travel

All posts tagged travel

10 Disney Films That Will Inspire You to Travel ~ By Guest Author Jason Biondo

Published January 7, 2016 by Disneyways.com

10 DISNEY FILMS THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO TRAVEL

Disney films are beloved and admired for their colorful story-lines, enchanting and beautiful princesses as well as handsome prince charmings. All movies that Disney creates are loved not only by children, but everyone who are young at heart because they simply showcase beautiful musical scores and shows stunning pictures. Over time, Disney continues to create memorable
memories and inspiration brought about by magic and dreams.

If you’re a big Disney fan and a travel junkie at the same time, then you must know where you can find and experience being on the setting of your favorite Disney movie. Here are some of the all-time favorite Disney movies that were inspired by real-life locations.

1. Lion King

lion king

This classic Disney movie has surely created wonderful memories because of the morallessons it brings, songs that marked in every child’s life and of course, the stunning settings of this film. The scenery of this film was inspired by a gorgeous desert in Africa – Serengeti, which is located across northern Tanzania and southwest of Kenya. This safari desert is life-changing like how it was pictured in the movie as it holds beautiful landscapes and wild animals that will surely spark your wanderlust. This movie will awaken your adventurous side as well as you desire to see more of this wonderful world. Hakuna Matata and enjoy life!

2. Aladdin

As a child, you were surely dreamt of riding the magic carpet and wonder how it feels like to see the world up in the sky. Aladdin is a movie based on Arab folklore that is full of enchantments – a magic lamp, a genie and three wishes. The movie has highlighted several stunning places like pyramids, palaces, deserts, alley ways and even China. But did you know that the Sultan’s Palace in the movie was inspired by the real life famous architecture in India – the Taj Mahal.

3. Mulan

Showcasing the countryside and unique cultures of China, Mulan is a story about a fearless girl who disguised as a man to go to a war. The Emperor’s Home in the movie was actually inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. If you remember the famous line told by Fa Zhou to Mulan about life and how it should be enjoyed, you will surely be moved to accomplish your dreams and go on different adventures and explore the world.

4. Frozen

Photo credit Disney

Photo credit Disney

Remember the scene where Elsa went away from her kingdom to elude people’s judgment about her hidden capability? The ice palace she created as a place she could live for isolation was based on the concept of Hotel de Glace in Quebec City, Canada. The hotel is surrounded by snow vaults and crystalline ice sculptures that open during winter. This fortress has 44 rooms, abundant ice sculptures, and imposing snow vaults. This film by Disney will surely motivate you to free yourself from fear and give you the
opportunity to do things you want without worrying about other’s verdict. Do you want to build a snowman?

5. Tangled

"

Rapunzel, leaving the tower to take control over her own life brings inspiration to go on the road and explore different adventures. If you have watched the movie and look forward to seeing settings like the places featured in this film, then the real life places that were actually used as inspiration for this movie will completely amaze you. The tower was inspired by the Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France – a fortified islandcommune with a population of 44 people. The art director of the movie chose this location in order to create gallant painting style. Additionally, the scene at the lake fullof floating lanterns was taken insights from the annual festivity in China, Taiwan and Thailand.

6. Up

Who would have forgotten about the exceptional and adventurous journey of Carl and Ellie? Ellie’s desire to fulfill his and his wife’s dream of going to Paradise Falls was fortified after his wife passed away. Voyaged through Carl’s house hovering in the air has amazed children and the paradise Falls has enthused people to see a similar setting. Well, you may want to visit the Angel Falls in Venezuela’s Canaima Natural Park where this famous setting has been based. It is known as the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, it is also called as “waterfall of the deepest place”.

7. Lilo & Stitch

As Lilo and her family ventured towards the world, it has left a moral lesson about the importance of family and the bond created by traveling together. The settings of this film were enthused by the landscapes of Kauai town in Hawaii which was perfect for its homey-inspired tale.

