Shelley, Author at On the Go in MCO

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration Takeaways

Having the chance to attend the 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Disneyland was a truly amazing and humbling experience.

The 2014 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was full of unique experiences, but the biggest takeaway for me was the inspiring speakers we had the opportunity to learn from during our General Session.

Each one brought a perspective that was truly enlightening, and I would love to share with you some of my favorite quotes from that session.

Tom Staggs: Teamwork

The key to success is supporting one another.

Jay Ward: Consistency

Decisions should be made on how they enrich your brand.

Kathy Mangum: The creative process

Don’t limit where you look during the creative process.

Thomas Smith: Connecting with your audience

People connect with people, not logos.

Donald Driver: Be passionate

We have all been blessed with purpose. Be passionate about what you do. What do you want to accomplish?

Maxine Clark: Listen to yourself

If you listen to your heart, you can find your true calling.

Doug Bowman: How technology brings us together

Twitter is a series of moments.

Gary Jerry: Creativity

Whatever you do creatively, be authentic.

I cannot thank Leanne Jakubowski and her amazing team enough for all of their hard work and dedication to creating such a memorable, inspiring, and exciting event.

Also thank you to Alamo, who sponsored the General Session, for bringing all of these great people together.

Disclaimer: I was invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration at Disneyland, and was offered a special discounted rate that was offered to all attendees. I also received products during the celebration for review. These are my own personal thoughts and opinions, not those of the Walt Disney Company.

#RockYourDisneySide 24 Hour Event Survival Tips

RockYourDisneySide 24 Hour Party Ultimate Hashtag — 140 characters formed a hashtag at Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., to officially announce the Disney Parks bicoastal, All-Night Extravaganza on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-24, 2014. (David Roark, photographer)

The #RockYourDisneySide 24 Hour Party will kick off the summer at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014, EST.

The #RockYourDisneySide Party marks the third year in a row that the Magic Kingdom will be open for 24 hours straight, and this year guests are encouraged to show their #DisneySide by choosing Good or Evil!

I am already thinking of who I will be Disneybounding as!!! It was really fun to dress up as Elsa for the #RockYourDisneySide Party at the Summer Media Preview, and I think I want to give it another go!

Throughout the 24 hours, there will be special events showcasing the good-vs.-evil of classic Disney stories including character meet-and-greets throughout the parks, special entertainment, event merchandise, and food & beverage offerings. And mixed into the fun are sure to be some really great surprises.

The Disney Parks Blog has also said that they would be hosting another awesome Meet-Up! Make sure you keep an eye on their blog and Twitter accounts for announcements. I like to get their tweets sent to my phone, it is super easy to do, so I can find out as soon as it is announced so I can sign up!

Having survived the first two, at more than 28 hours awake and in the Magic Kingdom, I thought I would share some of my favorite tips for spending 24 Hours in the Magic Kingdom!

Pick Six: Tips for Spending 24+ Hours in the Magic Kingdom

1. Pack your bag ahead of time

Be like the Boy Scouts and always be prepared!!! I am usually an advocate of packing as little as possible for your Theme Park trips, but this is the exception to the rule. Try to think of what you will want the most, and pack it with you! For me, my ‘must pack’ list for 24 hour day included adding a travel sized facial cleanser, deodorant, a change of clothes, extra snacks, and playing cards to my normal all-day park bag.

httpv://youtu.be/xEhmt0aiChA

2. Late dinner

I get hANGRY so as I was snacking throughout the day, but I also I pushed all of my meals to a later time than usual. The first 24 Hour Day, we ate dinner at 11:00 at Liberty Tree Tavern and it was a lifesaver! We got to relax, sit down with air conditioning, have a good meal, and spend longer than usual eating to take up more time. It was great!

3. Look for activities, meet-up, and people around you in the Park

While I don’t advocate stalking people on Twitter around the park, it is a good idea to keep an eye on Social Media to see who you talk to that you would like to meet in real life, to look for spontaneous meet-ups, and to get ideas about what other people are doing so you can avoid particularly crowded areas of the Magic Kingdom.

