Have you heard? A brand new interactive game is coming to Walt Disney World this summer – and Disneyways is throwing a sort of “virtual” party – in case you can’t be at WDW for the big day. We would love for you to join us at our new facebook group Disney Pirate Adventure and SOTMK Trailblazers!
The new game is called A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas. Guests will get to play the role of a pirate in an attempt to save the actual Adventureland area of Walt Disney World. We can look forward to five different pirate raids, each with a separate map, as well as a talisman, to guide us in our quest of collecting treasure.
On the adventure, guests will interact with Captain Jack Sparrow’s famous compass and come in contact with things like a parrot, an oyster, a bobcat spirit, a cannon, and a treasure chest.
This one is completely separate from Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom – which is still alive and well – bigger and better than ever!
We are all brand new to the Pirate Adventure Game….and whether you are brand new or a seasoned SOTMK player – anyone can come join our virtual party as we talk about the games, share tips, and display photos! SOTMK card trading is welcomed!
Coming soon are contests, videos created just for the group, meetup events and more!
This is the place to be for anyone who enjoys or wants to learn more about the Walt Disney World theme park interactive games – A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas AND/OR Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.
Check out this cool video for more on the new Pirate Adventure Game!
Even more information on the Pirate Adventure Game can be found HERE.
Have you heard? Monday, April 22nd is Animal Kingdom’s 15th anniversary! I wanted to quickly re-post for you what Disney has sent out so far about the occasion.
But first I need to let you in on a secret. If you are looking for more information on the entire Animal Kingdom Park in general – you really need to join Safari Mike at the MOST comprehensive site I have found so far on the web!
Read all the way to the bottom of this post to get the stuff from Disney and then head to:
The information from Disney about the anniversary begins below.
Special opening ceremony – Meet at the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m., to hear from Josh D’Amaro, Vice President of Disney’s Animal Kingdom; Dr. Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animals, Science and Environment; and Joe Rohde, Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering Creative. Make sure you arrive early for this!
Earth Day “Party for the Planet” festivities – Special interactive activities that focus on animals and nature will take place throughout the park from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Artists and other vendors will present their work on in Africa and on Discovery Island, with their work available for purchase.
Opportunity to purchase special 15th anniversary merchandise, available in limited quantities.
Special food & beverage.
We’ll have more details on Party for the Planet fun, food & beverage and merchandise closer to the event date – stay tuned!
To join the conversation about the park’s anniversary online, use the hash tag #DAK15 on Twitter.
Star Wars Weekends is an annual special event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that celebrates the legendary Star Wars Saga and the animated television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of each weekend, you can join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations and more.
The dates for 2013’s Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been announced.
The Disney Parks blog revealed the special event weekends will be May 17-19, May 24-26, May 31 -June 2, June 7-9, 2013.
James Arnold Taylor and Ashley Eckstein will be the celebrity hosts for all 4 weekends.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is required. Availability is limited for some events, which may be cancelled at any time.
In 2013 there will be more than 60 characters representing all six of the Star Wars films: Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
Here is the list of some possible characters we may see in 2013:
(NOTE: These are characters, not the actors who portrayed them.)
Ahsoka
Anakin Skywalker
Aurra Sing
Boba Fett
Cantina Band
Chewbacca
Clone Troopers
Darth Maul
Darth Vader
Ewoks
Gamorrean Guard
Jango Fett
Jawas
Jedi Mickey
Kit Fisto
Leia Minnie
Mace Windu
Princess Leia
Luke Skywalker
Queen Amidala
R2-D2
Shaak Ti
Stormtroopers
Stormtrooper Donald
Tusken Raiders
Vader Goofy
Zam Wesell
This is the first year Star Wars Weekends will be run under new ownership, so to speak. Walt Disney Company recently purchased Lucasfilm and owns the rights to Star Wars including plans to release three new films in years to come.
Guest appearances subject to change without notice.
