Disney

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“Yacht Club” Club Sandwich at the Boathouse Resturant  Disney Springs … Review by Sharon Judy

Published April 15, 2015 by Disneyways.com

 Emily (my daughter)and I shared the “Yacht Club” Club. This is big enough for 2 to share and at $15.00 made it a good price. We even had leftovers to take home. 

It was really good. Roasted Turkey, bacon, cucumber, lettuce, tomato,chipotle honey mayo… Just a hint of spice. The bread soaks up all the mayo and blends all the flavors really well. I will order this again. The French fries were very crispy and buttery tasting.

Lawrence from Texas was our waiter and he made sure that we were all taken care of and answered all my questions.       

Boathouse Resturant Disney Springs – A Photo Tour by Sharon Judy

Published April 15, 2015 by Disneyways.com

                  

MAGIC IN THE DETAILS: JEDI OR NOT, HERE WE COME! Four Tantalizing Clues about Disney’s Coming Star Wars Attractions by Guest Author Adam M. Berger

Published March 18, 2015 by jpmdo

With Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios fast approaching and with Star Wars Episode VII slated to debut in theaters this December, it’s clearly a great time to be a Star Wars fan. And then there’s the expected arrival of an entire Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and probably Disneyland Park) sometime in the not-too-distant future.

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Of course, with the powers-that-be at Disney remaining tightlipped, it’s still anyone’s guess as to what we can expect when that galaxy far, far away finally lands at Walt Disney World. And yet there are some very intriguing hints already to be found in and around Disney’s existing Star Wars attractions…if you only know what to look for. As usual, “the magic is in the details.” So here are four enticing clues about what to expect in the forthcoming Star Wars attractions.

  1. Expect both familiar and new characters, vehicles, settings, and scenarios. Many Disney attractions adhere closely to the movies upon which they are based, replicating the original screen versions as faithfully as possible. However, this has never been the case when it comes to the Star Wars attractions and experiences, which have introduced numerous new characters, vehicles, settings, and scenarios alongside the familiar ones. It’s a good bet that this “expanded universe” approach will continue…full Force.

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Photo by Adam Berger

  1. Expect big themes. While the forthcoming Star Wars shows, rides, and environments are likely to feature new characters and other unique elements, you’ll also see a continuation of the big themes established in the cinematic Star Wars universe. Some of these themes have already carried through into the existing Star Wars attractions, including “humanity versus soulless technology,” “the struggle between goodness and evil,” and “ordinary people fulfilling their heroic potential.” Expect more of the same in future attractions.

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  1. Expect sophisticated technology in the service of storytelling. Though the Disney parks have long been known for their sophisticated ride and show systems, those technologies have always been upstaged by the attraction storylines, creating immersive, fully realized, emotional experiences. This is certainly the case with attractions like Star Tours – The Adventures Continue. You can bet that the ride and show technologies behind the experiences being planned for the new Star Wars lands will be even more advanced…and just as invisible.

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  1. Expect more variability, more spontaneity, more guest interaction, and more personalized experiences. No matter how many times you queue-up for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, you never know which one of 54 different combinations of scenes you are going to get, giving your experience a wonderful element of variability and spontaneity. You can be sure that this approach to keeping your experience fresh and surprising will go into hyperdrive in the new Star Wars attractions. At the same time, you’re certain to see more of the personalization and direct interaction that guest “younglings” are already encountering in the Jedi Training Academy show as they cross light sabers with Darth Vader—but on an even bigger and more impressive scale.

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Photo by Adam Berger

The technological key to all of this will doubtlessly be the same RFID platform that powers your MagicBand. But instead of merely admitting you to the Disney Parks, your Disney hotel room, and your pre-booked FastPass+ attractions, your MagicBand will eventually endow you with Jedi-like powers, immersing you in your own personalized, customized Star Wars universe.

What are your expectations for the new Star Wars-themed sections coming to the Disney parks? Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section, below. And May the Force be with you!

Every guest a hero

Adam M. Berger is a professional attraction show writer and design consultant, and the author of the book Every Guest is a Hero: Disney’s Theme Parks and the Magic of Mythic Storytelling—available in print and e-reader editions from Amazon.com and other fine online booksellers.

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Our Dinner With Dreamfinder

Published January 13, 2015 by Disneyways.com

Most Disney fans are familiar with the the way that Epcot opened ceremoniously on October 1, 1982. In the early days, there wasn’t a Disney character in sight! Can you imagine? But then, from 1982 – 1987, the one and only Ron Schneider, Epcot’s original Dreamfinder, helped to change all of that. To this day, Dreamfinder is one of the world’s most iconic theme park characters. He is loved by Disney fans all over the world, and how could he not be?