4. Plan on wasting time

You are going to be in the park for a looooooooooooong time, so make sure that you pace yourself. Don’t go all YOLO and try to ride and see absolutely everything on a crazy schedule, because you will tire yourself out. You will have plenty of time, so relax and have fun! Some of my favorite time wasters and things to do that I usually don’t do were playing cards on Tom Sawyer’s Island and going to the shooting range in Frontierland.

httpv://youtu.be/0fXeI0ybzcU

5. Go to sleep early

Think 4:00 pm dinner and 7:00 pm bedtime if you can! You will be getting up crazy early for 24 hour day, and in addition to that you will be awake longer and will be more active than you would be during your usual day. So grab the Early Bird dinner and hit the hay!

6. Have a recovery plan

While a lot of people can get up and get going after staying out, I am not one of them! So I made sure that I had the next day to rest, organize photos, and commiserate with others who took the challenge!

I hope that these tips helped, and that I see you at the #RockYourDisneySide 24 Hour Party at the Magic Kingdom!!!

Make sure you keep up with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for all the #RockYourDisneySide pictures, updates, and more!

LEGOLAND Florida: DUPLO Valley Update And Preschool Pass

LEGOLAND Florida Marks Final DUPLO Valley Construction Milestone Ahead of

May 23 Opening

The park also announces ‘Preschool Pass’ granting annual admission for a toddler and a parent

LEGOLAND ® Florida completed installation of an iconic archway to the site of the DUPLO ® Valley expansion, marking the final major construction milestone ahead of the area’s May 23 opening. DUPLO Valley brings the LEGO® DUPLO line of preschool building toys to life with new farm-themed attractions, an air-conditioned indoor play area, and a water play area all geared to toddlers ages 2 to 5.

LEGOLAND Florida also announced its first-ever Preschool Pass, now available for purchase at the park. The Preschool Pass includes weekday admission to LEGOLAND Florida and standard parking for both one child under five and one adult for a full year at $90, plus tax. Assigned to the child, the pass allows an adult parent or guardian to attend the park with the toddler. The pass is transferrable to multiple adults in the family, allowing, for example, a mother to visit one day, and a grandparent the next, making it ideal for families to bring their little ones to LEGOLAND Florida during the week.

No blackout days apply, with the Preschool Pass valid Monday-Friday only. The Preschool Pass is available at the LEGOLAND Florida ticket office located at park entry or on Florida.Legoland.com later this week.

“We are excited that the final stages of DUPLO Valley are coming into place,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “This new expansion, along with the introduction of the Preschool Pass, improves our offering to families with toddlers ages 2-5, giving them a whole new experience only available at LEGOLAND Florida.”

DUPLO Valley will be the ideal place for park guests to play and relax with their toddlers. New attractions coming to DUPLO Valley include the new DUPLO Train, DUPLO Tractor and DUPLO Splash & Play. Another key element will be the reopening of the DUPLO Barn, which will feature significant enhancements to allow kids to play indoors in the comfort of air conditioning.

The new DUPLO Valley adds excitement to LEGOLAND Florida’s line-up of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions dedicated to children of ages 2 to 12.

We will be at the Media Event opening the DUPLO Valley at LEGOLAND Florida on May 22nd! Make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for all the fun!

LEGOLAND Florida:

LEGOLAND Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO® World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. Recently announced, The LEGOLAND Hotel will open in 2015 featuring 152 highly themed rooms and suites, LEGO décor, interactive play areas, a pool and a restaurant. There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and just opened LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on towww.LEGOLAND.com.

Happy 25th Anniversary Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

To celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite facts, fun times, and pictures from a park we love!

“The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was and always will be.” – Michael Eisner May 1, 1989

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Fun Facts!

I found these great facts on some sites that I love! Make sure you visit Studios Central and The Dis for even more facts!

1. The Disney’s Hollywood Studios entrance plaza outside the ticket booths forms a big Hidden Pluto. You can see his face with eyes, nose, and mouth. This is clearly visible on the park map.

2. The opening date for Disney’s Hollywood Studios is on the gas pump (if you get up close and look at the numbers) right when you first enter the park.

3. All the pictures in the Brown Derby that are in BLACK frames are copies of the originals. All The pics in the GOLD frames are the originals from the original Brown Derby…which no longer exists.

