficiency test. It’s scanned for “optimum eco-efficiency” and has an aero-dynamic test. During the responsiveness test, the sim-car accelerates around hairpin turns with laser-projected trees. The power test is where the sim-car runs on a track outside of the ride, increasing its speed. After the test is complete, the car returns to the loading station where the riders leave.
I still like to ride Test Track, but it’s not the same as the original version of the ride. In the old version, it felt more like it was actually testing the car. The ride used to have real people explaining each test, real temperature rooms, and different kinds of roads that the car would drive on. In this new version, everything seems too digital and virtual. Even the voices explaining the tests sound like they’re computerized.
About the Author: Amber Montes de Oca is a huge Disney fan. She’s an annual pass holder and loves to visit the Disney parks often. Her hobbies are singing, acting, and drawing. She has a BA from the University of Central Florida.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride POV By Guest Author Karyn Locke
Published November 1, 2014 by Karyn Locke
During our visit last May to Magic Kingdom (and I’m sure every other guest experienced the same feeling during this time!), every time I walked by the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Ride with my family while heading to the New Fantasyland expansion or to Tomorrowland, there was a pang of envy at all of those families that booked their vacations two weeks after I did and would get to ride it opening week. The photo above shows my experience with Seven Dwarfs Mine Train last May- opening soon.
Fast forward to this October. Our bi-annual road trip to Walt Disney World conversations were filled with topics like “I wonder how smooth the ride will be?” and “I can’t believe we finally get to ride it!” My husband thought a fun idea would be to capture a POV of our ride, and I love it so much that I’m sharing it with Disneyways readers! So, here’s to you fine folks that maybe haven’t had a chance to ride yet, or those that want to relive those fun two-minutes filled with gems and joy.
We had such a blast on the ride, which The Kid described her experience as “the smoother version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.” We loved the fact that the mine carts sway along with the turns of the ride. Oh, and the mid-point where the ride slows down to let guests check out the Seven Dwarfs working in the mine is so beautiful. Fab job, Disney Imagineers!
Karyn Locke, Marketing and Social Media Guroo and Mid-America Guroo for trekaroo is a travel writer from Ohio that has a passion for all things Disney and a hankering for Dole Whip Floats at least three times a week. Also creator and blogger for Sand and Snow…and Everywhere in Between! she’s happy to give Disney tips to anyone that asks and is pleased as punch that her family shares her love of the most magical place on earth.
RunDisney Q and A – By Guest Author Jason Rowe
Published October 23, 2014 by ManOfTheMouseAs we wind down the year with the last RunDisney event, many of you may be thinking “I would love to run at Disney, but how?” Well, I am here to help you make that a reality. Like many of you, I had a lot of questions at the beginning of 2014 on how all of this works with RunDisney events. I have compiled a list of Q & A to help you with just that. If you are already thinking about making your New Year’s resolution to take part in one of these events, the following questions and answers are for you.
Q: How much are these races going to cost?
A: These races vary in price, the cost typically increases from year to year, as new races are added and the existing races are growing in popularity.
Registration for a half marathon distance is right around $185, with the 5k somewhere around $80.
Q: What do you receive for this price?
A: A tech shirt, finishers medal, personalized bib, and goody bag. This is not much different from most marathons, however it is all Disney related!
Q: How quickly do I need to register for a RunDisney event?
A: ASAP! With popularity ramping up and more events being added, sign up should be completed the day registration opens to ensure a starting spot.
Don’t worry if you miss out, some travel agencies carry race registrations as part of their travel packages. Also, some charities also may have entries available in exchange for fundraising.
**Also, if you are an Annual Passholder or DVC member, early registration is available a week early.
Q: How long are race weekends typically? From a scheduling perspective?
A: Race weekends are typically four day events, with the expo kicking everything off.
Q: When is the expo held? Is anyone allowed to visit the expo?
A: The race expo will start the day before the first race. This is the area where runners will pick up their bibs, shirts, and limited edition RunDisney merchandise. Anyone can attend the expo.
