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Star Wars Droid Factory at Hollywood Studios

Published January 7, 2013 by Disneyways.com

If you feel a tremor in the Force, it might be because of a new merchandise feature at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opening in time for Star Wars Weekends.

The new Droid Factory is a build-your-own toy experience within the Tatooine Traders store near the Star Tours ride. For those not familiar with the intracacies of the Star Wars universe, it’s basically R2-D2 and his pals. R2-D2 is an astromech droid, and R2 is just one of a slew of said droids.

Disney Parks released a video  showing details of the new feature. In the video, Disney Parks toy designer Brad Schoeneberg said, “One of the problems I had when I was a child was that in my droid playset, I never had enough droids. You need a droid army.”

“Now with the Droid Factory, you can actually build and name your very own action figure.”

It’s similar to the build-your-own light saber or even the build-your-own Mr. Potato Head shopping options found at Disney stores.

According to the Disney Parks blog, the idea for the Droid Factory has been around since 2009. At launch, there are 71 different pieces available from which fans can build literally thousands of permutations of the 3 3/4-inch toys. You can read more details about what’s available on their blog.

Epcot’s UK and Canada Paviion Phone Booths are Ringing in the Magic!

Published January 5, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Do you remember seeing these on your last visit to Epcot’s World Showcase? Perhaps you or your family members have climbed inside and posed for photos?

Even if you’ve never been to Epcot at all, you may have heard about the phone booths. So where exactly are they? You will find them in the United Kingdom pavilion located close to the restrooms. These restrooms are on the right as you come into the pavilion from the Canadian side. There is also a lesser-known Canadian phone booth.

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Here’s how to find that one:

On the way up the stairs at the Canada pavilion, you can see the coat of arms of the “Canadian National Hotels.” Just a few more steps and you’ll see that elusive Canadian phone booth. It looks very similar to the ones in the UK.

Did you know they are working phone booths? They really are! Some sources say you can make outbound calls from them and some say you can not. One thing is for sure…you can make an inbound call to the phone booths when ever you’d like.

Are you missing Disney and need to add a little magic to your day? Give the phone booths a call! Sometimes you will hear a busy signal or a fax machine. Other times a Disney guest will pick up and be so shocked to hear your voice on the other end that they just hang up. However, there are lots of great stories about Epcot visitors who will talk to you about everything from the Florida weather, the restaurants, crazy drivers, and maybe even local places to find great frozen yogurt. If you reach ME – I promise to talk your ear off.

Locals and other guests taking a day trip to Epcot sometimes enjoy using their cell phones to play jokes on their friends. Tales abound about calling other members of their own party to surprise them with their best Goofy or Donald impression! Give it a try! You know you want to.

I just met you, and this is crazy, but here‘s the numbers – call them maybe?

(Sorry — I couldn’t resist! Here’s the video if you don’t get the joke.)

Have you called before? How did it go? Do you plan on calling?

Please share your story!

My Disney Experience App for Android

Published January 4, 2013 by Disneyways.com

My Disney Experience

The new official Walt Disney World app My Disney Experience is now available on Android smartphones for download from Google PlayAmazon Android Marketplace downloads are also available.

The app has been available for iPhone and iPad since early August 2012.

My Disney Experience – Walt Disney World can help you plan your visit, find your way around the park and maximize the magic while enjoying all that Walt Disney World has to offer!

What can you do with it?

You can check out brand new Walt Disney World maps, official attraction wait times provided for you by Disney, look up FASTPASS® return times, book dining reservations, get details about nearby characters, attractions, entertainment, park hours and schedules, and more!

• New Here & Now feature, which instantly shows attractions and events closest to your current location
• Explore Walt Disney World attractions, including descriptions, images, and height requirements

• Locate nearest restrooms, baby care centers, concierge, and other Guest Services
• Browse dining options including Table Service and Quick Service restaurant locations

• Check availability and sign in to make dining reservations and
• Sign in to manage your personal profile

How to Pack for Your Trip to Walt Disney World

Published January 3, 2013 by Disneyways.com

This is a guest post by Samantha Jolicoeur that contains her suggested packing list for your next trip to Disney World. Please see below for Samantha’s bio and a link to join her facebook group. Please contact Krista at Disneyways if you are interested in guest blogging.

How to Pack for Your Trip to Walt Disney World by Samantha:

If you are new to Walt Disney World, you may be wondering;

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“What do I need to pack for Walt Disney World?”

I’m not generally an over-packer but I do like to cover all my bases when it comes to visiting the World!