4. What is the significance behind the license plate number “021-429” on the car depicted in the gangster shoot-out sequence of “The Great Movie Ride?” It is the date of the Valentine’s Day Massacre—February 14, 1929.

5. Gertie the Dinosaur, on Echo Lake, pays homage to pioneering animator Winsor McCay and his revolutionary 1914 animated cartoon, Gertie the Dinosaur.

6. The Earffel Tower is 130 feet tall with a diameter of 8 ½ feet and translates to a hat size of 342 3/8.

7. In Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, if you look closely at Walt Disney’s grade-school desk, you can see the initials “W.D.” carved into it.

8. The belt buckle worn by John Wayne in the Western Scene is an actual buckle worn by the Duke in one of his movies.

9. At 40 feet tall, the larger-than-life stratocaster guitar that adorns the entrance of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster has a 32-foot-long neck which is nearly 15 times the size of the neck on an average stratocaster guitar.

10. The golden idol is an exact replica of the one from “Raiders of the Lost Ark”.

11. You’ll see a long brick wall to your right as you approach the ride from Star Tours. Along the top of the wall are planters with flowers and such in them. If you follow them along to the very end, the last one has an ice cream sundae in it instead of the flowers.

12. It has been estimated that each day at Toy Story Midway Mania! guests may break over one million virtual plates using the spring-action shooters.

13. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the third theme park opened its doors in April 1989 and cost more than $500 million. It covers 231 acres, 77 acres of which is for parking.

14. Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ first full length film to be produced at the studio was Mulan.

15. When the Tower of Terror was being built, it was struck by lightning.

16. The Sorcerer’s Hat in the center of the park weighs a wopping 150 tons and stands 122-foot-tall.

17. When you’re in line for Indiana Jones, you go past a well, I think to the right of the entrance. If you pull on the rope, you’ll hear someone down in the well.

18. Look for the key under the doormat at Muppets 3D. Just after you go through the turnstile, go to your right and you’ll find a welcome mat. Take a peek underneath it.

19. A replica of the Colony Theater, New York, is at the Studios. The Colony Theater is where Steamboat Willie, Mickey’s first starting roll, debuted

20. It would take 5,026 toy soldiers lined up end-to-end to make up the total track length of Toy Story Midway Mania!

21. In the preshow Muppet 3D room at Hollywood there is a net full of green Jell-O hanging from the ceiling. It signifies Annette Funicello.

22.Imagineers used the blue-prints of the original 1927 Meyer and Holler building for reference, when building the replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. The facade is built to full scale. The 22 ft central roof section was constructed seperately and hoisted into place by crane.

23. Imagineers had mahjongg players set up the game in the lobby of the Tower of Terror so guests who know how to play the game can see that it is authentic.

24. In 1995, the Earful Tower had blue goggles in honor of Orlando Magic player Horace Grant. The Magic went on to play in the NBA championships, but they lost the series.

25. The names on the windows on the Streets of America are those of the Walt Disney Imagineering people who designed the park

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull Fall Tour Coming To The Amway Center

International superstars Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull surprised their Twitter followers and allowed fans from all over North America to help announce the duo’s fall tour dates. The social media activity sent the hashtag #EnriquePitbullTour soaring and set the tone for what will certainly be one of the best parties of the year. Enrique and Pitbull reunite and share the stage for a 15-city AEG Live tour that kicks off on October 12. Enrique and Pitbull, with fast-rising Latin urban-star J Balvin visit, Orlando’s Amway Center on October 21. Stay tuned for on-sale date details.

Citi^® is the official credit card of The Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull Fall Tour. Citi^® cardmembers have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 6 at 10 a.m. local time through Citi’s Private Pass^® Program. For complete details visit www.citiprivatepass.com.

Enrique and Pitbull have come together to create a stage design that offers fans an immersive experience, a chance to get up close and personal with the artists for a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience.

“There’s no better place for me than being up on stage in front of my fans,” said Enrique Iglesias. “And going on tour with a close friend and someone I admire, like Pitbull, is truly an honor. We really want to give everybody a show that they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

“Going on tour again with Enrique is exciting. He’s a talented music star, and also a close friend who I respect and have learned a lot from,” said Pitbull. “Together we are going to give fans great music, energy and what they really deserve – to enjoy life and forget the rest for three hours, Daleee!”

