Walt Disney World

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Prize Giveaway and an Interview with Jeff Bahm: Owner of Doombuggies.com

Published October 30, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Check out show #74 with the impressive Jeff Baham! Jeff has had a long history with Disney which is very interesting. Besides all of that though, I think Jeff is SO cool. You know how you get to talk to someone and from that day on – you just think wow…that person is SO cool? Yeah…that is Jeff.

You will hear on the show that he is amazingly humble and knowledgeable. I don’t listen to a lot of other Disney podcasts but Jeff’s podcast – Moustalgia is on my list. I love learning about Disneyland since I have never been there. The team has great chemistry on the show, and each podcast ropes me in from beginning to end! It’s no surprise that Mousetalgia was nominated for the Podcast Awards this year. You can vote for them here.

Jeff is the author of THE Unofficial History of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. He has years of involvement with his award-winning Disney fan sites, such as Doombuggies.com – AND he hosts the Moustalgia Podcast. You can also check out Doombuggies.com for a link to listen to his brand new podcast all about the Haunted Mansion. He has served a term on the Disneyland Creative Advisory Council, and has worked closely with Disneyland and Walt Disney World to help develop and promote special events, including a re-creation of Disneyland’s Tahitian Terrace in 2012. This guy has even rubbed elbows with some of Disney’s greatest legends– including Richard Sherman!

For a limited time, you can enter here to win a free autographed copy of Jeff’s book!

 

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Highlights of this awesome interview with Jeff include:

  • My terrible impression of the ghost host (OK that’s NOT a highlight…)
  • How Jeff got to go to Richard Sherman’s birthday party
  • Here is a link to buy your copy of “The Boys” – a fantastic movie produced by the children of the Sherman brothers about their Dads – and what really happened in their career
  • The story of how a family got to sleep in the Haunted Mansion one night
  • How Jeff and his team celebrated the 10th anniversary of Doom Buggies – wow what a party!!
  • How Jeff got to serve a term on the Disneyland Creative Advisory Council
  • Learn about all the cool stuff they do at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion for Halloween
  • If both were falling off a cliff – would Jeff save Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion or Disney World’s Haunted Mansion? Find out here!

Click HERE to listen to the show directly from your computer. Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately.

Thanks for listening and be sure and send us your feedback! Have a magical day!

My Embarrassing Character Secret – and Some Tips For Seeing and Meeting the Characters on Your Disney Cruise

Published October 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

I have something to confess. Meeting characters in the Disney Parks is not on my top 5 list of favorite things to do. I could never really put my finger on exactly why that is. I promise I am not a character snob. I adore Disney characters with all my heart, I love getting hugs, I love watching other people meet them – so what the heck is my problem? It took going on my first Disney cruise to figure it out. I am pretty sure my problem is the walking, the waiting in the heat, and the fact that the LAST thing I want is my picture taken after the humidity attacks my hair and makeup. I think I just didn’t want to admit any of this to myself and it’s still a bit embarrassing to admit it to you now.

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But, guess what? Getting on the cruise ship with it’s shorter lines, variety of characters close together…and glorious AC converted me into a full-fledged character person. This means there is hope for anyone! So if you are having that awkward moment when you realize character meet and greets aren’t your thing…give it a try on a Disney Cruise. All of a sudden I was excited and wanting to meet every single character I possibly could! In the process I learned some things about the best ways to see the characters — and also how character meet and greets work on the Disney Cruise Line.

Much to my surprise – characters started appearing before we even boarded the ship! So my first tip is to keep a watchful eye before and during your cruise!

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To begin, your cruise will kick off with an awesome character party. You don’t get to meet and greet but you might get to dance and sing along with some of your favorite characters. It’s super fun to see them in their cruise wear!

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Just like in the parks, if you want to meet the characters, you need a plan. So your first step is to check out the cruise program. The program is called the Personal Navigator – and it’s delivered each night to your room automagically.

Your Personal Navigator shows you which characters are slated to make an appearance and where. If you find a character that the family wants to meet, be sure to get to the spot a little early to get ahead of the crowds. If you are late, the lines can get long…but it’s all good. Making friends is super easy on a Disney Cruise, even when you are in line.

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My next tip might be more like a secret. Check your Navigator for open house times at the kid’s clubs. My husband and I dropped in to see all the cool new stuff they are offering. While we were there – Tiana came in to tell the kids a story. I don’t think it was formally announced that she would be there. For whatever reason, she took me by complete surprise. I felt pretty ridiculous for having such a hard time choking back the tears – but I was so excited to see her! Princess Tiana was just so lovely! The kids were absolutely enthralled with her and hanging on to her every word. There was a feeling in that room that I just can’t describe. Beyond sweet and beyond magical.