8. Brave

Meridahorse

Merida, a fearless girl who’s desperate for freedom from her royal family set foot in the woods alone for the liberty she wanted. Brave features beautiful ruins, majestic landscapes and castles along Merida’s journey and some of it were actually real pictures that you can visit. This movie will surely inspire you to visit Eilean Donan Castle, which is known in the film as DunBroch Castle. Built during the mid-13th century, it is located in the Scottish highlands and is overlooking the sea. If you are fond of historic places and folklore, visiting Eilean Donan Castle is what you might need to satisfy your wanderlust.

9. Finding Nemo

MFB_shop_Nemo

The film was set in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Queensland, it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Watching this movie may inspire you to book a scuba diving classes, go snorkeling to a marine conservation or even urge you to book a trip to Australia.

10. Enchanted

The movie is about some animated characters coming into the real world and becoming real people. Based in New York settings, this film features various scenes featuring the Central Park will surely make you want to visit the busiest city in the world. This romantic comedy movie will surely bring in the wanderlust in you as the urbaninspiration and soundtracks will motivate you to see the world.

Inspired to travel? Open your travel planner now, and create your own magical and enchanting Disney-like escapades!

About the Author: Jason Biondo is a travel junkie and an amateur bodybuilder who loves to share insightful tips to his fellow travelers and fitness enthusiasts. He is also a User Interface Developer Consultant and the founder of Trekeffect.
jasonpic

Memento Mori- A Store Dedicated to All Things Haunted Mansion in Disney’s Magic Kingdom ~ By Guest Author Karyn Locke

Published November 13, 2014 by Karyn Locke

Memento Mori

 

Those of you that have read my blog posts in the past certainly know my affection for Disney’s Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom. I get asked what my favorite ride at Walt Disney World is all the time, and without hesitation, I happily answer, “Haunted Mansion”. My family and I have gotten to the point that we know which wall panel of the stretching room will slide open and head directly to it, and can talk right along with “Your Ghost Host” while he is reciting his monologue. Yeah, I’m that much in love with the ride. With each visit to Magic Kingdom, I would hunt out the latest Haunted Mansion items for sale in the shops and carts, hoping for something other than a HM key chain or t-shirt to purchase.

Fast forward to the opening of Memento Mori- Disney’s Haunted Mansion store in Liberty Square. From the Latin phrase Memento mori (remember death), the Magic Kingdom store was bound to not only have every item that I’ve dreamt of owning, but a sense of humor just like my beloved ride.

I, along with my family,  was one of those folks happy to queue up outside the storefront in Liberty Square waiting my turn to purchase goodies covered with spooky-eyed wallpaper and adorned with candlestick-holding gargoyles. Giddy with delight, my family and I headed into the shop, and just like a kid in a candy shop, could not decide what to purchase first.

What’s “In Store” for You?

Memento Mori

What’s in store for happy shoppers, you ask? So many spooky, kooky, creative, and downright awesome Haunted Mansion items that you’ll be hard-pressed to choose a favorite!

Memento Mori

When you walk through the store entrance, you’ll notice a cool photography room where you can get “ghostified”, as my daughter calls it. Just like the famous paintings in the ride, the photo will look normal from one angle and creepy from another. Well worth the $20 if you ask me.

Memento Mori

There’s tons of fun items to take home, like well-made pens, fedoras, and of course, t-shirts.

Memento Mori

Make sure to mosey around the store, as there’s some really cool details along the walls.

Memento Mori

Haunted Mansion phone cases, necklaces, and other themed jewelry as far as the eye can see!

Memento Mori

Want a Haunted Mansion hair accessory? Look no further. There’s really cute headbands with the bat stanchions from the ride queue available for your wearing pleasure.

Memento Mori

Here’s the part of the store that was the most fun for me- the kitchen/table ware area. There’s Master Gracy china, Madame Leota towels, HM aprons, cups, glasses, and candlesticks for your table.