So far we know:
SCHEDULED CELEBRITY APPEARANCES
MAY 17-19
Ray Park – (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
MAY 24-26
Ray Park (Darth Maul – Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace)
Warwick Davis (everyone’s favorite Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick)
MAY 31 – JUNE 2
Warwick Davis (everyone’s favorite Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick)
JUNE 7-9
Billy Dee Williams (everyone’s favorite galactic smuggler, Lando Calrissian)
Disney’s FASTPASS Service will be used for all autograph sessions during Star Wars Weekends. It works the same as it does for attractions. A limited number of FASTPASS tickets are available. You will pick up your ticket with a scheduled autograph return time (instead of a ride time). You then get to go enjoy the park until your FASTPASS autograph return time. When your return time comes you just go to the autograph location. Each guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS. Once the tickets for an actor are gone, Disney will distribute a limited number of stand by tickets with a return time. Check the park guide for more details.
Alicia is a Disneyways subscriber and avid reader who has a WONDERFUL “predicament”. She is celebrating her 27th birthday in Walt Disney World this year. This is her first time ever to blow out her candles in the most magical place on earth. Alicia was so sweet and persistent in asking me for some tips that might help her to make the day extra wonderful.
So…Alicia…this one’s for you…and everyone else reading this post who has wondered the same thing!
Thanks for your great question!
Can you tell Alicia is just a kid at heart?
This is definitely one of our longer posts, and I want to respect your time. If you are too busy to read all this – stop right here and call my friend Ramon from ThemeParkConcierges.com. (407-257-9973)
Ramon has been helping families and individuals create magical Disney birthday moments for years and he is VERY affordable for the amazing value he provides. Like some sort of Disney wish granter – Ramon has access to special meet and greet opportunities, VIP seating, holiday tours, and all sorts of things that he can customize just for you, and that are probably not even listed here. He can save you a ton of time and make your birthday celebrations a breeze!
Now let’s get the ball rolling and think out side the box for a little inspiration! We’ve got free, cheap and pricey ideas for grown-up birthdays!
Drinking or Snacking Around World Showcase
Planning is crucial here – so be sure to check out THIS LINK before you attempting this idea. Now take it a step further. Create something tangible before you leave for yourself or the person who is celebrating their birthday. Look up the drink and food menus at the World Showcase pavilions and think about the items you or they would most prefer. Print a map of Epcot and write your choices on each country to represent your plan of action. Create t-shirts with the countries and all the drinks or snacks listed. Bring a sharpie to mark each one off as you go! You can buy alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and food at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom if you like those parks better – or do a snack crawl around Magic Kingdom!
Wear a HAT!
Any silly or customized hat can also be a great way to celebrate your birthday trip around the world, or any occasion really. Check out this photo my hubby took of Mike from MikeandTheMouse.com (and me!) from our last Disneyways meetup. Nothing beats a fashionable set of Mickey ears.
By the way…if you weren’t at the meetup these are the sort of shenanigans you missed. You need to come to the next one. The details will be revealed soon! 🙂
Watch the Fireworks during Dinner
Again, some planning ahead is important here. You’re going to need a list of restaurants where this is possible. Stay tuned to Disneyways for those. Better yet subscribe to get updates by email so you’ll never miss a post! Advanced dining reservations are also crucial! The good news is – fireworks viewing won’t cost you any extra if you are lucky enough to be seated for dinner in a good spot.
Take aSpecialty Cruise
Check out the options for specialty cruises at Walt Disney World here. Check out this page for the phone numbers to call. Don’t want to sit on hold? Hire Ramon to do this for you.
Pick the Plan
Here’s one that won’t add any expense at all. You or the person celebrating their birthday gets to pick the general schedule for the day and maybe even invite a surprise guest. The attraction and show choices are endless, and giving or having this kind of power is fuel for some wonderful birthday memories.
Set up a Small Private Event
There are a couple of ways to set up a small private event at Walt Disney World.
