Magic Kingdom

All posts tagged Magic Kingdom

Video! Long-Lost Friends Week

Published July 21, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Disney Parks asked everyone to vote on their favorite characters to bring back for Long-Lost Friends week (July 15-21) as part of the Limited Time Magic promotion in 2013. The chosen characters were then available for meet and greets

I really enjoyed this 3 minute video from John Saccheri of BigFatPanda.com – and I just had to share it with you! You may recall we had him as a guest on The Disney Parks Podcast recently –  and as you can tell – he is just as much fun in person! This video also features the fabulous Shelley Caran from OnTheGoinMCO.com – and I think you’ll agree that these two make a great on-camera team!

I love that it is a real video from a real person- with no corporate filtering. It gives you an idea of what it was like to be there, including noise from the crowd surrounding the characters. Even better – it made me crack up laughing, and I hope it does the same for you! Follow BigFatPanda.com on YouTube for more great videos!

17 Free and Cheap Souvenirs at Disney!

Published July 19, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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It took some searching…but we found 17 free and cheap souvenirs that you can get on property at Disney! Prices and availability are subject to change.

Here they are in no particular order:

FREE: Character drawings from Animation Studios 

FREE: Downtown Disney LEGO store offers mini models for free once a month! Check HERE for monthly dates.

FREE: Resort soap and shampoo included in the price of your room, so it’s like a gift with purchase! The scents will reminded of the resorts long after you get home.

FREE and CHEAP: Pens, pencils and small notepads are sometimes left in the resort room for you as a guest. You can also buy certain pencils in the parks for just $1.00 each!

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FREE: Celebration Pins – just ask for them at Guest Services. Some people get crafty and even make them into magnets after the return home.

FREE: Park maps

CHEAP: Antenna Toppers are 2 for $8. Bonus: they help you find your car in the parking lot. Even if you don’t have an antenna or a car these can be fun!

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CHEAP: Disney collector packs are 3 for $15.

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CHEAP: Magnets for your fridge or your metal desk at work – some are available for just $4.95.

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CHEAP: Shot glasses. You can get one from each country in Epcot and start a collection.

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CHEAP: Recyclable tote bags.

FREE: Kidcot stations are free! Kids can color and make some arts and crafts that they can take with them for FREE

CHEAP: Inside the Land Pavilion at Epcot, they sell little plants that are actually generated in the Living with the Land laboratories.

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CHEAP: Disney character dangles – another great way to bring something inexpensive home for the entire family!

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CHEAP: Keychains

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CHEAP: Pressed quarters pressed pennies!! We have so much great info on those – they get their own post – coming soon! What are some cheap and free souvenirs that you have found at Disney? Leave me a note in the comments below!

AJ from the Disney Food Blog Answers Your Questions!

Published July 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Don’t you just love the subject of Disney FOOD? Most Disney fans who love Disney food are familiar with the fabulous AJ Wolfe and her fantastic website, DisneyFoodBlog.com.

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A few moths ago, AJ graciously agreed to do an interview with us. Right away I sent out a call to action for you guys – all my friends and  readers here at Disneyways – and asked you to send in YOUR questions for AJ. Thank you so much to everyone who responded!

AJ recently sent me an email with all the answers to your awesome questions and she really made my day. I am so grateful to her for taking time out of her busy schedule to respond to us. I can not thank her enough! Please be sure to write to her on twitter, facebook, and visit her site often – I know she would love to hear from you! Also, don’t forget to check out the latest versions of all of AJ’s guides to Disney food! Without further adieu – here is our Q&A with AJ Wolfe.

1. John from Atlanta: What classic MK snack do you think needs a makeover?

It’s not so much a makeover, but I would love it if Walt Disney World would bring the same great garnishes to their Dole Whip floats that Disneyland currently uses. There’s something magical about a little umbrella and a cherry!

2. Heidi S. from McAlisterville, PA: I’m set in my ways and get a Dole Whip Float on every visit to the Magic Kingdom. However, I need to step out of my comfort zone and try something new. What do you recommend?

Have you tried the Citrus Swirl? It’s a great nod to Disney tradition as well, and has recently returned to the parks in its original form. A twisted combination of frozen orange juice and vanilla soft serve, you can even get this delicious treat as a float as well!

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3.DisneyPirate Dave from Treasure Island FL:
Is there any information in the book for people with special dietary needs like diabetes, allergies, vegan, or other?

