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Send Friends and Family Your Own Crush Creation!

Published June 3, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Who doesn’t love Crush from the Finding Nemo movie? I came across this today and I’ve had a ball sending it to my friends and family. I thought I’d share it with my Disneyways readers so you can create your own personalized video message from Crush too!

Click this link to go to the page where you can create your message. You don’t have to be on (or logged in to) facebook for this to work. About mid-page you’ll see an envelope with a circle around it. Click on that. Fill in all the fields (except the optional nickname since that doesn’t seem to do anything or matter).

Then hit the bubble at the bottom that says “make”…

From here you can have your choice of ways to share. I like email (the bubble furthest to the right) because I prefer not to give too much access to my connections on facebook or twitter…and that’s what this app will want you to do. It will probably also force you to log in to your facebook or twitter account to continue – and I really didn’t have time for that.

The next option is “Whom would you like to send this eCard to?” You can type in your card recipiant’s name again. Next is where I changed things up a bit. In the “Friends Email” option I put MY OWN email address.  I created about 5 cards for 5 different recipients and sent them all to my personal email address. Crush didn’t seem to mind a bit – so I don’t think there is a limit of times you can do this.

 Then when you login to your email account – the card is there in your inbox.   It is beautiful and full of graphics. Keep in mind you still need to send a copy to your chosen card recipient and you may want to listen to make sure Crush says their name and location correctly before forwarding. My personal choice was to take the link off of the bottom of the card, paste it into another email and send only THAT to my friends and family, with a personal note from myself attached. This avoids any issues of them having trouble seeing it in all of it’s beautiful computer graphic glory when they view the card. 

Crush was not able to say my cousin’s name (Brianne) so I had to choose for him to say Breana. Then when I sent her the note I told her that Crush’s Australian accent made his Brianne sound like Breana. I thought she’d get a kick out of that…and that was an added perk of sending it to myself first. I was able to customize it even further for her with a note from me. You can use this secret too if your card recipients have names Crush can’t pronounce.

Disney gets the benefit of advertising links on the bottom of this card being sent to your friends and family. I figure it’s a small price to pay for the fact that they created  such an adorable  personalized card AND  made it free for us to use as many times as we’d like. I hope you have as much fun with this as I did! If you give it a try will you please write and let me know how it worked for you? Party on Dudes! Crush and I hope you have a totally awesome day!

Big Thunder Mountain opened for testing yesterday!

Published May 27, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Twitter was buzzing yesterday with announcements that Big Thunder was testing! It seems like we’ve been waiting for construction to finish forever but testing means we are so close to the grand re-opening! Monday is the official first day we can take the wildest ride in the wilderness – and I for one – am so excited I can hardly stand it. Check out these amazing pictures and posts from bloggers who were actually there!

John Frost, one of my blogging heroes, actually got to RIDE Big Thunder yesterday! Check out his write –up if you are interested in his honest review! There’s going to be a wider queue with added show scenes AND….wait for it….air conditioning!!! Yippee!!

Check out John’s post here

I think this photo is  really neat. Who are these strange, white, faceless Disney fans?

Click here to see some more really clear, beautiful pictures from Big Thunder testing yesterday from DaMouse.com

This might be my favorite picture of all. Thanks lady construction worker!

Photo credit: DaMouse.com

What do you think? Are you going to head out for the big day tomorrow? Please send me your pictures and stories from the big day! My email address is disneyways@gmail.com.

Food and Wine Booking Dates Announced!

Published May 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Disney has just released booking dates for the 2012 EPCOT International Food & Wine Events.  Food and Wine will take place September 28, 2012–November 11, 2012. The date to call and book your events is August 10th at 7:00AM (eastern) for Annual and Seasonal Pass Holders, DVC Members, Tables in Wonderland Members and Golden Oak Residents.  On August 14th at 7:00AM (eastern) all festival programming will open for booking  for everyone. We will get additional information on all of the event celebrity guests and cooking demonstrations in the near future! You may want to subscribe to Disneyways by typing in your email address on the right hand side of this page – so you can be one of the first to know!

Here’s a video so we can reminisce about last year’s event!

BIG HAIR IS BACK …FINALLY!