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Our cruise did not have any stops but most of them do. Obviously, the Disney theme continues offshore, too. When you disembark at a Disney cruise port, so do a number of Disney characters. Check your Navigator for the names of characters joining you on land so you can plan ahead.

The ship will offer Disney PhotoPass photographers at most of the character greeting locations, and they will take photos with your personal camera if you want them to. Prefer taking your own pictures? Be sure to check out our 4 quick tips for capturing great character photos!

Last but not least do NOT miss the Broadway style shows that the ship offers. They absolutely bring the fairytales and the characters to life right before your eyes. Disney Dreams–An Enchanted Classic is one of 2 musical live shows that played in the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Magic ship for our cruise.  It is the BEST Disney show I have ever seen in my life.

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I grew up 30 minutes from Walt Disney World, and still live here in Orlando, so this is saying a lot. We were not allowed to take video or pictures unfortunately…but trust me on this. I saw more characters than I could count through my tear-filled eyes.

What are some of your favorite tips for seeing and meeting the characters on a Disney cruise?

MyMagic+ and MagicBands Explained in 3 Minutes

Published October 17, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Can MyMagic+ and MagicBands really be explained in just 3 minutes? Built to make things simple and streamlined – MagicBands are one of the most ambitious steps Disney has taken in more than 30 years. Imagine using a single source for tickets, room keys, credit cards, FastPASS tickets and even PhotoPass cards while you’re vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort. Are you ready to learn more? Let’s add some magic to our day – shall we? Check out this video for an awesome 3 minute overview of Disney World’s  MyMagic+ and MagicBands!

Sid Gray is an award-winning freelance producer-director with a list of credits that includes ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, CNNfn, CNBC, Bloomberg, The Walt Disney Company, ITT, Kodak, Yahoo and numerous other organizations. I met Sid through Mouskejournals, a wonderful group of Disney bloggers and a fun site to check out when you want to get all your Disney fun, from many different perspectives, in one place. In addition to all of his professional credentials, Sid is an amazing, first-class kind of guy who truly cares for people. Thank you Sid, mostly for just  being who you are, but also for creating this wonderful video for the thousands of Disney fans who have enjoyed it!

Video! “Glow with the Show” Mouse Ears Debut at Fantasmic!

Published October 16, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Last night was the very first official night that guests were able to try the “Glow with the Show” Mouse Ears on Disney World property. “Glow with the Show” Mouse Ears illuminate in sync with the show! It is really a gorgeous and amazing thing to see – so instead of trying to explain it – here is an AWESOME video from the event. Video credit goes to the fantastic BigFatPanda.com

It was perfect timing because the Fantasmic show at Hollywood Stuios also celebrated it’s 15th anniversary – so debuting these ears was s a GREAT way to do it with a bang! The hats cost $25.00 including tax. They are improved over the California version but to me they were still pretty heavy and the strap was not super comfortable. This is just my opinion though. My reccomendation is if you know someone that has some – try them out before buying to see what you think! Soon the hats will debut at Magic Kingdom for the Wishes fireworks show – and during Celebrat the Magic – our castle projection show.  I can’t wait to see how guests will embrace this technology here in Florida as time goes on.

What do you think? Will you be buying a pair of these ears and giving them a try?

What is it like to be immortalized on a Disney ride? Find out here!

Published October 6, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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What is it really like to hear your own voice coming back at you on a Disney ride? How about being immortalized on Disney attractions on BOTH costs? There is not a whole lot of people in the world who can answer this question from experience. Recently on the Disney Parks Podcast we were EXTREMELY fortunate and humbled to interview Mark Silverman. He is THE voice of Rod Serling on the Tower of Terror ride – on both coasts.

Check out the show and you will notice is that he is at TRUE Disney fan, in addition to being so amazingly talented and kind. Before recording, he revealed to me that when he was a kid, he actually collected water from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and kept it in a little bottle on his nightstand! As a child he also recorded all the voices and rides on cassettes – and played them as he fell asleep each night. During this episode of the Disney Parks Podcast, you will hear him recite the different lines from memory, in the voice of each respective character that it belongs to. Incredible! 

We were especially excited to be able to ask him what it really feels like to hear your own voice coming back at you while enjoying a Disney attraction in the parks.

In fact, we got to cover a LOT of fun stuff – including: 

  • How Mark got the job and what it was like on the day of the grand opening of the ride 
  • The story of how he actually fooled Silvester Stallone’s mother on the Larry King Show
  • The technique Mark used to really capture the voice of Rod Serling
  • The line Mark misses the most from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction
  • His take on what it is like to attend D23 as a Disney celebrity
  • Other voices he does in the parks – and for the Disney company in general

There is SO much more, you will just have to listen in to get it all!