Absolutely! We at Disney Food Blog know it’s extremely important that guests with special dietary needs are able to access the information they need to have an enjoyable visit, so we have included an extensive section in The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining on special dietary needs. It’s chock full of tips, links, and resources that you can use to plan ahead, or while you’re on the go, to ensure a safe eating experience.

4. Samantha J. from Niagara Falls, Canada:
I always thought Disney could make a ton (like they need it!) and save their guests a lot by having a PARK refillable mug, what are your thoughts on this?

I’m up for anything that makes the Disney dining experience more enjoyable! That have been rumors that Disney was testing Park Mugs, but as of this date, we haven’t seen them come to fruition.

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5. Sarah N. from Sarasota FL:What is your best cost-effective snack tip (or best suggested item to use use DDPP snack credits on)? What do you consider the most decadent snack to be? What’s the most expensive snack you’ve seen?

My best cost effective tip would be this: don’t ever leave with unused snack credits! If you find yourself with leftover snack credits on the day you’re to leave, visit one of the confectioneries or gift shops that sell items you can take with you, and use your snack purchase to buy these edible souvenirs. Not using every last credit would be a shame!

I think, hands down, the myriad of ginormous Disney cupcakes available for a snack credit would have to win my vote for most decadent snack. They’re huge, and easily shareable between a couple of people. But the new salted caramel ganache at the Boardwalk Bakery is a close second!

The most expensive snacks are usually associated with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. They regularly feature several of the higher-priced items for a snack credit. Last year, for instance, you could get lobster for a steal! That’s also another tip that I like to give readers: if you’ll be in Walt Disney World for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which takes place September 27 — November 12, be sure to save your snack credits for a trip to the World Showcase Marketplace Booths!

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6. You must know so much about Disney food already, but was there anything new that you learned while writing this book?

There is always something new to learn about Disney food! They are constantly trying new things, and experimenting with what works and what doesn’t. I think the biggest news this year will be how My Magic + will continue to impact the way that we go about making advance dining reservations. I see the potential for that to be a real game changer for how guests weave dining into their Disney experience.

7. Are you currently working on any new projects or books?

Always! We have just released our very first DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks, and it’s already a big hit! We are currently putting the final touches on our DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which is available for pre-order (and includes the 2012 guide for free). Other books in the works are an updated guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays (which also includes the 2012 guide for free). Finally, we are continuing work on additions that focus on Disneyland Parks, and Dining with Kids in Disney World as well.

8. What is the next snack you plan on enjoying when you go to Magic Kingdom?

It might depend on cravings at the time, but I’d say there’s a better than good chance I’ll enjoy an ice cream cookie sandwich from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments! No trip would be complete without one!

9. How long will the new guide to snacks be available?

For the forseeable future! We take great pride in making sure that the information in the books is current and relevant, so we release new versions annually.

10. I know we all have, or will have our own reasons for loving the book. But what do you think makes your book the very best out there and who do you think will benefit most from it?

In a nutshell, there is no other Disney guide out there that provides a complete look at all things related to Disney food, but that doesn’t stop us from creating the BEST books we can. We have the knowledge and we have done the research to bring you the most comprehensive and truly useful guides to Disney dining possible, and our books are a fantastic resource for planning a vacation at Walt Disney World. We’re constantly dreaming up new ways to make our next versions even better than the previous ones.

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Click here to browse all the latest e-guides that the Disney Food Blog has available to help you plan YOUR dining experiences on your next trip to Disney!

Podcast Meetup – News, Free Dining, Least Crowded Christmas Party Dates and More!

Published July 11, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Click here to learn more about our relationship with the Disney Parks Podcast!

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Disney Parks Podcast Meetup

Monorail Crawl

Location: Magic Kingdom Resorts

Date: July 20, 2013

Beginning at 5:00 PM

We want to meet you! Drinking alcohol is totally optional. Come get a soft drink or just hang out and chat!

Join us for some or all of the monorail stops!

Here is the agenda:

Outer Rim lounge – Contemporary Resort 5:00 to 6:00PM
Tambu Lounge – Polynesian Resort 6:30 to 7:30
Mizner’s Lounge – Grand Floridian Resort 8:00 to 9:00

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Tune in this week to hear some great news and information – including:

RunDisney Announces the Tinker Bell 10K at the Disneyland Resort

  •  New Menu at Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

  • FREE DINING

  • Touring Plans recommendations for the least crowded dates to attend Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Click here to go to this episode and listen in! 