Q: Is there an age requirement for entering race?
A: Each race has its own requirements. As with most, 5k’s are open to all ages. The 10k races require that runners be 10 years of age or older. Half marathons, the requirement is 14 years or older. And if you are really brave, the Goofy and Dopey Challenges, runners need to be 18 years or older.
Q: What is the pace? What is being “swept”?
A: RunDisney sets a pace requirement of a 16 minute mile in order not to be swept.
Being “swept” is being taken off the course due to not maintaining pace.
** You will be broken down into corrals based on your anticipated time that you will need to provide to register. 5k’s do not require an anticipated time to enter.
Q: What if I get thirsty or need a bathroom break?
A: About every mile and half, runners will find a water station. Bathrooms will also be located at these stations.
Q: What should my family and friends prepare for to greet me along the route or at the finish line?
A: First thing you to remember, you are at Disney along with thousands of your closest friends and runners, crowds will be on hand.
After the race there will be a family reunion area at the finish line. Banners will be set up in sections by last name. Arrange for your family and friends to meet in one of these designated areas.
Or at a location far enough away from the start/finish line.
For more information on RunDisney events coming in 2014, you can visit www.rundisney.com for details.
Until next time, train hard, have fun, and make it happen friends!
About the author: Jason Rowe is a huge Disney fan stuck in the midwest. If you would like to read more about RunDisney events or Disney from a guys perspective, check out www.manofthemouse.com, Jason enjoys bringing news from Main Street to Your Street.
Marriage Proposal on Main Street
Published October 11, 2014 by Disneyways.comTheme Park Concierges arranged a beautiful marriage proposal on Main Street today! Congratulations George and Marisa Morringelli!
To read more about the amazing wishes that Theme Park Concierges can grant for you – click HERE.
Ramon with ThemeParkConcierges.com arranging more than flowers – behind the scenes!
Your Invitation to the Next Meetup!
Published September 29, 2014 by Disneyways.com
Let’s meet up at the new Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Resort! Buy a Dole Whip if you want, pull up a chair, and let’s visit! Goodie bags sponsored by Homes4uu.com! We hope to see you there!
Limited Offer! Save 40 Percent on the Disney Food Blog Everything Bundle Plus a FREE Gift!
Published September 14, 2014 by Disneyways.comLimited Offer! Save 40 percent on the Disney Food Blog Everything Bundle, PLUS you get a FREE Gift! As a long time fan of these guides, I can tell you without a doubt they are an amazing time and money saver – essential to any Disney visitor who eats!! These guides pay for themselves in no time, especially at these prices. The Everything Bundle is an over $103.00 value, all for $59.95 – a savings of over 40%! You even get the 2014 DFB Guide to Walt DisneyWorld Dining for FREE! That’s 8 guides for an average of $7.50 each. Woah…what an incredible deal. I’m sure it won’t last long. Click the photo below for more information!
You get:
The 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining pre-order (with complimentary 2013 Guide FREE, immediately!)
The 2014 DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks
The 2014 DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks
The 2013 DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks
The 2014 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The 2013 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays
DFB Dining Adventures
An over $103.00 value, all for $59.95, over 40% off! This offer is limited, so pick up your bundle today! Get detailed information and more by clicking HERE and a portion of the proceeds will go to help us to keep bringing you exciting Disney news and information here at Disneyways.com!
Sneak Peek! Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Published September 8, 2014 by Disneyways.comIf you haven’t had a chance to visit Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – here’s your sneak peak! On July 26th 2014 – Stephen Wancha, and the team at Four Seasons, were kind enough to invite us to tour the resort. We also enjoyed a wonderful dining experience at Ravello. This was my first visit to the Seasons since 7 months before – when I was there for the hard hat tour.