Grammy^®, Latin Grammy and multiple Billboard Music award-winner Enrique Iglesias is one of the most successful Latin music and pop crossover artists of all-time, with over 100 million albums sold worldwide, and an astounding 24 number one Hot Latin Songs – the most, by far, in the history of the chart. His ability to craft captivating global hits transcends genres and languages as Enrique has also notched 13 number one tracks on the Billboard Dance Charts (the most of any male artist), and multiple hits atop the Hot 100, as well. Likewise, Enrique’s new album “Sex and Love” has added to his tally of seven number one titles on the “Top Latin Albums” chart. This new release has already resulted in five more consecutive number one singles, including the propulsive and seductively confessional smash “I’m a Freak,” which once again pairs Enrique with his tour partner Pitbull. The track is a fan favorite follow-up to their 2012 collaboration “I Like It” from Enrique’s previous multi-platinum and chart-topping album “Euphoria”.

Armando Christian Perez aka Pitbull is a globally successful musician, performer, business entrepreneur, fashion icon and actor whose career sales have exceeded five million albums and over 50 million singles worldwide. Pitbull has had number one hits in more than 15 countries, his videos have been viewed more than three billion times and his social reach matches audiences on television networks around the world. Pitbull’s latest album, “Global Warming: Meltdown,” features the massive hit singles “Feel This Moment” with Christina Aguilera, “Don’t Stop The Party,” “Back In Time” from the action-comedy “Men in Black 3,” and his second number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart “Timber” featuring Ke$ha. Pitbull’s world tours have sold out concerts in North and South America, Europe and the Far East. This year he was also selected along with Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte to perform the official anthem “We Are One (Ole Ola)” at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Pitbull is also a burgeoning business entrepreneur with Voli, his own line of premium, light vodkas, a partnership with Sheets, the dissolvable energy strip, as well as premier fragrances for men and women simply titled Pitbull. These ventures along with major sponsorship deals with blue-chip brands like Bud Light, Dr. Pepper, Kodak, and Dodge, plus a television production deal announced with Endemol North America, and a strategic partnership with Playboy Enterprises that was unveiled in the music video for his new global smash hit “Wild Wild Love” featuring G.R.L. clearly define Pitbull as Mr. Worldwide.

Described as the leading next-generation Latin-urban star “bringing dembow back to the international dance floor,” J Balvin’s recently released first album, “La Familia,” debuted at number one in his native Colombia and quickly went multi-platinum. The record and its first two singles have also been a steady,growing presence in the Top 10 of iTunes U.S. Latin sales and on Latin radio playlists across the country as well. In fact, this month has seen Balvin’s new single “6 am” quickly ascend to number one on Billboard’s “Tropical Airplay” chart while racking up nearly five million YouTube views in just over a week. Additional fans also discovered the charismatic performer through his recent collaboration with Robin Thicke and Pharrell on the Latin American version of “Blurred Lines.” With a strong fan base also developing across Europe – where he was just named Best International Artist of the Year at Romania’s ZU Awards – Balvin already boasts a social media following of over 10 million fans.

Kennedy Space Center Offers Fun Day Camps For Kids

Camp Kennedy Space Center Celebrates New Space Shuttle Atlantis^SMAttraction with Fun Day Camps for Inquisitive Kids

Campers Entering 10^th and 11^th Grades Now Accepted

For a summer camp experience that educates, entertains and engages children ages 8 to 16, Camp Kennedy Space Center day camp provides young people with an inspiring week of fun and enriching activities.

Camp KSC runs Monday through Friday for nine weeks beginning June 9. This year’s theme – Space Shuttle Atlantis: From Sketch Pad to Launch Pad – focuses on the orbiter and the global impact of its 33 missions into space. Along with many other activities, campers will experience the new home of Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM, participate in a simulated Space Shuttle Mission, engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities, learn hands-on about the science of space travel, and hear real-life stories from a shuttle astronaut.

For the first time, programs have been added for students entering 10^th and 11^th grades.

Campers are divided into teams based on their grade level for age appropriate instruction and activities.