Published May 23, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I graduated high school in 1993. I am very proud to be a part of what I consider the “big hair” generation.  Just like the girl in the Peanuts cartoons – I enthusiastically embraced my “naturally curly hair”.  Just to prove it – here’s a picture of me at about that time.

  You can stop laughing now. I still love my big hair, I just style it a little differently.  Have you seen the trailers for the brand new Disney Pixar movie coming out on June 22nd? It’s called Brave, and I know it sounds weird, but bringing big hair back may be one of the things that excites me most about this movie. Merida is the main character, a skilled archer, inadvertent unleasher of chaos, a beastly curse undoer, even a Disney Princess for the feminists – and she does all of this while redefining what it meant to have beautiful BIG hair. I haven’t even seen the movie and I love her already.

Speaking of Disney Pixar movies…summer is upon us here in Florida, and I think it’s way too hot to be outside. That’s why I want to tell you about the Disney Pixar Summer Movie Weekend.  In the midst of remembering our fallen heroes, along with all the planning and grilling this weekend, you just might want to find some time to relax and unwind! It’s pretty exciting that Disney is bringing back some Pixar classics. That’s right – this weekend  you can catch Ratatouille, Toy Story 3, Up, and Wall-E at participating AMC Theaters. Prices vary but many tickets are just $6! Click here to get tickets and a list of participating AMC Theaters.

Maybe you’re more like me. To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of seeing movies in theaters. Why risk having some kid kick my chair through the whole thing when 2 months later I could sit on my couch with my dog and enjoy the movie on my own time?  Pixar movies, however, are an exception. One has to be in a real movie theater to fully appreciate the graphics, sound, and detail of these movies. My fantasy is to head to AMC Downtown Disney 24 Dine-in Theater to see Ratatouille for the Saturday showing. I haven’t had a chance to go to the new theater or (I’m ashamed to say it…) to see Ratatouille! Alas, with so much going on, I’m afraid it will just remain a fantasy.

I will try to plan a little better and get out to see Brave after June 22nd. Who knows? Maybe I will even put on my MC Hammer pants and do a little dance for everyone in line for tickets that day. (Please Hammer – don’t hurt ‘em!!) I will definitely use lots of mousse and a diffuser on my hair for the occasion – that’s a given.  At least I will look hot when they haul me off to crazy town.

Pulling some strings at Disney World… with Harpist Christine MacPhail

Published May 19, 2012 by Disneyways.com

You know how sometimes in life you are lucky enough to meet some REALLY great and interesting people? Well, that’s what happened to me the day I met Christine MacPhail. Christine is not only a wonderful person, she has (in my opinion) one of the coolest jobs EVER.  No office grind for this lady! Christine owns her own business and has made her living  as a harpist for the past 25 years. One of her favorite places to play is Disney World.  Specifically she has played the harp for Victoria and Albert‘s in the Grand Floridian Resort, and for dozens of Disney weddings all over the property (not to mention the state of Florida).  I asked Christine what she loves most about Disney weddings. She was happy to answer, and even threw in some advice for Disney brides.

“I really love what I do,” said Christine. “It is an honor to be part of the special moments in people’s lives. At Disney the weddings always have that extra magical touch. It seems the excitement and anticipation that children have about visiting Disney World comes alive again in the bride and groom!  The Wedding Pavillion is lovely, and I really like the small intimate weddings at locations such as the Boardwalk or the Yacht Club.  I really enjoy seeing the little Disney touches, such as glass slipper place card holders or Mickey and Minnie cake toppers! Most of the couples request Disney music which is always fun for me. “When You Wish Upon a Star” is a perfect recessional song!  My only advice would be that after all the preparations have been made, just relax and enjoy your special day!”

To listen to some of Christine’s Disney music, click here, scroll down mid-page, and choose a song.

Here is a great shot of Christine at Disney’s Boardwalk (click to enlarge).

You can see the bride and groom through the strings.