Memento Mori

Looking for a way to spruce up your living room & bedroom? There’s throws and pillows that would make a fine addition to the room.

I did notice an absence of one important item: the doombuggy! I’ll put that on my list for Santa this year.

Karyn Locke, Marketing and Social Media Guroo and Mid-America Guroo for trekaroo is a travel writer from Ohio that has a passion for all things Disney and a hankering for Dole Whip Floats at least three times a week. Also creator and blogger for Sand and Snow…and everywhere in between!, she’s happy to give Disney tips to anyone that asks and is pleased as punch that her family shares her love of the most magical place on earth.

The Best Table Service restaurants at Walt Disney World for solo travelers ~ By Guest Author Katie Miller

Published July 25, 2014 by Disneyways.com
Some might balk at enjoying a Table Service restaurant solo, but just because you’re traveling alone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy a nice meal.  There are lots of great Quick Service options at Disney but there’s something to be said for taking the time to savor a meal at one of the unique restaurants at Walt Disney World.
So what are the best Table Service restaurants at Walt Disney World for solo travelers? 
* Sanaa, Animal Kingdom Lodge 
The menu at Sanaa is not to be missed; the bread service alone is worth going there!  The vibe at Sanaa, although a touch upscale, is very comfortable for solo diners.  Asked to be seated a table near the window and see the animals roaming the savannah at the resort, or relax at the very comfortable bar area.  You can’t miss with Sanaa – even if you’re not staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge, it’s worth a trip to eat there!
sanaa

* Rose and Crown Pub, Epcot’s World Showcase
What’s better than kicking back with a pint, watching the world go by at Epcot?  Not much, that’s for sure!  Not only does the Rose and Crown Pub (located at the UK pavilion on the World Showcase) have awesome food and great drinks, if you eat there in the evening you can request a table that faces the water and watch Illuminations, Epcot’s nighttime fireworks show. A perfect ending to your Disney day!

* Kona Cafe, The Polynesian
If you’re looking for a great breakfast option, look no further than Kona Cafe, located at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  There are some incredible options to choose from, including the famous Tonga Toast, the most decadent french toast. YUM!  In addition to delicious entrees they also have the famous Kona coffee; be sure to get it in the french press – there’s no better way to start your day! (and pssst: They have awesome lunch and dinner, too!)

* Artist Point, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Where should you go if you’re looking for an upscale dining experience?  Take time for an evening meal at Artist Point, located at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.  The setting is simply gorgeous and incredibly relaxing, and the service is top-notch. Every solo traveler should take time to treat themselves to a special meal, and Artist Point definitely fits the bill.

* Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, Disney’s Beach Club Resort
If you like diners, amazing desserts and a “retro” vibe, be sure and schedule a meal at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. The atmosphere of Beaches and Cream is super laid-back and fun, and hearkens to diners of yesteryear. Sit at a table, booth or better yet right at the counter, and transport yourself right back to the 1950s. The burgers and fries are great, but be sure to save some room for the ice cream!  The picture here is the No Way Jose – peanut butter, chocolate sauce AND ice cream?! Sign me up!
beaches
 
Where are your favorite places to solo dine at Walt Disney World?
katie
*Katie Miller runs The Most Delightful Place, a blog where she shares her love of Disney theme parks and the Disney Cruise Line.  As a solo traveler, she has a unique perspective on traveling Disney on your own and is highly qualified to share her ideas for the best Restaurants at Walt Disney World for Solo Travelers. Katie is also an agent with Mouse World Travel, and would love to help you plan magical trips to the Most Delightful Places on Earth!  Check out her facebook page HERE.  If you would like to be a guest author for Disneyways please click HERE  for full details.

 

 

Disney Dance Party at HS until April 6th!