One is to callPrivate Dining at the Grand Floridian (407-824-2474) and arrange to have dinner somewhere in the hotel or at the marina during the Wishes fireworks. If you are staying in some other Disney resort – then the way to do a small private event at Walt Disney World is to work with Disney Catered Events (321-939-7278). My recommendation? Use a travel agent or hire Ramon to do all of this for you.
Beyond Birthday Cake
Sure you can get cake at Disney, if you prefer. But I hope you will go to Norway for School Bread. Get Zebra Domes from Boma or Mara in Animal Kingdom Lodge. Order Crepes from Chefs de France, ‘Smores from the ’50s Prime Time Diner, or the Tonga Toast at Kona Cafe. Bring your own birthday candle and your server will bring it out singing. Try to conquer the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream. Have Dole Whip or Mickey Bar at breakfast, lunch AND dinner. Sample every kind of fudge at the Main Street Confectionery. The more off-the-wall your sweet treat is, the more you or your special someone will remember the celebration.
Book some Extra Birthday Fun
Take the Characters in Flight balloon ride at Downtown Disney. Spend a day at the Saratoga Springs Resort spa or the new Senses Spa at the Grand Floridian. Take a backstage tour at the Magic Kingdom. Book a suite or stay in a different or nicer resort than usual. Plan a shopping spree. Stay at the park until it closes. Go parasailing or waterskiing at the Contemporary. Get tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba at Downtown Disney.
Decorate Your Room
A great way to add oomph to your celebration is to decorate your hotel room. You can do this with streamers and balloons brought from home. Don’t want to do it yourself? Enlist the help of the Disney Floral and Gift Basket team. Find them online or give them a call at 407-WDW-GIFT. They have a bunch of room decorating packages available. They can also customize a basket for you. If you have something very specific in mind, get on the phone and speak to someone directly. OR save time and money by…you guessed it…hiring Ramon to do it all for you. Do I sound like a broken record yet?
Another Freebie
Grab a blanket or extra towels and watch the Wishes fireworks presentation from the beach at the Polynesian.
Do the “Usual” but still Pretty Fantastic Disney Celebration Stuff
Of course Disney has their own official ways to make birthdays a little more magical in the World. Click here for more on that. Just don’t forget to come back to this page to reference all the cool extra stuff we’ve mentioned already.
I hope one or more of these ideas will help you get started. Let’s face it, you actually may not need to jump through any magical hoops to make a Disney celebration special. A trip to Walt Disney World is pretty special all by itself. Life really can’t get much better than feeling the wind in your hair on Test Track – or getting a hug from Mickey Mouse. I promise, you aren’t the only one who gets sentimental at Disney.
Please send me your ideas, dreams and memories of your favorite Disney birthdays! We would LOVE to hear from you!
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!
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.
One year ago I sat down and decided to learn how to build a site in WordPress. I had never even READ a blog in my life. I knew nothing about Twitter, Pinterest, SEO, – let alone web design! I never thought of myself as a writer, although that hasn’t really changed.
Being born and raised in Orlando, I felt a little alone in my passion for Disney. I know it’s hard to believe, but some of us who live here take Disney World for granted.
My friends and family encouraged me to start this blog – perhaps because they were ready for me to share this enthusiasm with someone ELSE for a change! Now many of them subscribe to the blog and are constantly cheering me on. They are awesome!
One year ago with their support and encouragement, I embarked on an almost entirely self-taught crash course in web design.
Despite my fears and insecurities – you all are here.
Reading my stuff, interacting with me on social media, sharing a lot of laughs – and being more of an encouragement to me than you will ever know.
I have made precious and wonderful friends and I’ve joyfully reconnected with some from my past.
I’ve made hundreds, maybe thousands of connections to others on-line, some of whom I have never met in person (yet!)- but you certainly hold a place in my heart.
I wake up each day feeling like it’s Christmas morning. I had no idea what a wonderful thing this little Disneyways blog would become in my life.
I am so excited about what the future is bringing our way! I think I’m getting better at giving you the information you are looking for through the blog…and now…I’m learning a ton about podcasting, video production, e-book publishing and so much more! Year two is going to ROCK.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this journey with me. I look forward to many, many more anniversaries of sharing the Disney love with you.
