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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.

AJ

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!

Citrus-Swirl1

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!

Disney Tip to Help Customize Your Celebration

Published July 7, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Who says you can’t get anything at Disney for free? Disney is a great place to celebrate any occasion and make magical memories! If you are in the parks and want everyone to know what you’re celebrating – stop by a Vacation Planning Booth, or Guest Services to pick up your celebration button! The best part is – they are absolutely FREE! If you are staying at a Disney resort – just ask for a button when you check in. You may receive special treatment or surprises if you wear it proudly throughout the day. Buttons may vary – but right now they have different ones for your birthday, anniversary, family reunion, happily ever after and more!

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For lots more Disney World “Secrets” click here! Have you ever worn a celebration button at Disney? What were some fun things that happened on your special day?

Lava Lounge now Open in Downtown Disney Orlando

Published July 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com
Photo Credit: DisneyFoodBlog.com

Photo Credit: DisneyFoodBlog.com

I was super excited to get to check out the brand-new Lava Lounge at Rainforest Café. Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs!)  fans like me will love this place. The setting couldn’t be more perfect. It’s right on the waterfront, which is something I loved. The entrance is themed like a cave entering the side of the volcano.

Lava Lounge

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Not your average lounge lizard – the Lava Lounge has an animatronic crocodile in the front! He wakes up every few minutes to growl and show you his teeth. The kids were standing around in awe looking at this thing.

That’s not all! Without even trying the food here yet – I can tell you two of my favorite things about this place so far:

1. There was a wait to dine inside at Rainforest Café, but at the Lava Lounge, seating is first-come, first-served.

2. Not only can you order from the full Rainforest Café menu, but there’s also a special menu featuring items created just for the Lava Lounge!

With cool names for the assorted dishes such as “Volcanic Sliders”, “Tectonic Tacos”, and something called “The Jungle Runner” as a signature drink – how can you go wrong? There are lots of choices on the menu, so chances are there’s something everyone in your party will enjoy.

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Don’t let the “Lounge” title throw you off; it’s a space for all kinds of groups. The animals inside will be great for conversation, and may give you a chance to teach the kids something new.

Lava Lounge Monkey Lava Lounge Bird

For even more fun, The Rainforest Café Volcano erupts multiple times each evening with a sizzling display of flame spires, fireballs, steam bursts and fog that erupts in sync with a light and sound show. It is really impressive, and you can see, hear and even feel it from inside the Lava Lounge.  It’s the sort of thing you’d only expect to see at a Disney theme park…or maybe Las Vegas. Check out this cool video!

So have you tried the Lava Lounge yet? What did you think?

 

Dapper Day Details – Fall 2013

Published June 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

dapper day 2013

Just as a refresher, what is Dapper Day at Disney and where did it all begin? Organizer Justin Jorgensen is said to have been inspired by the original Imagineer Illustrations of Disney Park designs. These images often portray guests dressed as though they are going out for a very upscale event such as an opera or a maybe a high-end restaurant. Why shouldn’t going to Disney still be on par with such grand affairs? Well, that is what Dapper Day is all about. It is a chance to realize those designer’s dreams. On Dapper Day, you bring those illustrations to life when you become those well dressed guests the designers imagined (or hoped) would be filling the park.

Started spring of 2011, Dapper Day organizes fashionable gatherings at The Disney Resorts in LA, Orlando, and Paris. February 24, 2013 was the date of the latest event.

The coming celebration is expected to be an “evening affair.”

“DAPPER DAY Fall Soirée” Friday September 6, 2013 at  Disneyland Resort, and Saturday September 21, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort.

Here is video of the February event at Walt Disney World!

Dapper Day is NOT a Disney sponsored event. It is completely optional and perfectly OK to stay casual or not even participate at all.

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)

How to get a Princess Makeover when the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is fully booked!

Published June 13, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Here is an awesome World Secret I learned from Ramon at Theme Park Concierges! Have you ever tried to get your little Princess an appointment at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique – only to find out that they are completely booked? It’s happened to many guests I am sure – but there IS an alternative that can be just as magical and fun – with a location that can’t be beat if you are enjoying a Princess Tea or maybe dinner with Cinderella at 1900 Park Fare! By the way, did you know 1900 Park Fare dinner is the only character meal at Walt Disney World where you can meet Prince Charming? It’s true, and now, even if the Boutique is booked…you have another option to get your little Princess all dressed up to meet him.