Campers entering 6^th through 9^th grade will form robotics teams to design a working robot, compete in a robotics challenge, and learn about NASA’s robotic exploration programs.

The Camp KSC program is designed for children entering 2nd through 11th grades and runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with early drop-off offered at 7:30 a.m. for an extra fee. Camp instructors are specially trained educators. All campers receive lunch and afternoon snacks, a Camp KSC T-shirt, and a Camp KSC certificate of completion.

The camp will run during the weeks of June 9-13, June 16-20, June 23-27, June 30-July 4, July 7-11, July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8.

Camp Kennedy Space Center is located at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame’s^® educational facility, just off US 1 near the west entrance to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Tuition is $295 per week plus tax, paid in advance. For more information or to book a reservation, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com or call 866-870-8285.

About Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the U.S. space program, offering a full day or more of fun and educational activities, including the Kennedy Space Center Tour featuring the Saturn V Center with an actual Saturn V moon rocket, the Angry Birds^™ Space Encounter, Shuttle Launch Experience, 3D IMAX^® space films, Astronaut Encounter, Exploration Space: Explorers Wanted and many other interactive exhibits. The new $100 million home for Space Shuttle Atlantis^SM opened June 29, 2013. Admission also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame^®, featuring historic spacecraft and the world’s largest collection of personal astronaut memorabilia, which opens daily at noon and closing times vary by season. Only 45 minutes from Orlando, Fla., Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing times varying by season. Admission is $50 + tax for adults and $40 + tax for children ages 3-11. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Commander’s Club Annual Pass is $75 + tax for adults and $60 + tax for children ages 3-11. For more information, call 877-313-2610 or visit www.KennedySpaceCenter.com.

LEGOLAND Florida First Responder Days

LEGOLAND Florida Announces

First Responder Days in May

LEGOLAND ® Florida to honor first responders with a free single day admission during May

LEGOLAND ® Florida is proud to once again honor police officers, fire fighters and EMS employees with a free single day admission to the park during the month of May. LEGOLAND Florida’s special offer gives first responders a chance to experience the park’s more than 50 rides, shows and attractions with their friends and family.

The program is valid for all police officers, fire fighters, and EMS employees working and serving in the United States. Active and retired personnel with identification are eligible. Eligible personnel should present their employee ID or professional organization membership card to LEGOLAND Florida’s ticket window the day they plan to visit to redeem their one free admission ticket and purchase up to four additional tickets at only $40 per ticket. The valid dates run from 5/1/14-5/31/14.

This new offer runs alongside the park’s active duty military personnel offer, which gives members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists free single day admission to LEGOLAND Florida and the LEGOLAND Water Park. To redeem their free admission ticket, active duty military personnel should present their military identification card to LEGOLAND Florida’s ticket window the day they plan to visit. Family and friends of military personnel also receive substantial discounts on admission tickets and should make purchases in advance through participating military base ticket offices.

Also during the month of May, LEGOLAND Florida will open the newest park expansion, DUPLO ® Valley, on May 23. Just in time for family fun over Memorial Day weekend, DUPLO Valley is geared to toddlers ages 2 to 5, an ideal place for park guests to play and relax with new farm-themed attractions, including the DUPLO Train, DUPLO Mini-Tractor, DUPLO Barn and DUPLO Splash n’ Play.

For more information on everything about LEGOLAND Florida, visit florida.legoland.com.

LEGOLAND ® Florida:

LEGOLAND® Florida is a 150-acre interactive theme park with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, a Water Park and The LEGO® World of Chima presented by Cartoon Network all geared to families with children ages 2 to 12. Recently announced, The LEGOLAND Hotel will open in 2015 featuring 152 highly themed rooms and suites, LEGO décor, interactive play areas, a pool and a restaurant. There are currently five other LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany and LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London and just opened LEGOLAND Malaysia —the sixth LEGOLAND Park and first in Asia. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group, the second largest attractions operator in the world. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com.

Fun Toon Lagoon Shirts

Universal’s Islands of Adventure Toon Lagoon is full of interactive spots, and as I was strolling the shops of Comic Book Lane I found some really fun Toon Lagoon shirts!

I love Toon Lagoon so much, because it takes me back to when I was a little girl who scooped up the funny pages before my Papa could get to them on Sunday mornings!