You can catch this episode by visiting DisneyParksPodcast.com directly from your computer. Then just click “Listen Now!” From there, just look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately. For more ways to listen, click here. Thank you for tuning in, and have a magical day!

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Disney Foods and Drinks You Should Put on Your Bucket List

Published September 28, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Tune in to the Disney Parks Podcast this week to check out our picks for the 100 Disney foods and drinks you should put on your bucket list! We welcome special guests Chip from Chip & Co.com and Sarah Norris of Gluten Free and Dairy Free at Walt Disney World!

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

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Click HERE to find out how YOU can win an autographed copy of Marty Sklar’s new book called Dream it! Do it!

Highlights of the interview include:

  • Zebra domes – they are not made from parts of real zebra
  • The names of all the ovens at Via Napoli (they are named after the 3 active volcanos in Italy!)
  • Are you still gluten free if the chicken you eat has gluten in it’s food…and what is turkey milk?
  • How to get a low-carb burger at Beaches and Cream
  • Your exclusive invitation to Sarah’s fireworks dessert party – and your opportunity to punch Chip in the face!
  • We close with some of Chip’s BEST Disney tips

By the way – my friend Wendy has an awesome site with over 100 ACTIVITIES you should have on your Disney bucket list! You can check out her site HERE.

Glow With the Show News and Disney Resorts!

Published September 23, 2013 by Disneyways.com

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Are you ready to glow with the show? Check out the latest episode of the Disney Parks Podcast! We’ve got some Disney news sprinkled in with some resort information too!

Bonus content also includes Parkhopper Sid singing a Spice Girl’s Song, Tony’s FAVORITE perk of the Deluxe Resorts…and why I think YOU should treat yourself to a stay in a Disney resort…even if you are a local.

We know real life can sometimes be tough, so we work hard to keep things light – and make you smile. We truly hope you enjoy the show.

I do want to apologize for the sound quality during certain parts of the show. Hopefully you will find that the subject matter and tips we share with you – are worth it.

As a reminder – to listen to the show – just click the photo above to go to the DPP page. Look for the small grey circle with the sideways white triangle inside. Click on that circle and make sure your speakers are on. The show will begin immediately. There’s a lot of time sensitive news and information in this one so don’t wait – listen in as soon as you can. Thanks for tuning in – I appreciate you SO much. 🙂

Have a magical day!

Disney by Vera Bradley: New Details Revealed – Don’t You Just Love Being Right?

Published September 19, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Congratulations! If you read Disneyways back on August 31st 2013 you already knew the measurements, pricing and styles of the highly anticipated Disney By Vera Bradley collection! You get to tell your friends and family you were right! Today we got official word from Disney on these numbers, and here they are! Photo credit Disney Parks Blog.

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In addition we got a reminder about the patterns! They melt my heart! Aren’t they adorable?!

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We got some new information today too! Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, Vera Bradley Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, will also be attending the September 21 release party. Barbara will be meeting with fans that morning from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A limited number of wristbands to meet Barbara will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis to guests who make purchases that morning.

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We love you Barbara! Not to outshine you though…there is more BIG news everyone has been waiting for!! It’s almost like an early black Friday! Are you ready for this?

If you are planning on attending the event on Saturday, Disney would like to make you aware that parking for Downtown Disney Marketplace will begin at 3:00 a.m. YES – you read that right. That is 3 o’clock in the morning eastern time!

Getting up before the birdies helps guarantee you a place in line.

There will be a designated queue outside World of Disney starting at 4:00 a.m. Wristbands will be given to guests in line to “ensure an enjoyable shopping experience for everyone”.
There will be purchase limits in place at the World of Disney in Florida on September 21-22, 2013.

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Guests can get (1) of each style of Vera Bradley bags in the “Just Mousing Around” collection (8 styles total) and one (1) of each style of Vera Bradley bags in the “Midnight with Mickey” collection (8 styles total). You can get your bags only while supplies last. Disney reserves the right to change any of these rules without notice.

Being a huge fan of Vera Bradley bags, especially in for use the parks, I think I would get in line in the middle of the night if I could. (I am in love with the Midnight with Mickey Hipster and Smartphone Wristlet!)

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Don’t feel sorry for me though…I have invested in a ticket to Florida Blog Con – a currently sold-out blogger conference being held here in Orlando on the very same day. I have been looking forward to his conference since tickets first went on sale months ago. Last year was amazing and this year is expected to be just as wonderful! I am super excited and I just can’t wait!

Besides…if I am a good little girl maybe Santa will leave one of these gorgeous Vera Bradley bags under my Christmas tree this year. Do you think Santa reads Disney blogs?