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With his top hat, beard and loveable sidekick Figment, Dreamfinder had a mission to encourage children of all ages to use their imagination. He brought wonder and excitement to Disney guests of all ages. As a child of the 1980’s I was one of those (probably millions!) of kids whose favorite part of the original Journey Into Imagination attraction – was seeing and hearing Dreamfinder. To meet him outside of the attraction – was not an encounter that one could ever forget.

Fast forward to January 2015, when my friend Shelby suggested that we have an event with Ron Schneider. We thought it would be really fun to celebrate Ron, and the gift of joy he has given to so many. I contacted the original Dreamfider, and although he is VERY busy, he was incredibly gracious and agreeable to taking time out of his day to meet with us. January 8th 2015  – a handful of us sat down for an excellent meal at the Garden Grill – and had an absolute blast being in the presence of this man.

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Ron was so cool, he even let me put on his hat! OK…well maybe I just put it on when he wasn’t looking. Still…he could have very well told me not to…but he didn’t.   🙂

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As we finished up our meal, we had drawings for some fun gifts, sponsored by Travel Planner Mary Morales. Thanks Mary!

By this time, I had grown quite attached to the hat, and decided it made me feel in charge as I handed out raffle tickets!

I knew this would be a great time, and I knew it would be special because of Ron, and just being at Epcot with so many good friends – new and old. But during dinner, one of my (other) very favorite parts of the night began to happen. I met and spoke with Leo for the first time ever. My new friend Leo, over at the end of the table, with tears in his eyes, began telling me how much this event meant to him. Leo has loved the Dreamfinder character almost all of his life. He showed me his photo with Ron from long ago. LOOK at little Leo!! I can’t even take the cuteness in this photo.

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My heart was so full as I was able to take Leo’s photo with Ron, and recapture the magic of that day so long ago!

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After dinner, we all followed Ron to his attraction in the Imagination pavilion. Leo and Ron sat together in the front seat!

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Of course a few shenanigans may have ensued along the way. As we exited the ride and visited with Ron, there seemed to be a some sort of signal spreading like wildfire among the cast members that there was a celebrity in the building! Everyone from sales associates, to leads, and everyone in between, started approaching him for photos. There may even have been an Imagineer or two!

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Our group spent some more time together at Epcot until finally, we all had to say goodbye. I don’t think any of us will soon forget this magical night! Our thanks to Ron, our server Barry, and all the people who had a part in making it so very special! It was truly something that Disney dreams are made of.

“Inside Out” Themed Holiday Activities!

Published December 23, 2014 by jpmdo

Looking forward to the release of the new Walt Disney Pictures Studio movie “Inside Out” next summer? We are too!!!  In the meantime, enjoy these fun holiday activities! You can download them by clicking HERE.

The password is joy

Holiday Craft Ornaments

(This is just a preview – click the link above to go to the real thing!)

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Spot the Difference!

(This is just a preview. Click on the link above to go to the real thing!)

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Breaking News! Very Limited Tickets Now On Sale! Paige O’Hara Voice of Belle and Disney Legend Bob Gurr in Orlando

Published December 20, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Disney Legends Paige O’Hara and Bob Gurr are coming to Orlando for two very exclusive events on March 7th and 8th 2015! Tickets are very limited, and you will not want to miss this once in a lifetime Disney fan’s dream come true!

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Please note!! You will need to direct questions to ticket or the  facebook page HERE.

Paige will arrive on March 7th at 6:00 PM at the Celebration Golf Club for a one night only celebration. Enjoy an enchanting dinner and exciting Q & A session with Paige, followed by an autograph opportunity and silent auction. One-Of-A-Kind items for the silent auction are being provided exclusively for this event – with proceeds benefiting The Walt Disney Birthplace. You will also have access to a cash bar. Tickets are very limited for this private affair, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Click here to get your tickets for Day One: An Affair with Paige O’Hara

You may also reserve 1 of only 10 paintings, painted by Paige O’Hara, for an additional $300.00. The paintings are hand embellished by Paige, who is a Disney fine artist. She has embellished each one to give all of them a personal unique touch. The painting is signed, numbered Limited Edition Giclee’s. An inscription may be added to your painting at no extra cost.

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March 8th is open to a very small group of only 15 people. Day Two: Lunch and Private Magic Kingdom Park Tour with Disney Legend Bob Gurr, will include a $25 dining certificate for your lunch with Bob – at Liberty Tree Tavern. He will then personally guide a whimsical 3 and a half hour tour of the Magic Kingdom explaining his involvement in the creation of the park – and sharing his fun facts along the way! Many Bob Gurr attractions will be experienced such as: The Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Carousel of Progress and It’s a Small World. You will also get an autograph and photo opportunity with Bob. Theme Park admission is not included. Day Two: Lunch and Private Magic Kingdom Park Tour with Disney Legend Bob Gurr tickets are now available.