Photo credit: Misty Miotto

How does one get into the business of harping? When Christine MacPhail was 6 years old she was in a museum with her family and saw a harp there. Her father ran his fingers along the strings and she was hooked! She started taking lessons and has not stopped since. When she was in college a few friends asked her to play her harp for their wedding ceremonies, and that grew into a business. Fast forward 25 years and Christine is still doing what she loves…and talk about talent?!  She can play all sorts of music genres that you might never have imagined coming from a harp. She will amaze you with some of her facebook posts on what she calls “Music Monday” You can like her fanpage on facebook here so you don’t miss a note!

***To learn more about Disney Weddings click here***

***To Download your own Disney Wedding Brochure click here***

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World Secrets – Mother’s Day Flower Power

Published May 12, 2012 by Disneyways.com

UPDATE May 2014: Saratoga Springs is no longer offering this program.

This is my Mom. Isn’t she a cutie?

My Mom loves flowers. She has a green thumb that I did NOT inherit! I needed a great and original idea for my Mom this year – and I think I found just the right thing. Today I thought I’d share with you what I found out about the Floral Experience at Community Hall in Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and spa.

This is so cool!

The floral experience helps us learn how to take ordinary fresh flowers and design a Disney-themed keepsake arrangement to take home. Disney says that in the process Mom will impress family and friends by “learning magical design tricks of the trade” and have the “experience of a lifetime” becoming a Walt Disney World florist for a day! So not only will we be giving her a gift of flowers, we will also be able to share that time and experience together at Disney…no park admission required! By the way, you don’t have to have a Mom or be a Mom to enjoy this experience. It’s all year round and really for anyone who enjoys this sort of thing.

(Hint!) There is no age limit on this class and almost anyone can learn how to design a Disney-themed floral keepsake…so if Dad isn’t into arranging flowers … this might be the perfect thing for a wife and daughter to enjoy together as a Mother’s Day gift.  The class is one hour in duration and held every Wednesday from 2:30-3:30PM and costs $50 a person.  You can book this up to 180 days in advance and in fact, reservations are required for this activity. Disney needs the advanced notice to determine supplies, therefore walk-ups are not accepted.  Activity, take-home arrangement and items used to create it are subject to change without notice. There is a 2 Day cancellation policy so be sure and review that with the booking agent. The number to call and register is 407-WDW-PLAY.

My plan is to book the experience (if she can get a day off work!) and present my Mom with a card on Mother’s Day with all the details included. This way so she will know s what to expect and when. The bonus is she will have a beautiful arrangement when all the flowers from Mother’s Day are long gone. We all want to be the favorite kid so maybe this will get me some brownie points!

Please let me know if you decide to do the floral experience (or if you’ve already done it) and maybe we can post our experiences on Disneyways in the future!

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Frequently Asked Fantasyland Questions

Published May 8, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Get all the most frequently asked questions about the New Fantasyland Expansion happening at Walt Disney World answered in about 2 minutes with this video posted by the Orlando Sentinel. Let’s hear it for short and sweet! YAY!

Click here for the 2 minute video

Photo and Video Tour: Put on your coconut bra and grass skirt! It’s time for the Luau!

Published May 4, 2012 by Disneyways.com

I have wanted to go to Hawaii for pretty much as long as I can remember.  I’m a BIG Elvis fan and the movie Blue Hawaii probably influenced this in some way. A tan, handsome, young Elvis gyrating among the beautiful scenery of a Polynesian background? What’s not to like?! I guess since I love the thought of Hawaii, I love the thought of a luau, even if it’s just right here in my home town of Orlando Florida.

Luau 2

My mother first came up with the idea a few months before. She wanted to get the family all together for something really special and fun. I promise I did not suggest or influence her in any way to pick the Disney luau, she came up with it all on her own.  It took about a month to get our entire group to agree on a date but it finally happened. We picked Friday April 27, 2012. This also happened to be my cousin’s birthday. Matt is a quiet guy who doesn’t like a lot of hoopla or attention on his birthday but he agreed this might be ok as long as we didn’t buy gifts or go to crazy.

Luau Matt

I sent out the first email and everyone seemed excited about the big day! I made a list of all the names and counted it 4 times. Could we really be a group of 16??? Yes we could – and in fact — we ended up adding one more a couple weeks later for a grand total of 17. Wow! We lost my Dad about a year ago and I just couldn’t stop thinking about how much he would have loved this. I missed him through the whole process (and again on the big night) but I feel like he was watching the whole time. I think he would’ve loved to make it a party of 18.