In looking back…I wanted to share one of my posts from that first week. It still makes me laugh. I hope it does the same for you. Have a magical day!!
The first embarrassing ear hat photo can be found on my facebook page…but just like Limited Time Magic…that photo won’t last long.
I accept all facebook friend requests.
Now on with the serious stuff. Like dancing hippos. More on that later.
Limited Time Magic happenings and events have been announced for March 25th – 31st.
Disney is calling it Spring Fling!
Magic Kingdom Park will host Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny. Guests can hop on over to Town Square on Main Street to get a picture taken with the power couple.
The Mr. and Mrs. will share the spotlight with butterflies, other bunnies, flowers and dancing hippos in a special springtime procession that will happen before the daily performances of the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade.
Because….what’s a day at the Magic Kingdom without dancing hippos?!
It’s a good thing bunnies have energy because Mr. and Mrs. Bunny will also be at Epcot to host activities in the United Kingdom pavilion. Kids can meet them, pose for photos, hunt Easter eggs and participate in relay races.
This week will also bring Easter egg hunts in Future World. Yahoo! Stay tuned to Disneyways for what I am guessing will be some pretty awesome video footage of that.
Oswald The Lucky Rabbit ear hats will be available at Mouse Gear in Epcot while supplies last. Everyone knows Oswald ears are the hottest thing in fashion right now.
My husband Chris took this picture of us at the first ever Disneyways meetup. If you couldn’t make it that night, these are the sort of shenanigans you missed.
*Spring Fling experiences and offerings are subject to change without notice. Valid Theme Park admission is requiered for events taking place at Magic Kingdom park and Epcot. No Oswalds were harmed during the capturing of this photo.
March 21st 2013, I posted on facebookthat I was headed to get my new touch and go plastic version of the Disney annual pass, and turn in my old paper one. I asked you to send me your questions about this whole process – and we got some great ones! Some came by email, some by PM, and some were posted in various groups. I have much more I will post on the process and FUN I had getting this new touch-and-go pass, but I wanted to get to your awesome questions first.
Before we get started – I need to make a couple of shout-outs! I asked my Twitter and Facebook friends to guess which character I picked for my new pass. The correct answer was Minnie!
Robert Bearden of the fabulous MickeyUpdates.com was the first to answer correctly on Facebook! Honorable mention goes to Anne @_annaporter and Michelle @cmch22 for being my only 2 guessers on Twitter. Thank you so much to everyone who played along!
To my friends over at the Disney Dreamers group – you have a special place in my heart. I love you guys! Samantha, I know you are so proud. Thank you – and all the Dreamers – for your constant support.
Finally, another big thank you to each and every person who sent in questions, especially my wonderful Disneyways subscribers! You guys are the heart and soul of this whole thing. Thank you for taking this journey with me!
Enough mushy stuff…on with the questions!
Chantal G. – “Silly question are they plastic cards??? I am not all that fond of the paper ones.” Chantal…no Disney question is ever silly to me! Things change at lightning speed sometimes and a there is a seemingly never ending amount of new Disney information. Yes, these cards are plastic, and similar in size, width and flexibility as a driver’s license. I love it – I hope you do too.
Here is what I thought was the super cool secret part that (as far as I know) NOBODY else has posted any where on the internet. Get this…the cast members told me we don’t even have to take the thing out of our wallet for it to work. Of course I tried it…
They were right! I think I embarrassed my husband a little bit with how completely excited I was about this!!! I can’t promise it will work for everybody – but Disneyways readers will be informed enough to know they can try! I hope everyone will give it a shot- and let me know how it works for you!!
Linda R. – “I was wondering .. Do Season Passholders get the new card too or just annual passholders?” Linda this is for all passholders. Annual, seasonal, weekday and even Epcot after 4 passes will have the option to upgrade to plastic.