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World Secrets: Has a Pirate Been Here?

Published June 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

STEP UP, ME ‘EARTIES, YO HO!

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Sometimes you need only to look down to see some Disney World Secrets

When you exit many attractions throughout the Magic Kingdom, you  step upon a moving walkway. Normally that there are footprints painted on the walkway to indicate which direction you should go.  Next time you depart from your boat, look at the “footprints” Disney Imagineers placed on the moving walkway as you exit the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  The single boot print followed by a small circle are the markings belonging to a peg-legged pirate!

Oh, by the way, have you seen the Mermaids?

New Options Available at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Pirate’s League

Published June 27, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Mermaids, pirates and princesses rejoice! There’s even MORE pixie dust coming your way!
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Beginning June 24th, guests visiting Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace Orlando have the opportunity try the “Sofia the First” transformation experience.

They are calling the new feature the  “perfect-in-purple package”. It  includes “Sofia the First” hair styling, shimmering makeup, nail polish, and an assortment of delicate accessories including a crown and hair bow that’s sure to bring out the inner “Sofia” in every girl!

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The Pirates League in Magic Kingdom has added a “Mermaid Deluxe Package” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates Deluxe Package” to their portfolio. These deluxe style packages will include favorite elements from the ever-popular “Mermaid” and “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” packages (which will still be available), but with a few new additions and twists! The Mermaid Deluxe Package includes Luminous Mermaid Make-up and make-up palette, Mermaid Hairstyle with Color Changing Hair Clip, Distinctive Mermaid Necklace, Nail Polish, Mermaid Sash, plus a special mermaid costume T-shirt and tutu!

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“The Jake and the Never Land Pirates” Deluxe Package includes a Jake Bandana with faux hair, sword and sheath, The Pirates League Bag, a unique pirate coin necklace, plus a Jake and the Never Land Pirates costume T-shirt to complete the overall look!

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If you are planning a trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, I’d recommend that you book your experience today, as space will fill up fast. Click here to see our idea for an alternate plan if you can’t get in!

For Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique call:
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at World of Disney inside Downtown Disney Marketplace – 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

For The Pirates League call:
The Pirates League at Magic Kingdom – 407-WDW-CREW (407-939-2739)

Another Monstrous Summer Giveaway!

Published June 1, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Hooray, another giveaway!! This is totally separate from the Monstrous Mint Candle! Remember we are still taking entries for that one until June 3rd –  and we will announce the winner on June 4th.

For this giveaway, I have joined up with some other amazing Disney bloggers to bring you this:

We have teamed up to bring you some fun prizes to help kick off the Monstrous summer AND to celebrate the opening of the Monsters University movie on June 21, 2013!

The blogs bringing you this awesome giveaway are:
Mousekatools
Heidi’s Head
Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
Love Our Disney
Disneyways

This giveaway is open to all US Residents. You can enter using the giveaway box below. Winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner may be chosen. You can enter every single day if you want to! For more Monstrous fun – check out this post about the meet and greets, and this post about the all-nighter.

Good luck and have a Magical Day!

CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM WHERE YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN!!

Magical Makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Published May 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

A magical beauty salon where any little girl can make her dream of becoming a princess come true.

A Fairy Tale Come to Life

With her magic wand—plus a few fashion tricks— a Fairy Godmother-in-training can transform girls (aged 3-12) into  princesses!  Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is owned by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and operated by her skilled apprentices. Appointments typically last 30 minutes to an  hour depending on what package you choose.

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Select a hairstyle

Then select your package:

  • The Coach Package (starting at $54.95, plus tax)Hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
  • The Crown Package (starting at $59.95, plus tax)Hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
    Nail polish
  • The Courtyard Package (starting at $89.95, plus tax)Exclusive Courtyard hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
    Nail polish
    Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique T-shirt
    Trendy tutu
  • The Castle Package (starting at $189.95, plus tax)Hairstyling
    Shimmering make-up, face gem
    Princess sash and tote
    Nail polish
    Complete costume of your choice plus accessories
    One 6″ x 8″ and four 4″ x 6″ photos in a princess-themed holder

Disneyways would like to thank BigFatPanda.com for this awesome video!

      • Makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique are very popular, so reservations are strongly recommended. Call (407) WDW-STYLE or (407) 939-7895 to book your appointment with a Fairy Godmother-in-training today!

Our thanks to Leah Taylor for these photos!

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Boys can join in on the fun too, as Fairy Godmothers-in-training can transform them into heroic knights!

The Knight Package ($15.95 plus tax)

  • Hairstyling with colorful gel
  • Mighty sword and shield
  • Confetti

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Two Boutiques to Choose from:
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has 2 locations: inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom park and at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Downtown Disney

Hours are subject to change but are typically 9:00AM-7:29PM

Costume choices may include: Ariel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Belle, Jasmine, and Cinderella as well as Tinker Bell, Minnie Mouse, Rapunzel and Princess Tiana. The knight package for boys is also available.

The World of Disney location offers a wide variety of beautiful accessories, including ponytail hairpieces and tiaras.

Self-parking and admission to Downtown Disney are complimentary.

Magic Kingdom

Hours are subject to change but are typically 8:00AM-7:00PM

Costume choices may include Ariel, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Tinker Bell and Tiana

The Magic Kingdom location offers a wide variety of beautiful accessories, including ponytail hairpieces and tiaras.

Have you experienced the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Please leave me your thoughts and comments below!

 

A Magical Monstrous Summer All-Nighter 2013

Published May 25, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Leap Day 2012 in WDW Magic Kingdom, a small handful of my family and of course my wonderful husband were able to celebrate with me. I was very grateful for the 5 hours or so I had with them, but the majority of the time I was alone. I remember being on the People Mover at 5am on March 1, 2012…looking down at an empty Tomorrowland and wondering if I was some sort of weirdo for loving Disney World so much. Nobody I knew felt strongly enough about it to be there with me at that time of the morning. Who could blame them though, really? Still, it was strange being in the happiest place on earth, not feeling sad really, but feeling very alone.

Fast forward to this week, and on our latest episode of the Disney Parks Podcast, Parkhopper John asked each of us what we were looking forward to the most about the all-nighter on May 24, 2013. The very first thing that popped into my head was spending time with friends. I wasn’t sure if my husband would make it over to party with us, but he did, and that made it even more wonderful to me.

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There were 2 or 3 times yesterday and last night that I looked around and couldn’t believe the wave of emotion that came over me. At times laughing until my face hurt, and at others feeling so amazingly thankful. What a difference a year makes. I have met some of the most wonderful new friends as a direct effect of Disneyways. Some near, some far, and some that I have never met in person (yet!) To say that I feel blessed is a terrible understatement. I am so undeserving of the life that I lead, and I never, ever want to take it for granted. I don’t normally talk about myself this much here on the blog, but I hope you will forgive me and understand that what I am trying to do – is encourage you today.

If you ever feel alone in your passion for Disney, if you ever feel far away from this magical place, I hope you will think of my story. If you are reading these words right now, YOU are one of the Disney friends that I carry in my heart every time I go through those magical archways on property, whether we have met in person or not. Disneyways, and none of the work that I do, means anything without you. Thank you for taking this journey with me. Thank you for being my Disney friend – one of the best kind of friends in the “World.”

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Enter to Win a Monstrous Mint Candle from Walter&Rosie

Published May 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Enjoy a Monstrous 24-Hour Event
On May 24, 2013, for one day and one night only, Guests will have the chance to spend 24 whole hours inside select Disney parks!

Click hereto listen to the latest podcast from DPP for more on this fabulous event!

The Disney Parks Podcast team will be streaming live and holding meetups at Walt Disney World throughout the evening to celebrate the event. In an effort to help you continue the celebration at home all summer long, we have a special offer for you! My beautiful friend Sam from WalterAndRosie.com has created this special edition candle inspired by the Monstrous All-Nighter. It has the light scent of peppermint which has a reputation as being wonderful aromatherapy for any time you need a “pick-me-up.” Perfect for an all-night party, don’t you think?

Here are the 2 steps it takes to get entered. Deadline is Monday June 3rd 2013 at 11:59 pm

1. Head over and “Like” the Walter&Rosie Facebook page here.

2. Send an email to Disneyways@Disneyways.com  with the subject line Monstrous Mint Summer Giveaway and let us know you’d like to be entered to win.

That’s it! One lucky winner will be chosen and notified by email on Tuesday, June 4th 2013. Thank you for playing along and have a magically monstrous day!