Ravello is both a modern Italian restaurant and a vibrant bar on the hotel’s main floor and garden level. It’s a great place for resort guests, locals and visitors to the Orlando area to gather for fine cuisine, good times, and homemade lemoncello. It is undeniable that Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi’s love of food shines at Ravello. He is an Italian-born and trained chef, and he has taken full advantage of Ravello’s pizza oven AND Florida’s abundant produce and fresh seafood to create menus that change seasonally. There are two dining rooms at Ravello, as well as a show kitchen for private cooking demonstrations and special events. Check out the video below for food photos and more!
By the way….Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is also offering the “Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and his Pals” twice weekly at Ravello restaurant! The buffet-style breakfast is offered on Thursdays and Saturdays, and also on Tuesdays during peak school break periods. The breakfast will feature a wonderful assortment of traditional breakfast offerings and an omelet station. A photographer will be available to capture the memories of the families with the stars of the breakfast, the always entertaining Goofy & Pals. For more on theFour Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort check out our interview with Thomas Steinhauer Regional Vice President and General Manager and Stephen Wancha Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.
The Disney Parks Podcast Interviews Stephen Wancha Director of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Published September 8, 2014 by Disneyways.com
Recently, Tony and I were very honored to interview Stephen Wancha, Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Stephen has been one of my all-time favorite guests on the Disney Parks Podcast. He has a passion for his work at the Four Seasons that truly shines. Click the photo above to be taken directly to the podcast, or check it out on the YouTube Video below. As you listen, get ready to learn more about all the wonderful dining experiences you can enjoy in the brand new (stunning!) resort. If you just can’t get enough of food at the Four Seasons (I know I can’t!) click HERE to check out video and more from our first visit to Ravello! In Stephen’s own words, “Our food and beverage program is a true dining destination for Orlando locals and guests alike, where great food and innovative concepts meet passionate, attentive service.” I couldn’t agree more!
From the Four Seasons Website:
“In a relatively short period of time, Stephen Wancha has lived in 10 different major cities (returning to live in three of the cities twice), so it’s easy to see why he developed a propensity for travel, and in turn, for dining out. The affable Wancha, Director of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, brings 10 years of Four Seasons experience with him to lead the Food and Beverage operations at the Resort, which includes five on-site restaurants and a large-scale banquet operations team.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be at this amazing property,” says Wancha. “Orlando is not well-known for its culinary scene – it’s definitely emerging. With the team we’ve together and the concepts we’re bringing to the market, we are giving our guests and Orlando locals a special dining experience.”
Prior to joining Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Wancha’s first Director of Food and Beverage position was at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. At the time, Wancha was 28 years of age, making him the youngest Director of Food and Beverage among all Four Seasons properties worldwide. This coup alone is a testament to the wealth of food and beverage knowledge Wancha brings.
The Resort’s star restaurant is Capa, the 17th floor rooftop Spanish-influenced steakhouse that offers a romantic setting above the treetops and a stunning view of the nightly Magic Kingdom Park® fireworks. Ravello is the Resort’s Italian concept; PB&G is the Southern rotisserie; and Plancha is a Cuban American grill. One of Wancha’s favuorites is Lickety Split, a grab-and-go on the lobby level, offering a variety of cappuccinos and lattes, smoothies, Italian donuts and pastries, gelato and more. Wancha, a coffee connoisseur, has set up the ultimate coffee bar.
When not fueling up on java, Wancha’s other beverage of choice is wine. An avid wine collector, Wancha is proud of his large private collection of mostly New World/Napa wines and Old World/Italian wines. He’s excited about the wine program at the Resort, with 400 labels and many available by the glass. Wancha’s own famous Sangria is on the menu at Capa.
Wancha loves to travel the globe for inspiration, often jet-setting to New York or San Francisco for weekend culinary expeditions. He dined at 27 different restaurants over two days in New York, and enjoyed 16 eateries over two days in Chicago. A true “foodie” who is fun to dine with, and fun to “talk shop,” Wancha is always in line with, and often a step ahead of, the culinary scene.”
For more on the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, check out our interview with Thomas Steinhauer; Regional Vice President and General Manager.
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