These shirts can be found in the Toon Extra shop, and while they are a little tongue-in-cheek and even a tad bit racy they cracked me up.

All of the shirts are made of 100% cotton and are really thick shirts that are a nice quality!

Also at $21.95, I felt like they were a good value for theme park shirts.

What do you think?

Toon Lagoon Shirts

Disney Character Christmas Ornaments

As I walked into Disney’s Days of Christmas in the Downtown Disney Marketplace, I found a ton of great Disney Character Christmas Ornaments that are new-ish that are a really great way to add a personal touch to your tree!

I know it is only April, but I think it is never too early to start finding treasures to show your #DisneySide on your tree! Plus by spreading out the cost throughout the year we are able to buy more ornaments without feeling the extra pinch at the holidays.

So, join me as I look at twelve of my favorite Disney Character Christmas Ornaments!

12 Days of Disney Character

Christmas Ornaments

I love how Eeyore and Tigger are usually together! While they usually couldn’t be more opposite, in this ornament they both look happy…believe me that is happy for Eeyore!

Everyone’s (alright maybe not EVERYONE’S) favorite little alien is super festive popping out of a present!

Prep and Landing is by far one of my absolute favorite Christmas specials, and we watch it over and over and over every year! So when I saw Wayne and Lanny’s ornament I was really excited. We will definitely be picking this one up for our tree!

The working joints of this Pinocchio Disney Character Christmas Ornament are a much appreciated detail that made me smile!

As Dave is a gigantic Oswald fan, we will definitely be adding this to our tree this year!!! He has gone in and out of stock, so you will want to pick this one up if you see it around Walt Disney World.

Mike isn’t amused by these Christmas lights…

Lacrosse is a sport that is really picking up steam in our area, and it is really great to see Mickey decked out for Lacrosse fans!

I can’t tell you how much I miss Luxo Jr. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it helps that I can pick up this little guy to add to my tree!

I am sorry, but these Flamingo ornaments make me incredibly happy!!!

Fish are friends, and now Disney Character Christmas Ornaments! I love Bruce’s face!

How sweet is this Angel Minnie ornament? I love her!

Which one is your favorite Disney Character Christmas ornament?

Want to see some of my other favorite Disney Character Christmas Ornaments? Check out this Pick Six!

Want to see some really fun Disney Ideas for Christmas? Check out our Pinterest Board ~ Dreaming of a Disney Christmas!

Carousel of Progress 50th Anniversary with Kelly Christine

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress was my favorite attraction at Walt Disney World during high school and college. For years it never made sense to my friends and family. They know me as a thrill seeker, a roller coaster nut. How can a ride with a slow moving theater satisfy an adrenaline junkie? The answer is simpler than you think.

Like It’s A Small World and Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, Carousel of Progress debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair. When the fair was over, the ride was transported to Anaheim and installed at Disneyland. It was replaced in Disneyland by America Sings and then moved to Walt Disney World. It is one of the only attractions in Walt Disney World that Walt himself had a hand in creating directly. You can even see Walt Disney and the Sherman brothers in a pre-show video talking about the original attraction.

Originally debuting under the name “Progressland,” the Carousel of Progress follows a family through four different eras. The first scene is staged at the turn of the 19th into the 20th century, then the 1920s, 1940s, and present day follow, echoing the seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter respectively. The Carousel of Progress is the longest running stage show in the history of American theater.

After a few years, I finally explained to my friends and family why the Carousel of Progress was my favorite and it’s quite simple: despite how much the world around you changes, your family is a constant. I think about how my life has changed due to technology and despite all the convenience and distractions at my fingertips, the relationships I have have only improved. After 50 years, the significance of family has not changed. I believe in a great big beautiful tomorrow, it’s just a dream away.

The Disneyland Story Presents Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln And Kelly

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln debuted 50 years ago at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, and Kelly Christine Delaney is back helping us celebrate this iconic attraction’s anniversary.

The 1964 World’s Fair is something I’ve discussed with my dad many times. I have enjoyed all of the stories he has told me of what it was like and he kept repeating “it was nothing I had ever seen before. Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln was definitely something that had never been seen before.