***Update – January 2015!! The salon is now offering Perfectly Prepared Princess packages that include crowns!***

Prices start at $50 for princess hairdo, glitter and a tiara; add a little princess glow make-up for $25 more. Option three includes hair, and a  light nail polishing for $90. Kids ages 4-12 can get The Perfectly Prepared Princess Package! This is available at Ivy Trellis, Coronado Springs Casa de Belleza Beauty Salon and at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort Ship Shape Salon. Don’t forget that a 20% gratuity is added to every service. Call Ivy Trellis at 407-824-1679 for more information.

Here is the secret place!

Ivy Trellis Beauty and Barber Shop – located inside the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa at Walt Disney World! It is truly a hidden gem! As a bonus, it is even possible that your Princess will enjoy more special attention and a quieter atmosphere than she would at the Boutique. Be sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom of this post to see examples of the finished product.

You will find Ivy Trellis on the 2nd floor – in the main building, near the the Monorail. They have been known to take walk-ins but appointments are strongly encouraged. The hours of operation are normally 9:00AM-6:00PM.

Ivy Trellis

I stopped in and spoke to Robin McKenna – Master Cosmetologist at the salon for these tips on how you can make this appointment extra magical for your Princess.

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First give them a call at the salon at 407-824-1679 or 407-824-3000 (for the Grand Floridian) and ask for the Flower Girl Bundle plus makeup – and explain you are scheduling a Princess makeover for you little one. This will cost about $50 and they will add a 20% gratuity. Payment will be due after the service is provided.

Second, go to your local beauty supply store or website and order a hair extension if you would like. The salon will not have these available – you must bring your own if you want one to be used. Click HERE to see an example of styles and pricing on the hair pieces to give you an idea. The salon has makeup but you will need to bring your own glitter if you want your Princess to really sparkle.  If you don’t have time to plan ahead, you may be able to find hair extensions, ties and hair clips at Downtown Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. They also have the means to do over-all pixie dusting at the Downtown Disney boutique (for free) after the makeover is complete. The Harmony Barbershop on Main Street inside the Magic Kingdom also may have pixie dust available to sprinkle.

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Last is taking care of attire, shoes and accessories. You can get wonderful home-made gowns from Etsy.com, or even make your own if you plan ahead. Upon arrival at Walt Disney World, you can try Hollywood Studios Character Warehouse, Downtown Disney’s World of Disney Store, Mouse Gear in Epcot, or the gift shop in the Contemporary resort. Animal Kingdom’s Island Mercantile has been know to carry some Princess attire as well – including Pocahontas!

The most simple solution however is M. Mouse Mercantile. This is the gift shop located right there across from Ivy Trellis Salon inside the Grand Floridian!

I found the cast members inside the gift shop to be VERY helpful!

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The selection may vary but here is what I found inside M. Mouse Mercantile on the day I visited:

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RAPUNZEL

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AURORA (SLEEPING BEAUTY)

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BELLE

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JASMINE

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MERIDA

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AND CINDERELLA

Take a look at these little beauties! They had their hair styled at Ivy Trellis and all to the attire was purchased at M. Mouse Mercantile!

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Ivy Trellis also has services for any adults that might accompany Princesses if you are interested.

Services may include things such as:

  • Lady’s Hair Cut
  • Gentleman’s Hair Cut
  • Child’s Hair Cut
  • Bang Trim
  • Color Touch Up
  • Full Color
  • Partial Foil
  • Full Foil
  • Scalp Massage with Conditioning Treatment
  • Shampoo & Blow Dry
  • Shampoo & Set
  • Up-Do’s
  • Make-up

Just call 407-824-1679 for the salon or 407-824-3000 for the Grand Floridian to book your appointment! So what are your thoughts? Do you think you might use Ivy Trellis as a preferred stop for your little Princess’s makeover, or have you already?

If you enjoyed this post be sure to check out more royal world secrets: SNOW WHITE’S BIOLOGICAL MOTHER AND HOW TO STAY DINE AND PLAY LIKE A PRINCESS AT DISNEY WORLD!

Hot Potato!! Here’s A Money Saving Disney Tip for Fans of Mr. Potato Head!

Published June 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com

We would like to thank Aunesty Janssen for this awesome post! Please see Aunesty’s bio below – and if you are interested in guest blogging – please let us know HERE.