Mindy C. – “What determines whether your passes include parking or not? Is it a special kind of annual pass, or premium vs. regular?” Mindy, if you have a regular or premium annual pass, it includes parking – and this will not change when you switch to the new plastic card. There will be no doubt when you get it because the bottom of the card will have an orange stripe (see Minnie above) AND the back will have a red stripe like this:
Getting through the parking plaza will be a breeze. The cast members won’t have to squint like they do at the little black print on the old paper passes.
If you have a Florida resident seasonal or weekday pass – it does not include parking – and that won’t change. Your new card will have a black stripe on the bottom. If you buy a ticket as a day guest – your stripe will be green. See examples below:
Paul D. – “Are we allowed to request a character?” Paul this was a hot topic today! I am happy to report the answer is YES.
Alexis M. – “No more Pluto cards?” Alexis, Pluto is not an option at this time. Keep in mind however, you do not have to switch to the new plastic card. Also – please check out our post from January by clicking here. This post shows official pictures from Disney depicting the wonderful customization options we will get to choose once the MagicBandsare released. The cast member last night was so cute, he said “They are going to be as customizable as CROCS!” Referencing the shoes people wear that you can decorate.
Samantha J. – “What if someone has sensitive skin and couldn’t wear the MagicBands, would be another option ?” Samantha, the cast members told me last night that Disney invested thousands of dollars doing research to create a MagicBand that will not irritate even the most sensitive skin. It is also breathable so our arms won’t sweat. We can adjust the MagicBand to fit even a child – so they are one size fits (almost) all. Again, MagicBands are optional. You don’t have to switch over to one if you don’t want to.
Shannon K.W. – “Okay…so just so I have this straight (because my family thinks I have all the answers and I would like to continue to keep them fooled…hahaha!) Do we also have the option of bracelets…or is it just annual pass cards?” Shannon I love your question! Right now, our only option is upgrading to the plastic card if we choose. Disney will be rolling out the MagicBandsas soon as that technology is ready. No word yet on an exact date. Make sure you are subscribed to Disneyways so you will know the minute we find out!
Mark G. – “Still confused on if we will get replacements in the mail or will we have to go to guest relations when we go in June.” Mark, the cast members I spoke to last night were pretty confident that we will be able to get our new tickets or possibly Magicbands – if that technology is ready- as early as May 20th via the web, and then of course, if you order them on-line, they would arrive by mail. If you don’t have yours in time then you will head to guest relations when you get here. There are two more things they wanted me to be sure to tell you. One, if you haven’t already, you will want to be sure to register for an account here. Two, make sure you remember what email address you use to register this account. This is very important because all your MagicBand communication will go to that email address. Check your spam folder periodically if stuff tends to get sent there by accident sometimes.
The last questions I got were about Disneyland. Irene L. and Nichole M. thanks so much for asking! The information I heard (thanks Alexis M.) – was that Disneyland is not expected to have these new technologies until 2014 or later. You just never know with Disney, so keep an eye out for any changes there. I will do my best to watch – but Disneyways – for now, is mostly a Disney World resource (unofficially of course!)
Whew! I think that about does it. Again, if I missed your question, please let me know right away – the quickest being by facebook. I accept all friend requests.
You can also email me any time Disneyways@Disneyways.com There will be many more blog posts on this subject to come!
Now, in case there was ANY doubt in your mind about how much of a dork I really am….I have provided this lovely video. I did not know my husband was filming so what you are getting here is the real me. Check out this new little card and your MagicBand– in action – and listen to the little noise it makes! “Wow….that is really cool.”
I was sitting at a little table near Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland with my friend. She began talking about something called “SAWT-EM-KAY.”
I listened in amazement as she told me more and more about “SAWT-EM-KAY” and how it is a super cool interactive game that has grown very popular in the last year or so.
I quickly realized that she was using the special insider lingo for (what I know by it’s long drawn out name) – “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.” (SOTMK)
Honestly I hadn’t paid much attention before now. I don’t know about you, but wow…I had a LOT of misconceptions about this game. I was really missing out!