Walt Disney had the idea for a show that would pay tribute to the Presidents of the United States in Disneyland but wasn’t able to due to technology and space. Instead imagineers focused on a show about one of Walt’s heroes, Abraham Lincoln. While this was being worked on, interested parties discussed bringing the show to the World’s Fair. It debuted in the Illinois state pavilion on April 22, 1964 and was duplicated and opened in Disneyland on July 18, 1965.

Since it has opened, there has been some additions to the show and times that Lincoln was taken out completely. The first time I saw the show it included the Walt Disney Story. The pre and post show have since changed and now include history of the Walt Disney company and Disneyland.

Every time I experience the attraction I get goosebumps thinking of the influence Walt had on the attraction. As someone who has spent much more time in the Florida Disney parks, I rarely felt the direct connection to Walt. I really appreciate the amount of history and tradition that is throughout this attraction. I look forward to seeing the evolution of it in the next 50 years.

Have you experienced this attraction in any previous forms or the current form? What are your favorite parts of Great Moments With Mr Lincoln?

Earlier today we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of It’s a Small World, so don’t forget to take a moment to check that out!

Happy Anniversary It’s a Small World!

Today It’s a Small World is among three ground-breaking attractions created for the 1964 World’s Fair celebrating their 50th Anniversary, and we wanted to take a moment to talk about why each attraction is so special to us.

This gentle boat ride is the ‘Happiest cruise that ever sailed around the world’, and was created for the 1964 World’s Fair to salute UNICEF and the children around the world. Filled with beautiful Animatronic Dolls, colorful lands, and an infectious song more than 10 million visitors from 1964-1965.

It was great to see how each of the five Disney Parks around the world celebrated the anniversary of It’s a Small World, but it is really great to hear everyone’s personal connection to the attraction!

httpv://youtu.be/050ZVhjPiNk

My father is a big guy with a southern accent and usually stern face, but his absolute favorite ride at Walt Disney World is It’s a Small World!

I remember on our first trip to Walt Disney World in 1986 we rode It’s a Small World three times, so when my daughter’s, Zoe, first trip rolled around there was only one thing we could do!

As we walked down Main Street, we made our way to It’s a Small World where Zoe shared her first ride at Walt Disney World with my father at her side.

To this day it remains a family favorite ride, and I will never forget the look of delight and love that my father had as rode hand-in-hand with her.

Keep an eye out for our posts on Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln and Carousel of Progress that will be coming to you later today!

Do you have a special memory of It’s a Small World?

Orlando City SC Accepting Ticket Deposits for 2015 MLS Season

Orlando City SC Launches Season Ticket Deposit Campaign for Inaugural MLS Season

$50 Deposit Ensures Fans’ Seat Priority as Season Ticket Members;

Lions to play 2015 season in Orlando Citrus Bowl

Orlando City SC announced today it will immediately begin accepting season ticket deposits for the 2015 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, allowing fans the opportunity to secure their place as part of the historic inaugural season. The $50 deposit per seat is fully refundable and will allow Season Ticket Members to secure their seating priority and also indicate preference of their seat location for 2015 in the newly reconstructed Orlando Citrus Bowl. Fans can claim their spot in history by placing a deposit at www.OrlandoCitySC.com or by calling 855-ORL-CITY.

As previously announced, current 2014 Orlando City Season Ticket Members will receive seating priority over newly placed deposits and are not required to place a deposit for 2015 Season Ticket Memberships unless there is an interest in adding seats to their account.

Fans placing deposits will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred ticket location among club, midfield, sideline, corner, end-line and supporters sections.

Season ticket prices and the seating configuration for the 2015 season are expected to be released early this summer following the finalization of the Orlando Citrus Bowl’s new seating configuration.

“In less than one year our community will be hosting Major League Soccer matches,” said Orlando City President Phil Rawlins. “We’re excited to offer our fans the ability to secure seats to experience our historic first MLS season.”

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Due to delays in the City of Orlando’s acquisition of land required for the downtown, soccer-specific stadium, the Lions also announced they will play the entire 2015 MLS season in the Orlando Citrus Bowl. With more than $200 million spent on stadium reconstruction, the “new” Orlando Citrus Bowl will reopen as a world-class stadium and offer an enhanced fan experience at every ticket price level in 2015 featuring wider chair-back seating in select areas, new concession areas, and new club and premium spaces throughout the stadium.