My Mom decided on category 2 seating. When I called to make the reservation – all that was left was category 1. There was no changing the date now — so we went with it.  I read and researched all I could about the luau just so I could make sure it was something everyone would like AND to try and help things to go as smoothly as I possibly could. The main thing that bugged me was why we had to be there an hour early. Disney policy states this for the luau and they even read you that policy again when you book the reservation. There was very little I could find on the internet about why this policy was in place.

My Mom and I headed to the Polynesian a couple of days early to pick up what I thought were going to be “tickets” to the luau, which are normally at the concierge desk. It was that magic time of around 7:30pm however. I knew there would be cast members at the luau podium this time of night so we made a beeline for the podium first with my list of questions in hand.

Sure enough, the crowds were filing in for the 8pm show and there were cast members waiting to greet us. I told them we were early for the Friday night show (this was Wednesday) and I had some questions. They were happy to assist. My first question was about parking. When my Mom and I pulled up that night we got one of the last spaces available. I was fearful with our big group that there might not be enough spaces for all of us! The cast member didn’t really know what to say. Just then I really lucked out and a manager approached us! The cast member repeated the question for him and just like that – that manager was MINE. The poor guy had no idea what he was getting in to. He politely calmed my fears by stating that parking has never been a problem for luau guests– and we could always pay to valet if we really needed to. He was surprised to hear the lot was so full on this particular evening. OK, so I was satisfied with that answer. I smiled sweetly and asked, “Do you have a few more minutes to answer my other questions?”

“Sure!” he replied in all his typical Disney helpfulness. So off we went…

“We have a group of 17. Do we really need to be here an hour early?” His response: “There is no reason for you to get here that early IF you have already picked up your ticket.”

“Ticket?” I asked, “I thought there would be 17 tickets.”

“Nope,” he replied, “ What you actually get is a slip of paper that has your confirmation number on it and says party of 17. That acts as your admission to the luau.”

WOW! One little slip?

I was shocked. This was a wonderful thing because I had no idea how I would see everyone beforehand to give them a ticket and what if they lost it? It’s just one little slip so I didn’t have to give anyone anything. Awesome.

Next I asked him about being tardy. My nephew Jason would be working that night and not able to get to the luau until probably 9pm or later. The manager said that wasn’t a problem and if my nephew was REALLY late we could ask for a refund on his ticket.

Finally, I asked him about seating. All he could promise me was that we’d be in Category 1 because that’s what was paid for. Oh well, I tried.

Friday night finally came and we all met at my Mom’s to carpool.

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We got through all the gates and parking without incident. Everyone was in a great mood when we arrived. I was SO glad I had talked to the manager because even though we weren’t super early, we still ended up standing around outside with no where to sit for 20 minutes or so, even after the formal pictures were taken.

When we finally got in however, things went great. The food was fantastic, the show and costumes were awesome. I couldn’t help but bob my head and wiggle a little in my chair to that music. It was a wonderful night. One of the highlights of the night was that they just happened to pick my nephew, pull him up on stage, and have his shake his booty like a rock-star. He was a great sport!

Here’s a few photos from our big night.

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This is not video that I took but it’s a great 4 minute clip of what the show is like.
All in all, we had a blast. Go see this thing if you get a chance! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

 

Guest Review: Downtown Disney AMC Dine-in Theater

Published May 2, 2012 by Disneyways.com

This guest review is written by Laura Smeltzer who has been a friend of mine for about 20 years. Laura is a mother-to-be and if it’s one thing expectant Mommies know (speaking from my own experience)…it’s FOOD! If you watch the slide show long enough, you will see Laura’s picture. Laura paid a recent visit to AMC Downtown Disney 24 which is an AMC Dine-in theater location and I asked her to share her experience. Questions or comments about this blog can be posted here and I will make sure they get to Laura.

Have a magical day!