We aren’t going to miss out any more.
Beginning very soon, we will be starting a new series on this amazing interactive game that has taken the Magic Kingdom by storm. Come along with Disneyways as we take this magical journey into the world of the Master Sorcerers. Even if you can’t be here to play along in person, you will be able to amaze your friends with what you know!
Get equipped with the knowledge to be a part of this seemingly “underground” movement – if you choose!
“What is SOTMK ?”
“How do I get started with the game?”
“Is SOTMK really for me ?” and
“What are some cool insider tips for advanced players?”
All of these questions and more will be covered in the series.
You won’t want to miss a single post!
Yesterday we had a facebook sweepstakes of sorts. I want to thank everyone who participated! The winner of the random drawing is Katrina Marie!
Katrina – please send me your address and I will mail you your unopened pack of 5 Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom cards that came direct from Walt Disney World.
Congratulations!
We will be giving away more SOTMK prizes on facebook, twitter, and here on the blog! Who will be our next winner? Why not you?
Leave your burning SOTMK questions in the comments below and if your question is chosen – YOU will win a pack of 5 unopened SOTMK cards!
Are you as excited as we are about the upcoming series?
UPDATE DECEMBER 21ST 2015…THIS YEAR FOR MY BIRTHDAY I WAS SENT A COUPON FOR A FREE BROWNIE – WITH PURCHASE! BOO EARL OF SANDWICH!!! BRING BACK THE FREE SANDWICH PROMOS!!!
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? ME. I am one of those people who looks for the fine print and thinks there always has to be a catch.
There are some great posts and articles all over the internet aboutcheap eatsat Walt Disney World – but how often do you hear about anything being completely free?
Today I found a World Secret that I thought was pretty special – an offer for a FREE sandwich. The catch – it’s only good during the month of your birthday.
Earl of Sandwich is located in Downtown Disney Marketplace. The very first store was opened here in Orlando by a direct descendant of the actual guy who invented what we now know as sandwiches – back in 1762. Carrying on the family tradition, The Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney is dedicated to bringing you “the world’s greatest hot sandwich.”
You may have heard the sound of rejoicing when Disney food lovers every where got the news that the Earl in Downtown Disney began offering the Holiday Turkey Sandwich year round.Some have said it really is the “world’s greatest” or more specifically as holiday heaven on a bun. To us rookies who haven’t yet tried it, it is basically turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and a little mayo served toasted on a freshly baked roll.
Sounds AWESOME to me, but maybe it doesn’t sound like your favorite?
No problem, Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace offers a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, ice cream, smoothies, lemonade, boxed lunches, and prepared “Grab & Go” items. Breakfast offerings include several cold items as well as hot breakfast sandwiches.
Already a pretty great value, most sandwiches here are right around $6.99. But enough of that – let’s get on with the FREE part!
All you need to do to get your FREE sandwich from Earl is sign up for The eClub. Once you do that, you get a printable voucher a few weeks before your birthday. You have your entire birthday month to print and use it. Just like all of their sandwiches, your birthday sandwich will come wrapped in gold foil – like some sort of wonderful smelling currency.
Here is the fine print, in case you are little skeptical like me, and don’t want to have to squint later:
“We (Earl of Sandwich) respect your privacy and will not rent or sell your information. By providing your email address you are opting-in to receive emails from Earl of Sandwich and all other restaurant concepts under the Earl of Sandwich (USA), LLC brand of companies. You may opt out of this list at any time.”
Click HERE to sign up for your free birthday sandwich!
Oh, and if you can’t come to Downtown Disney during your birthday month – Earl has places all over the country where you can get your free birthday sandwich. Hopefully there is one near you.
My friend Heidi is celebrating her birthday today and she just so happened to post about Earl too! You can read her blog here!
Hers has lots of yummy food descriptions and photos. Mmmmm….I am hungry.
So what are your thoughts? Have you gotten a free sandwich from Earl or was this the first time you heard about this particular World Secret?
Disneyways 