Throughout the years, the Citrus Bowl has become a fortress for Orlando City fans and the 2015 season will provide the City faithful with a return to their original stomping ground. In just three seasons at the Citrus Bowl, the Lions generated unprecedented success while creating numerous fond memories, including a minor-league championship event attendance record of over 20,000 fans at the 2013 USL PRO championship match.

Beginning in 2016, the new downtown stadium will become the permanent home of Orlando City with its location one block west of the Amway Center. The natural grass playing surface will be surrounded by approximately 20,000 seats, providing an intimate and energetic atmosphere. Funding for the $80+ million stadium has already been secured from the Club, City of Orlando, Orange County, Seminole County and Osceola County.

“We remain hard at work alongside our partner the City of Orlando on all aspects of the project,” said Rawlins. “I am very confident saying that we remain fully on track to open our new stadium prior to the start of the 2016 MLS season and we will be announcing details for our new stadium ground breaking ceremony later this year.”

The Club recently announced that the 2016 stadium project is being guided by industry leading companies Populous, Barton Malow and Icon Venue Group.

All three companies have a wealth of experience in designing stadiums and are responsible for constructing many of the premier facilities in the world, such as Yankee Stadium, Amway Center, Wembley Stadium, 02 Arena and the Rose Bowl.

For more information or to establish yourself as a prestigious Orlando City Inaugural Season Ticket Member, please visit OrlandoCitySC.com or call 855-ORL-CITY.

About Orlando City SC:

Orlando City Soccer Club (OCSC) is Major League Soccer’s 21st expansion team, beginning play in 2015. The Lions’ first team has won two USL PRO regular season titles and two postseason championships and will continue play in USL PRO in 2014 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Outside of the first squad, OCSC also has a youth club, Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) and a U-23 team that participates in the PDL. For more information on the pro and youth clubs, visit www.OrlandoCitySC.com andwww.OrlandoCityYouth.org.

Studio 25: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary Event

Studio 25: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

A WDWCelebrations Commemorative Event

Thursday – Sunday, May 1st – 4th, 2014

WDW Celebrations has put together Studio 25 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 1-4, 2014, and we are extremely excited about partnering and celebrating with them!

Studio 25 is an amazing four day event around the Walt Disney World Resort designed to bring old and new Walt Disney World enthusiasts together through signature offerings to complement the official Walt Disney World celebrations planned.

The **tentative** schedule includes group dinners, prizes for trivia challenges and scavenger hunts, group rides, and more! I have to say that I am really looking forward to the new interactive game and group rides! You can find the entire schedule on the WDW Celebrations Page here, and with a schedule that is so full of fun events you don’t have to worry about keeping up with any changes or missing things because they have an Event Alert Service.

Registration for the Studio 25 Event by WDW Celebration is open now, and as an extra bonus a good chunk of the registration fee will go towards the WDWCelebrations Charitable Initiative! The Registration Fee for adults (ages 16+) is $10, of which $3 will go toward the charity donation, and the registration fee for children (ages 3-15) is $6, of which $3 will go toward the charity donation.

More information about Studio 25 and upcoming events will be released on the WDWCelebrations.com website, theWDWCelebrations newsletter as well as the WDWCelebrations official fan page on Facebook and theWDWCelebrations Twitter feed.

We are really excited about attending WDWCelebrations Studio 25, and hope to see you there!

V The Velociraptor Testing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Professor Parker Woodson will be bringing his friend V the Velociraptor to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a ‘Jurassic Jaunt’ with guests in Dinoland U.S.A. beginning April 19, 2014!

Professor Woodson has hand raised V the Velociraptor from birth, so V is excited to be out meeting people and exploring the world all around him.

You will be able to find Professor Woodson and V the Velociraptor roaming around Dinoland U.S.A for limited time from April 19 to May 3, 2014.

Tentatively the daily 30 minute sets for their explorations are 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm.

While I was never lucky enough to meet Lucky the Dinosaur, I am really excited to have Professor Woodson and V the Velociraptor visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland U.S.A at lest for a little while.