Floridian weather can be unpredictable and we can get sick at the drop of a hat, but why spend your dole whip money on WDW’s overpriced cold meds or ponchos? This checklist is something I have been using and checking twice, each and every time I visit the happiest place on Earth!

– Clothes – socks, underwear, pajamas, shorts, capris, tanks, t-shirts, one hoodie/light jacket (depending on season), one pair of jeans (again…depending on season)

NOTE: You will want to pack for your length of stay. Remember, resorts on WDW property have laundry services. Doing laundry while on vacay not for you? Throw it in while you sit by the pool!

– Bathing suits
– Shoes – flip flops and runners
– Shampoo and conditioner (those little ones aren’t enough from Disney, but I still hoard them)
– Toothbrush and toothpaste
– Hairbrush, straightener and hair products. (Hairdryers are in each WDW resort room)
– Makeup (keep it basic: liner, mascara, shadow)
– Meds: Allergy pills, cold and cough pills, aspirin (just in case), any prescriptions.
– Hair clips, elastics
– Razors
– Deodorant
– Confirmations – ADRs, Park hours and EMH lists.

(I am crazy about this, I have a WDW travel book that I write up)

– Lanyards (I like to wear it to hold my Key to the World/Park ticket)
– Laptop and charger
– Camera and battery charger
– Passports, money and traveller’s cheques, ID (I seperate my “tip” money from souvenir cash)
– Watch
– Dollar store ponchos (yet to use them *knocks on wood* – bringing your own saves you money!)
– Hats
– Sunscreen!
– Sunglasses
– Aloe vera, polysporin, etc.
– Ziploc bags (keep thing dry on wet rides, etc)
– Collapsible Cooler
– Stroller (if needed)
– Backpack/fanny pack/beach bag.

Other Ideas:
– Walkie talkies for the parks
– Mist fans
– Decorations for your hotel room window
– In-room snacks
– Cell phone and charger

To me, this is a very basic list of what you need to bring with you. Some people bring their own autograph books, pens, towels … but that is up to you! I look at it this way, if you are flying to WDW, you’ll want more room (and spending money) for your souvenirs. When I make my list, I write it out and leave a little check box beside each item, and it doesn’t get checked off until it is actually packed. I wouldn’t want to leave anything important behind!

Your trip to Disney will be magical though, whether or not you forget your favorite t-shirt, but hopefully, with this list you won’t!

SAMANTHA

About Samantha:

My name is Samantha and I am a Disney-aholic! It’s true. I’ve always loved all things Disney, but didn’t make my first trip until I was 21 years old. It only took that one day at Magic Kingdom to get me hooked. I don’t get to go as often as I’d like, but I have made it my own personal hobby to research Walt Disney World as much as possible and I enjoy lending some of my advice to others. I have a husband and a beautiful son, both who love Disney (maybe not QUITE as much as myself). I’d rather be a pirate than a princess, although being a princess wouldn’t be too bad either! Please, feel free to come join my happy, laughin’ place on Facebook “Disney Dreamers“- we discuss all things Disney, do trivia and giveaways, and most importantly, make new friends who share the same passion for Disney!
Yo ho, yo ho, a pirates life for me!

~Samantha Jolicoeur

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It’s a Tall World After All – Date for Starbucks in Magic Kingdom

Published December 26, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Back in August 2012 Disneyways readers found out about the Starbucks coming to Walt Disney World.

Rumor has it we can look for Starbucks in Magic Kingdom as early as May 18, 2012.

Here is the train of thought. Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom is the proposed location for the new Starbucks. Because the bakery is scheduled for closure between January 6, 2013 and May 17, 2013 – sources are saying the Starbucks-branded location can be expected to be open May 18, 2013.

Disney’s California Adventure has had it’s new Starbucks for a while now. You can click here to see photos and read more about this one. Here at Disneyways we imagine that the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom counterpart will be very similar. Cast members will wear costumes that will invoke the feelings of Main Street and it’s theme, and prices for cups of joe and snacks will be quite high.

This will be the second of six announced in-park locations, one at each theme park between the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. A location at Epcot’s Fountain View has also been announced, though it will close for its changeover at some point in March, re-opening in late summer.

Christmas at the Beach Club Resort

Published December 25, 2012 by Disneyways.com

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It’s not all gingerbread houses – how about an enchanting holiday carousel, crafted of gingerbread, chocolate, and fondant? The carousel is a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. There are also some sculptures to enjoy, and even a little shop where you can buy some Christmas goodies to take with you.