While supplies last, you can save $20 by booking The Ultimate Disney Legends Package! This includes all of Day One and Day Two!

Don’t wait! Click HERE for more details and to get your tickets before they are gone.

*These are private events not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company. All tickets and donations for silent auction items are non-refundable. Rides with Bob are subject to availability, and theme park admission is not included. Questions and comments left on this blog post will not be answered. Please direct questions to facebook event page or the “Contact Organizer” button on the ticket site HERE.

This event has been sponsored in part by YourMagicalVacation.com and DestinationsInFlorida.com

This event has been sponsored in part by Destinations in Florida and Your Magical Vacation. Contact them to book your rooms or packages for this amazing event!

The Best Christmas Trees at Walt Disney World 2014

Published December 14, 2014 by jpmdo

Recently Tony and I mentioned some of our favorite Christmas trees on property at Walt Disney World. I thought it would be fun to bring  you some photos too, so you can see for yourself how beautiful some of these trees and decorations really are. Click on each photo for a closer look! Be sure to leave a note in the comments to let us know some of your favorites from this year!

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Boardwalk Resort

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Yacht and Beach Club

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Special thanks to Jennifer at OrlandoConnections.com for the awesome photos! You can check out the podcast episode with our picks for favorite Disney Christmas trees HERE. 

 

The Disney Parks Podcast Interviews Paige O’Hara and Richard White! Voices of Belle and Gaston from Beauty and the Beast

Published December 10, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Book Review: Jeff Heimbuch’s Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes by Jennifer Vichko

Published December 1, 2014 by jpmdo

There’s no greater feeling of excitement than when you’re ‘walking right down the middle of Main Street, USA.’  There, after walking under the train station, you’ll get first official sighting of the Castle, catch a sweet smell from the Confectionary wafting through the air and maybe even have to step aside for a Trolley or two.  Some guests like to make a beeline to rides and attractions right after rope drop – which is a great strategy! – however I can’t help but take my time and enjoy all the sights, sounds and smells of the street I wish I lived on!

It’s no surprise that the Walt Disney Company pays attention to little things.  From Hidden Mickeys in the parks and resorts to Easter Eggs in movies, Imagineers and Animators alike truly reward their fans for noticing the tiny details.  One of the lesser known hidden gems for guests at Disney Parks are the cryptic tributes in the advertisements in each of the windows that line Main Street.  I’ve walked up and down this Street many times and was shocked to find out how little I actually knew about this huge honor!

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In his new book, Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes, author Jeff Heimbuch takes us on tour of all the Main Street windows of Disneyland, Magic Kingdom, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland.  Much like Hidden Mickeys, Disney has not produced a full listing of the windows anywhere else in the world so Heimbuch’s gorgeous pictures and descriptions now serve as the official catalog.

Each page features a full-color photograph of a window (or two) and a breakdown of the names featured and meaning behind it.  Though most people are well aware that Disney pays attention to even the smallest of details the fact that almost every window pays tribute to someone that contributed something special to the Disney organization is incredible!

For example, one window in Disneyland has the following advertisement:

Ragin’ Ray’s

River Rafting Expeditions

Experienced Guides since ’55

Ray Van De Warker

Owner Guide

The author goes on to illustrate the meaning behind this particular window, describing the career path of Ray Van De Warker.  He started his tenure at Disney as summer help in 1955 and eventually became head of the Davy Crocket Explorer Canoes where he inadvertently helped start a yearly Disneyland tradition of Racing Around the Rivers of America.  I love the humor behind these tributes and am sure the honorees are incredibly grateful for the acknowledgments.

I can’t even being to think about all the time and effort Heimbuch spent in creating this guide.  From obtaining stunning photographs of each and every window in all of the Magic Kingdom-esque parks to researching the details behind the advertisements, his hard work certainly has not gone unnoticed.  Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes is a great addition to any Disney fan’s library and I can’t wait to take it with me on my next trip to the Magic Kingdom to spot some of my new favorite features of Main Street, USA.

Jennifer Vichko is a lifelong fan of all things Disney and is thrilled to be reliving the magic through the eyes of her one-year-old daughter. She resides in Pennsylvania with her Husband of 6 years where her hobbies include decorating, DIY and planning her family’s next Disney vacation.

Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World Celebrates First Holiday Season by Joshua Snyder

Published November 26, 2014 by jpmdo

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If you’re one of the thousands of people that want to escape the wintry doldrums to someplace nice and warm, the Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World has holiday excitement to spare as it celebrates its first Christmas season.

As you enter the lobby of the resort, you’re greeted by a beautifully decorated 12 foot Christmas tree, along with festive wreaths and columns wrapped in garland, seasonal floral arrangements, and a few surprises. You’ll also get a chance to view Executive Pastry Chef Rabii Saber’s gingerbread masterpiece while sipping on complimentary cider and hot chocolate from 2:00pm to 5:00pm daily.

If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, you’re covered too. Throughout the resort there are chances to try sweet delicacies, such as peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, ice cream (served each afternoon in The Hideout) and an awesome chance to decorate your own holiday cookies with Chef Saber on select dates. Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi has even created some gelato masterpieces for the season such as chocolate peppermint, gingerbread, and cranberry (yum).

The resort also offers a complimentary kids camp each day for kids 4-12 years old. Open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, the Kids For All Seasons has all sorts of offerings for children, ranging from lazy river races to face painting and candy cane scavenger hunts. Each week the KFAS camp will also offer classic holiday movies along with a chance to write a personalized letter to Santa.

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And of course you can’t forget the adults. The resort offers Mixology Classes each week, taking place in the Ravello demonstration kitchen from 3:00pm to 4:00pm. These classes are led by a highly qualified team of master mixologists and range from rum based cocktails to cocktails from exotic locales. These classes are sure to be a hit and may fill up quickly. And for those looking to catch a quick NFL football game, they can visit Ravello Bar, which will be transformed into Cigar City Brewery’s Fan Club. And don’t forget to check out the spa and golf course for special holiday offerings as well.

Of course, who can pass up an excellent dining adventure during the holidays? Not this writer. In addition to the character breakfasts offered daily from the resort, they will offer special holiday dinners at several of the resorts restaurants. In PB&G, you can find a Craft Beer & Holiday Cheer event, held on December 19th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. At a cost of $49.00 per person, this event includes small hors doeuvres and unlimited (yes, unlimited) beer tasting on more than 20 season beers across the country with a souvenir 5-ounce glass to take home with you. The resort’s Cuban American restaurant, Plancha, will be offering an amazing family style dinner Cuban-style. Chef Pedro Sanchez Negron will be presenting a few of his family’s favorite holiday recipes, offering a new and exciting take on the traditional Christmas dinner. Dinner at Plancha will be served December 22nd from 7:00pm to 10:00pm and will cost $55 per adult and $22 per child. On December 29th, Plancha will transform and offer a unique Turkish take on Christmas dinner. At a cost of $75 per adult and $26 per child and will feature fresh vegetables, herbs, and fish with a Turkish flair. On Christmas Eve, Ravello will offer a five-course prix-fixe dinner menu for $95.00 per person. Also, Capa will serve a prix-fixe dinner menu for the same price on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, look for a brunch buffet served at Ravello at a cost of $95.00 per adult and $35.00 per child. Capa will once again offer a prix-fixe dinner menu at a cost of $95.00 per person. On New Year’s Even the resort comes to life with several different dining options. At Ravello, enjoy an amazing holiday buffet for $115.00 per adult and $45.00 per child. At Capa, they will offer two seating options for dinner: between 5:00pm and 7:00pm they will offer a three-course prix-fixe seating at a cost of $145.00 per adult and $65.00 per child. They will also offer a second, five-course prix-fixe seating between 8:00pm and 11:00pm at a cost of $295.00 per adult and $95.00 per child. Both seatings at Capa will offer access to the amazing New Year’s Eve “After Party”, held in the grand Ballroom. Featuring a DJ, dance floor, balloon drop, cash bar, appetizers, deserts, and more, this event is not to be missed. Resort guests also have the option of attending the “after party” with dining reservations for a rate of $65.00 per adult and $35.00 per child. Kids For All Seasons will be open New Year’s Eve for Resort guests only at a cost of $95.00 per child.

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Space for most of these options is limited, so make sure to make your reservations early by calling the resort at 407-313-6161.

What holiday options will you and your family enjoy most at Four Seasons Resort at Walt Disney World? I’d love to hear your stories and see your pictures. You can send them to joshua@mousehunterstravel.com with the subject line “Four Seasons Holidays”.

Joshua Snyder is a Disney fanatic and Travel Agent, working with MouseHunters Travel. He is an annual passholder for Walt Disney World, Sea World, Aquatica, and Universal Studios. In his spare time, he enjoys reading everything he can about the parks and visiting as frequently as possible. He currently resides in the Orlando, FL area. He can be reached at joshua@mousehunterstravel.com.