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AMC Dining Experience
“I have done the dining experience twice at Disney. Both times I went online and reserved my ticket. This was nice because you chose the seat you will be sitting in.
As you enter the theater there is an attendant to help you find your seat. Each row contains 4 seats. The seats are roomy and comfortable. There is a small table that runs the length of the row and a button on the table for each seat. When you are ready to order you push the button and wait for a server.
My first experience my husband and I attended the movie as a date night. As soon as we were seated our server approached and took our drink order. While waiting for our drinks we were able to look over the menu and decide on what we wanted. For appetizer we ordered the fried mozzarella batons. For dinner I ordered the chicken fingers and my husband ordered the Southwest Chicken wrap.
Our appetizer came out as the movie was beginning. The mozzarella was hot and crisp and very tasty. The serving is enough for two to three people. Small amount of marinara sauce came with the sticks. It was the right amount for us but if you are someone who enjoys marinara sauce ask for an extra serving.
Right as we finished our appetizer our meal came out. My husband enjoyed his wrap. He said it tasted fresh and was the perfect amount for dinner. I wish I could say the same about the chicken tenders. The fries that came with the chicken was delicious. The chicken tenders were sub par to say the least. I have bought better chicken tenders from the freezer section of the grocery store. I realize that I am paying more for the experience but $12 for chicken tenders, well, I would have preferred fresh tenders.
We never once had to ask for a refill. We finished our dinner about half way during the movie and decided to order a small popcorn. This was brought very quickly.
While eating a very low light stays on that runs the length of the table. At first I thought this would be disruptive to the movie but I didn’t notice it at all during the movie. Near the end of the movie I noticed our check was laying on the table. My husband paid with a credit card and handed back to the server. There was no distraction at all to the movie with the handling of paying for dinner.

I was so pleased with the overall experience that I recommended to a few friends of mine as a girls night out.
Sadly to say our experience was completely different.
We arrived and found our seats and decided on our drinks. We pushed the buttons and waited…..and waited…and waited. The server came up as the previews were starting and took our drink order and appetizer order…..I again ordered the mozzarella batons.
After a short time we placed our order for dinner. I ordered the Tuscan Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza, my friends ordered the fish and chips basket and the classic Chicken Quesadilla.
My friends Fish and chip basket came out first, even before my mozzarella sticks. About 15 minutes into the movie and about 5 minutes after the fish and chips came out the mozzarella stick arrived. We finished the mozzarella sticks and the chicken quesadilla arrived. By the time that both of my friends finished their dinner the flat bread pizza came out. Overall the food was delicious!!!! Each of us had hot fresh food that was tasty….however, I was disappointed that even though we ordered everything at the same time that it all came out separate.
The rest of the experience was the same as before and very pleasant. The servers were not distracting from the movie and paying for the bill was very simple.
At first my husband said he felt it was quite a pricey experience, however, after we thought about it we agreed that it would be about the same cost as if we had gone to a restaurant first and then a movie.In the future we do plan on attending again and trying different food.”

Magic Kingdom coming events

Published April 29, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Hard ticket events are special events that happen in the Magic Kingdom on select nights. They normally close the park early for regular day guests. Then they require an additional ticket if we want to stay longer. Hard ticket events usually require you to be wearing a wrist band. They have cast members walking around checking for the bands and if you don’t have one they will politely ask you to exit the Magic Kingdom. Not very magical if you ask me!
Don’t get caught off guard! Make sure you keep your eye out for these events so you know what’s happening at the Magic Kingdom on the day of your visit.

Here is what they are telling cast members as of 7AM this morning. Dates, events, and performers are always subject to change.

Fall Hard Ticket Events:
The fall hard ticket special events (Night of Joy, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) should be available to book this Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Stay tuned for more info.

Night of Joy
Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Dates: September 7, 2012–September 8, 2012
Night of Joy is a contemporary Christian music festival that takes place each fall at Magic King- dom Park. It features live performances by con- temporary Christian superstars in rock, pop and gospel.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Dates: Select Nights September–October 2012
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween-themed special event held on select dates in Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Dress up in your favorite costume and get ready to treat-or-treat.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Location: Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Dates: Select Nights November–
December 2012
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each winter on select nights at Magic Kingdom theme park. Purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The event is filled with jolly holiday parades, fireworks and live entertainment.

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