OK so what are your thoughts? Are you going to get involved in all this excitement? What patterns and styles will you be wishing for – or perhaps buying? Please leave me a comment and tell me all about it! Have a magical day!

Related articles

Miss out on the Disney Parks Blog Meetup?

Published September 9, 2013 by Disneyways.com

Did you miss out on the latest Disney Parks Blog meetup? Did you feel a little left out?

Me too.

BUT, here’s some great news for those of us who were not able to attend. My buddy John from BigFatPanda.com has posted a video he filmed during the big night! Like some sort of lovable octopus with multiple hands and arms – he held food, drinks, the video camera – and still managed to get smiles and comments from some of the best Disney correspondents in our community. What a guy! Watch closely to see everyone’s favorite Disney blogger – Mya Space – a character actor hired by Disney to keep everyone laughing!

I think you will agree that it is a real gift to be able to hear and see what it was like to attend this fantastic event. Thanks Panda for sharing the Disney magic with us once again!

Oh and if you will be in the Walt Disney World area on September 13th 2013 – there is another meetup to come. Everyone is invited. No fast and furious emails required. Click here for details, and have a magical day!

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If you love Disney AND Makeup – don’t leave for Orlando until you read this!

Published August 21, 2013 by Jay

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“I don’t know about you but I love makeup  – and I love it even more when it lasts! This is especially true for the makeup I take with me on vacation. I understand that many people don’t think that makeup is a good use of vacation time and I totally agree; vacation time is for family, fun, and relaxation! However, I still believe in looking good while you’re away (I have some vacation pictures from before I felt this way and I cringe now over what a bum I looked like). With that in mind, I’m here today with some tips on park makeup that will pack a punch, last the day, and make you look like a princess!” -Jay

(A note from Krista: Today’s post is brought to you by the fabulous Jay over at WayfaringBeauty.com! Perhaps you remember Jay from her previous makeup related guest posts here on Disneyways, specifically her Oz Theadora and Glinda palette reviews. Jay has outdone herself today by bringing us these 4 quick makeup tips for your next trip to Disney! Take it away Jay…)

Disney Beauty with Jay – Makeup to Last the Day!

1. Pack for a Plane

Whether you’re driving, biking or flying, the best way to pack your makeup is as if you’re flying and taking only a carry-on bag. I always keep my makeup in my carry-on bag when I fly in case of lost/delayed luggage or in case a flight is really delayed and I need a touch up. This means that my makeup has to be small and fit in small, clear ZipLock bag. You can purchase travel-sized brushes and smaller versions of your favorite makeup at many beauty retailers if your products are too big.

Think small when it comes to packing!

Think small when it comes to packing!

Why bother packing that way even if you’re driving? It keeps you from packing every piece of makeup under the sun. The small bag forces you to pick and choose your makeup wisely and only take the things that you’re sure you’ll use, like the basics. Do you really need ten different eye shadows? No. Are five lipsticks and three glosses really necessary? Probably not. Packing less also means you spend less time deliberating over makeup choices in the morning, which leads to…

2. Time is of the Essence

You’re on vacation – don’t spend it in the bathroom getting ready! This time is valuable and you want to be spending it running around the parks and with your kids (if you have them). You will be also taking a lot of pictures though, so you should be at least a little put together. The good news is, you can have beautiful, simple makeup that lasts the day in ten minutes or less.

3. Double-Duty Beauty

Choose products that do it all (or at least have a lot going for them). For example, I love taking Missha M. Perfect Cover B.B Cream with me on vacation in lieu of foundation. The B.B Cream can be quickly applied with fingers, which means one less brush I need, and gives great coverage for a B.B cream. It has anti-aging ingredients in it, gives my skin a light glow, and has great lasting power. The best thing about it? Missha’s B.B creams contain SPF 42, which means you don’t have to worry about your facial skin while out in the sun all day.

Travel-friendly sizes

Travel-friendly sizes

4. Products that Last

While out in Disney, you don’t want to be touching up your makeup all day. That’s a pain and you should be focused on fun, not whether your makeup is slowing melting off your face because of the heat! Choose products like Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick that won’t budge so that you can apply in the morning and then forget about your makeup until you choose to think about it.

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If you prefer to have natural lips, choose a chapstick that has good lasting power and SPF.

Don’t forget, you’re at Disney to have fun! You shouldn’t have to think about your makeup or worry about how you’ll look in photos later. If you choose the right makeup, the only things you may need for a day in any park are blotting sheets (if you have oily skin) and lip balm.

*Want to see how easy a Disney day of makeup can be? Keep a lookout for a follow-up post, coming soon!