Christmas at the Contemporary

Published December 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com

At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Grand Concourse holds a 17-foot Gingerbread holiday tree, complete with edible ornaments and presents – and, of course, hidden Mickeys to spot. If those ornaments look irresistible, you can buy ones just like them to sample or take home, plus an assortment of holiday cookies and baked goods. If the look of this display seems familiar, it’s because it was inspired by the art of Disney Legend Mary Blair (you can see her style in the it’s a small world attraction, and in the mural that dominates the Grand Canyon Concourse of Disney’s Contemporary Resort).

Read more about the Contemporary here and here.

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New Limited Time Magic Info Source

Published December 22, 2012 by Disneyways.com

New info about limited time magic will be released beginning Friday! Check out this link from Disney Parks Blog or just subscribe to Disneyways by email so you’ll never miss an update!
Have a magical day!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/12/limited-time-magic-surprises-beginning-soon-at-disney-parks/

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How to Enjoy the Scent of the Contemporary – from home! (Maybe)

Published December 21, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I thought I was losing my mind. I was in my kitchen doing the usual, just putting the dishes in the dishwasher, and then wiping all the counters down. All of a sudden I noticed a wonderful aroma. During the first week I couldn’t figure out what it was. I just kept thinking it was almost like someone was walking by me, wearing a wonderful perfume. The scent would just come and go that fast. Finally – right around  the  second week, it finally dawned on me what that wonderful scent reminded me of!

It was without a doubt – the same beautiful waft of fragrance I get every time I walk through the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World! I don’t know if they pipe that smell into the resort, or what, but none of the others smell quite the same to me. I always thought maybe the Contemporary had the smell of happiness, or maybe it was just the anticipation of visiting the love of my life, the five-legged goat. Now I know it must be the scent of orange blossom and verbena. It is very distinctive – and quite wonderful.

I am definitely addicted to Disney, but even I knew this was totally weird and not normal. But where was it coming from? Was it just my imagination?

I think it was right around week three I was washing my hands and the kitchen sink and it came to me. DUH!! This fragrance was coming from the new hand soap that I had been using! I picked up the bottle and looked closely at the label.

“Avon naturals orange blossom & verbena juicy moisture moisturizing hand soap. Formulated with orange blossom and verbena extracts, this moisturizing hand soap gently cleanses and conditions. Leaves hands feeling soft and vlevety-smooth.”

Velvety smooth?!

I thought to myself that Avon was marketing this stuff all wrong. When I close my eyes and smell the bubbles,  I can almost hear the monorail gliding by over head. This bottle makes no mention of the Contemporary at all! Can you imagine?!

I asked my husband to smell the soap and tell me what it reminded him of. He had no idea what I was talking about – but he also doesn’t love Disney the way I do. I am wondering if any of you out there have ever owned this product? Is there anyone else who shares my opinion or is this just a crazy notion that I have?

I would love to order more and send you some to try. Unfortunately, as I publish this post, Avon says this exact product is no longer available,

I have recently met an Avon rep on facebook, who is very dedicated to her business. She has not given me any money, free product, or promised commissions to mention her. I simply wanted you to have a resource in case you wanted to try and find this item for yourself. She may be able to recommend  something similar, or have access to discontinued items. It’s worth a shot.

Here is a link to Kimie’s Avon site. If you enjoy facebook like I do, you can also contact her here. Good luck in your search for this wonderful product – and please tell Kimie that Disneyways sent you!

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Disney Hot News Dec 8 -15 2012

Published December 16, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Hot news from Disney for the week of December 8th to 15th 2012!

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Here you will find some of the hottest Disney news from all around the web, as well as some fun stuff from Disneyways. We hope you enjoy getting it all right here in one place!

Earlier in the week we shared our most popular story EVER in Disneyways history (To all of you, our faithful readers, THANK YOU!!) Here it is again for your enjoyment:

Top 5 Things You Won’t Want to Miss in New Fantasyland.

Ooh la la! Bistro de Paris Gets a New Name! Monsier Paul made it’s offical debut on December 11th.

We responded to questions and rumors with our post Solving the Mystery surrounding the Rapunzel Tower in New Fantasyland on December 13th.

We shared New Year’s Eve events back in October but details from around the web were all the buzz this week too!

Just to mix it up a bit for you, we posted awesome videos and historical information about Living with the Land, as well as some current information about the “Behind the Seeds” Tour you can enjoy there.

December 15th we shared Christmas decoration photos from inside the attraction that were taken just this week! We hope it makes you feel like you were actually there with us.

Finally, we want to share a link to the official news from Disney about Comedy Warehouse returning for the holidays!

That about does it for this week! Stay tuned, because coming in just a few days, we will have details about the new Splitsville and lots of other fun surprises to share.

We want to hear YOUR Disney hot news! Please share your thoughts, comments and stories in the comments section below OR contact us directly!