Published April 2, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be holding the “Spring Break in the City Dance Party” for the remainder of the week. Positioned at Streets of America and 8th Avenue (where the Spectacle of Dancing Lights stage is typically positioned), a DJ will be performing starting at 12:30 p.m. and continuing into the evening hours, daily through Saturday, April 6. There will be music and activities for the whole family!

dhs

In other news,  the last performance of the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade and Disney Channel Rocks! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be Saturday, April 6.

Where in the World are we?? Resort and Theme Park addresses for your GPS

Published September 9, 2012 by Disneyways.com
World Of Disney

World Of Disney (Photo credit: Definitive HDR Photography)

Disney

Disney (Photo credit: wickedboy_007)

I love my GPS – but sometimes it has a hard time finding things in Disney.

Here are the addresses for all the Disney owned theme parks and resorts in the Walt Disney World area – customized to be used for a GPS – and put into resort categories.

The color coding indicates what theme park or area the World you are closest to. This serves as a great planning tool to help you book your dining etc.

Email me at DisneyWays@DisneyWays.com if you’d like to have this in a word document that is more suitable for printing!

I will send it to you directly.

 

Disney World GPS Address List from Disneyways.com

“Magic Kingdom Area” in Purple

“Epcot Area” in Black

“Downtown Disney Area” in Orange

*Closer to Hollywood Studios but still considered “Epcot Area” starred and underlined

Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Polynesian Resort: 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Beach Club Resort: 1800 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: 2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830

 

Moderate Resorts
*Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: 900 Cayman Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:1001 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter: 2201 Orleans Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside:1251 Riverside Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: 3520 North Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

 

Value Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: 1850 Century Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort: 1701 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s All Star Music Resort: 1801 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort: 1901 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Pop Century Resort: 1050 Century Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

 

Deluxe Villa Resorts

Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830
Disney’s Beach Club Villas: 1800 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Boardwalk Villas: 2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Old Key West Resort: 1510 North Cove Rd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: 1960 Broadway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Villas: 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom: 3111 World Drive Lake, Buena Vista, FL 32830
Epcot: 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 551 Rainforest Road Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
*Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 351 South Studio Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Downtown Disney: 1780 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Water Parks

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: 1494 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
*Disney’s Blizzard Beach: 1500 W. Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

 

On Track with Test Track

Published August 28, 2012 by Disneyways.com

NEW INFO as of October 2012! Click here to learn more!

“Late Fall” is the time frame for Test Track to return. Don’t you love it when Disney gets specific?

Walt Disney Imagineering’s Melissa Jeselnick revealed more details about Test Track through a Q&A chat session posted Monday on the Disney Parks Blog.

Here are some things Melissa had to say about what we can expect.

Remaining the same:

•Ride vehicles. They are “still the same physical ride that our guests know and love,” Melissa says. “You’ll ride in our sim car.”

•Track layout. The indoor-then-outdoor nature of the attraction continues, including the 65 mph stretch.

•Queue workarounds. Both FastPass and single-rider line will be available again for Test Track. YAY!

Expect these to be updated:

•Marquee. Test Track will have a new look upon approach in Future World.

•Queue. The pre-show area will be totally rehabbed, with a theme that is “changing from testing to design,” Jeselnick says.  On display will be “actual items, sketches, cars, models from GM that have never been seen before by anyone outside the Chevrolet family,” she says.

•Music. The soundtrack will be futuristic and have sound effects. (To me, the thing looks like something from Tron. It seems the music may sound like Tron too!)

Here’s what will be totally different:

We will get a chance to virtually create a “dream vehicle” using interactive kiosks. Whether this is done individually or as a group, the new creation(s) will be graded against the standard sim car (the vehicles we actually ride in as we know them).  When you get to the slide show at the bottom, look for the photo with the dials.   We get to choose from factors such as capability, efficiency, responsiveness, power and speed. The actual ride will be the same, only now you get to see who makes the best “dream vehicle” in comparison to the sim car.

The post-show will kick off with a scoring opportunity, not just with the guests in our car, but guests throughout the day. (Think Toy Story Ride ending) From there, we’ll move into other opportunities to interact with our design. The show room space will still be there with the Chevrolet cars, and we’ll have our own photo ops with different concept cars.