Hot Potato ~ by Aunesty Janssen

Did you know there is a place to create a Mr. Potato Head on Disney property? It’s true! What a great way for parents to get a break from the heat while the kids play! Aunesty from TemporaryTourist.com has a pretty cool secret to share about how to get the most out of your Mr. Potato Head purchase! Thank you Aunesty for this awesome tip!

mr. potato

Mr. Potato Head post by Aunesty ~

Since moving from the Omaha, NE to Kissimmee to be closer to Walt Disney World we have kept a close eye on the cost of souvenirs and toys. It is amazing how much you can collect in such a short time with two toddlers! With one of our favorite outings being a trip to Down Town Disney for an afternoon or evening of walking around and shopping all things Disney. We especially love stopping in the Once Upon a Toy store there and letting the kids play. Of particular interest to our two year old is the build your own Mr Potato Head area.

once-upon-toy

There is a great big table set up where kids can go get various pieces of Mr Potato Heads anatomy and play and play. I understand why Disney does this, I mean what child wants to leave behind their creation after playing around for 15 minutes making it perfect? And what parent wants to take a screaming toddler out of the a toy shop in the middle of Walt Disney World? Good plan Disney…

mrpotatohead1So after a few times of going through the melt down as we leave without our Mr Potato head creation, I finally asked a cast member how it works and how much it costs. Well for $19.95 you are given a decent sized box to fill with as many pieces as you can, the box has to be able to close though. Now here is the kicker, if you purchase your Potato head with your pieces, it takes up a lot of space in your box. So it is recommended that you either purchase it elsewhere (we just picked one up for $5 at Target on clearance) or buy it separately for $7 or if you want to buy it as part of the box, then stuff the inside of full of accessories as well. Yes that is allowed.

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I have noticed that the accessories seem to change out about every other month. For instance in April they didn’t have the entire Buzz Light Year set but the did have all the Disney Snacks. It seems like they are not carrying quite as many different pieces right now as they did in December, but that could just be me not seeing something. Regardless of which items they have displayed at the time, there are plenty to choose from. I would estimate that you should be able to put together roughly two full costumes sets and five or six additional accessories in one box without a potato head in with them. mrpotatohead2

Author Bio: Aunesty Janssen (of Temporary Tourist Travel) and her family moved from Omaha, NE to Kissimmee, FL so they could pursue their dream of doing Disney Daily. She photo blogs their daily adventures and enjoys finding hidden secrets of Walt Disney World. You Can follow their adventures on their Site or via their Facebook Page where they post Walt Disney World photos daily.

aunesty

Aunesty Janssen
Temporary Tourist °o° Homeketeers °o° Aunesty Janssen
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“Legends of The Force” Motorcade and Welcome Cavalcade 2013 Star Wars Wars Weekends

Published May 19, 2013 by Disneyways.com

This awesome parade is from the very first day of Star Wars Weekends – May 17, 2013.

The celebrity guests, character meetings, special maps, food and  all the fun of Star Wars Weekends make them a can’t miss!

Once you click this link you will be able to watch the entire parade in three parts with no further action on your part.

Thank you Ramon Rodriguez of Theme Park Concierges.com for the awesome job as cameraman! In addition to everything else, during our wait, Ramon managed to get breakfast for us AND deliver a soda for a woman in an EVC. He is so considerate of others and it is always great to be in his company.

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Ramon and I got our spot along the parade route nearly 2 hours early to make sure to get the best video possible for you today. We hope you will enjoy it along with all of our other great blogs about Star Wars Weekends!

And now…get ready to see all your favorite characters including Chewbacca, R2D2, the amazing parade of Stormtroopers and so much more!

Top 10 Rides For Babies and Toddlers at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Published May 19, 2013 by lwcgal2004

Hayden from Disney World on a Budget is our newest guest blogger here at Disneyways and we are so thrilled to have her with us!

hayden

Have you ever been at Walt Disney World with a baby or toddler and wondered which rides they would enjoy the most?

Hayden has some great suggestions to share!

Here is her complete list of  top 10 rides at Magic Kingdom for babies and toddlers:

10. Walt Disney World Railroad–this is a great ride to save for the end of the day when you’re tired of walking. I recommend riding the railroad from Fantasyland station to Main Street Station. This twenty minute scenic ride is a great way to see the park. Also a great to spot to nurse a baby.

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9. It’s A Small World—this is such a fun ride for children of all ages. Hop in a boat for a leisure ride throughout the different countries, the music entertains my kids and they are left singing the song for days afterwards.

Small World

8. Jungle Cruise–this is such a classic Disney ride, I remember riding this back in 1988 when I was just a child. The Jungle boat takes you on a fun ride throughout the jungle where you will see elephants, tribal natives, giraffes and even a waterfall.

Photo source: myfavoritedisneypostcards.blogspot.com

Photo source:
myfavoritedisneypostcards.blogspot.com

7. Tom Sawyer Island–A great place to explore, get away from the crowds and let your little ones run! Tom Sawyer Island is also a great spot to have a picnic, there are picnic tables on the island and a small playground. There are also bathrooms and water fountains. *It is hard to push a stroller on the island as there are many caves, steps, etc. so I recommend using a baby carrier.

Tom Sawyer Island

6. Prince Charming Regal Carousel–This is a great photo op and a must do for children of all ages. Parents can stand and hold their children (there are buckles) and parents can even ride too.

Carousel

5. Peter Pan’s Flight–The wait is usually long for this ride so I suggest getting a fast pass. Peter Pan’s flight is a quick ride so don’t blink or you will miss it! It is worth the wait in my opinion, kids will feel like they are flying while riding this cute little iconic ride that tells the story of Peter Pan.

Peter Pan

4. Under The Sea With Little Mermaid

3. Magic Carpets of Aladdin–The carpets will seat 2 to 3 children per row, there are 2 rows per carpet. Our family takes up 1 whole carpet and I recommend having a parent sit in the front carpet so you can turn around and take your children’s picture on the carpet 🙂 You can control the carpet and make it go up high or down low. The children get a kick out of this. You might even get a spray of water from the camels!

2. Dumbo–The ride has been much improved with the new Fantasyland expansion and now the wait time has been cut in half. There is no height restriction on this ride and even my littlest one was able to ride at only 11 months old (of course a parent must hold little ones). Each Dumbo flies high in the sky for just a few minutes but this is such a classic Disney ride that children of all ages love it.

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1. Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin–This ride can be a little scary if your child is afraid of the dark, however, it is so much fun. Children really love the bright lights (neon) and the ability to shoot a lazer gun is the highlight of the ride for my children. You can control whether or not your spaceship spin’s around too which is neat. The wait times can be rather long for this ride, try to grab a fast pass and  while waiting go and meet Buzz himself – he is usually right outside of the ride area.

World Secrets: What’s with the Big Green Dino at Hollywood Studios?

Published May 18, 2013 by Disneyways.com

She’s a lean, not so mean, ice cream serving machine!

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Perhaps you’ve noticed her on the shore of Echo Lake at Hollywood Studios – keeping her girlish figure by perpetually chewing on some grass.  Is this dinosaur some old Disney character forgotten by everyone?  Nope, she was a creation of someone else actually. Get ready to impress your friends and family with all that you know about Gertie.

Gertie the Dinosaur was the star of an animated film of the same name. Created by Winsor McCay, and released in 1914, Gertie was was credited as being one of the first animated characters with lifelike movements. She was pretty cutting edge for her time – and it took no less than 10,000 hand drawn cells bring her to life. (Winsor must have had strong hands!)

Gertie the Disnosaur’s movie was promoted as the “Greatest Animal Act in the World”, and included tag-lines like “Gertie: she’s a scream.”

gertie paper

In 1989, Walt Disney Imagineers honored Gertie and the role she has played in the history of animated film by constructing her in an over-sized tribute. Of course you will find her at  Hollywood Studios –  a theme park that serves as the ultimate tribute to movie history.

Disney picked up on the tag line of Gertie being a “scream” and because of that, her entire form and belly was re-created to be the perfect place to serve up ice cream to guests. I scream, you scream, we all scream for (Gertie’s) ice cream…you get the picture.

Gertie in the form of an  ice cream shop also pays tribute to the architectural style known as “California Crazy”, which was popular in the 1930’s and was designed to attract the attention of potential customers in a uniquely “BIG” way.

Here’s another secret: the lake and fountain location for Gertie is rumored to be deliberate as well, because one of her tricks in the animated films was to drink an entire lake and then spit it all out! If you have an extra 6 minutes – check out Gertie in her film debut below!

Every single day, on the shore of Echo Lake inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can see Gertie in all her 1930’s “California Crazy” architectural goodness. I think you will find her to be very photogenic. Unfortunately, she is only open seasonally for the business of selling ice cream and treats. Catching her on one of these days can be tricky. Occasionally we get access to inside information about her hours of operation. Contact me if you need to know about specific dates, and I will do my best to get you the info!

Gertie

Have a magical day!

To read more Disneyways World Secrets, click. HERE