Why the changes? Melissa told us car design has moved into a digital realm, and now Test Track will reflect that move. Test Track is one of my favorite attractions. I have a feeling it will stay that way. How about you?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Related articles

Tables in Wonderland Event at the Tusker House in September – No Park Admission Required!

Published August 1, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Tables in Wonderland – Special Events for September 2012

Things to note about the new process:

Prior to Monday August 6, the website will not be available.

Your credit card is charged at the time of booking and you will receive an immediate confirmation email.

Things to note about this event:

The event is limited to 40 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members.  Park admission not required.

Tables in Wonderland

Restaurant Event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park®

“Elephants & Bees” at the Tusker House Restaurant

Saturday September 8, 2012 at 6:30pm

Dress Code:  Resort Casual

$110 per person, including tax and gratuity

Guest Speaker: Joseph Soltis, Ph.D, Research Scientist

Joseph Soltis received his Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from UCLA in 1996 and arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2003. Since then he has been investigating the social behavior and vocal communication system of the African elephant, both at the Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, and in the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, Kenya. Joseph works on ways to reduce human-elephant conflict that benefit both elephants and people.

Welcome Reception

Chef’s Selection of passed Hors d’Oeuvres

Graham Beck Brut Rosé Sparkling

Amuse Bouche

Sweet Chili Shrimp Cocktail with Mango Foam and Guava Nectar

Springfield Estate Wild Yeast Chardonnay, Robertson

Salad Course

Roasted Golden Beet and Watermelon Salad with Goat Cheese, Arugula, Dual Balsamic Drizzle and Black Lava Salt

Edgebaston The Honey Pot White Blend, Stellenbosch

Fish Course

Seared Lake Perch in a Saffron-Tomato Broth

Paul Cluver Pinot Noir, Elgin

Main Course

Tamarind-glazed Lamb Chops, Sweet Potato Puree, Rainbow Chard

and a Peppered Honey Gastrique

De Toren Z Bordeaux Blend, Stellenbosch

Dessert

Flamed African Honey Beehive Cake on Amarula Cream

Fairview La Beryl Blanc Chenin Blanc, Paarl

For reservations, please note our new process:  Please visit the following website http://www.disneyurl.com/TIWAnimalKingdom for self-booking and instant confirmation.

The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday August 6, 2012 at 10:00am.

When you go to the website please have the following information ready:

Tables in Wonderland Ticket Number, starting with the W

First and Last Name of everyone in your party (you may purchase up to 10 tickets)

Home address

Phone number

Credit Card Number

Billing Address of the Credit CardPersonal

Email Address

Food Allergies (if any)

Aren’t you glad you used Dial?

Published April 10, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Remember those old soap commercials that asked, “Aren’t you glad you used Dial? Don’t you wish everybody did?” See the commercial here.

If you have ever been on a Disney bus packed like a sardine can full of tourists – then you will appreciate this. Disney is testing articulated 112 person capacity busses for resort guest transportation*. I think that means if you were on Disney property today, you might just be able to see and ride on one, The bad news is, they tested something similar back in the early ‘90’s and it apparently didn’t work out. So, I’m crossing my fingers things will go better this time. In the meantime, I am stockpiling my Dial soap for the hot summer season.

Disney goes anime?

Published April 5, 2012 by Disneyways.com

Check out this quick commercial for Tokyo Disney Resort.

It doesn’t look very Disney, does it? Thre is a reason for that. Japanese anime studio Madhouse was hired by Disney to create this spot.

Madhouse is known for Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. (I have no idea what these are by my kid might!)

I just thougth is was cool to see something “Disney” that is so far from the usual animation style. Guess what else?

Madhouse also handled the animation duties for Stitch!, the anime version of Lilo & Stitch. If someone can find a video of THAT I’d love to see it!

%d bloggers like this: