Shelley, Author at On the Go in MCO

New WWE Performance Center Opening Summer 2013 In Orlando

New WWE Performance Center Opening

This summer a state-of the-art WWE Performance Center will open, and will serve as home to WWE’s talent development system, recently re-branded NXT®. We were beyond thrilled to attend the Press Conference and to be able to tour the still under construction Center.

httpv://youtu.be/QVKKmt2zSvU

Once complete, the Performance Center will be 26,000 square-feet of world class training facility featuring seven training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning program, and a cutting-edge editing and production facility focused on creating ‘Bulletproof’ athletes from the inside out.

On our tour of the WWE Performance Center, led by Paul “Triple H®” Levesque, we got a great sense of how the Center will operate once it is opened this summer.

The all-new Performance Center will give WWE the ability to train more potential performers than ever before through a comprehensive program including in-ring training, physical preparedness, and character development.

The new center will be the training ground for talent that includes former professional and collegiate athletes, Olympians, and entertainers, and will offer a best-in-class sports medicine program creating a central location for all WWE talent to receive the best care both in and out of the ring.

The sports medicine aspect of the Performance Center will be a great asset, as it will allow doctors and trainers to work hand in hand to create stronger athletes whose health is comprehensively documented. This is especially important with rehabilitation from injuries and treatment of any future injuries.

But the highlight of the WWE Performance Center is the Training Room! This room will will feature 7 rings that will be outfitted with the same lights and equipment used for the taping of WWE Programs.

It was clear to see that the WWE Performance Center has been created to mold the next generation of WWE Superstars into complete and ‘Bulletproof’ packages. As a fan, I have to say that it was really exciting to see the care and thought that has gone into the design of the WWE Performance Center!

Not only is the creation of this Center beneficial to the future of the WWE, but it will also be contributing to the local economy as well.

“Our economy has created nearly 300,000 new private sector jobs in just over two years, meaning that thousands of Florida families now have the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Governor Rick Scott. “WWE could have chosen anywhere in the world to house this new global performance center – and they chose the Sunshine State. Today’s announcement that WWE will create nearly 100 more jobs for families in Central Florida is further proof that everything we do is geared towards job creation and its working.”

“We are so excited that WWE has chosen to establish its training and talent development operations in Central Florida,” said Teresa Jacobs, Mayor of Orange County. “In addition to strengthening our burgeoning entertainment production industry, the WWE Performance Center brings high-value jobs, capital investment and continued economic expansion to our area.”

Today’s announcement solidifies WWE’s presence in Orlando and evolves WWE’s partnership with Full Sail University.

Last year, WWE and Full Sail announced an innovative partnership that moved live tapings of WWE NXT series, WWE’s weekly one-hour show that broadcasts on WWE.com and in more than 60 countries worldwide, to Full Sail Live, the university’s state-of-the-art performance venue.

The partnership, which created a new student scholarship fund, also allows students of the university’s entertainment-focused degree programs, including Film, Show Production, Digital Arts and Design, Internet Marketing and Entertainment Business, and to gain real-world experience alongside WWE production staff during WWE NXT tapings.

“The WWE Performance Center and our partnership with Full Sail University are critical to the future of our company,” said Paul “Triple H^®” Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent and Live Events, WWE. “Orlando is now the home to the next generation of WWE Superstars.”

“Collaborating with WWE has elevated the education experience here at Full Sail University by creating many opportunities for our students to gain hands-on experience by being mentored by some of the best minds in the entertainment production industry,” said Garry Jones, President of Full Sail University. “We are excited to welcome WWE to the neighborhood and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this evolving partnership.”

It was beyond an honor to be able to tour the facility, meet members of the WWE and Full Sail teams, and as a fan it was great to hear the enthusiasm that Governor Scott & Mayor Jacobs have for this partnership and its expansion in the future!

About WWE

WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE: WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming is broadcast in more than 150 countries and 30 languages and reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Miami, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Istanbul and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE: WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Wordless Wednesday – Local Advertisements

Wordless Wednesday – April 17, 2009

Wordless Wednesday 4 16 2013 — Wordless Wednesday this week takes us to the village of Harambe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to see some of the local advertisements.

KINGS Bowl Orlando Opens Today

KINGS Bowl Orlando soft opens today, and is sure to

change the face of nightlife on I-Drive!

KINGS Bowl first opened their doors in 2003 in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay. With a retro-inspired décor KINGS focuses on creating unique and memorable entertainment experiences with an emphasis on food, creative cocktails and beer selection, cutting edge technology, and a fun atmosphere with music to keep the party going.

This 30,000 square feet location is a lot more than just “bowling”…it’s an entertainment venue where you will find:

22 Ten Pin Bowling Lanes
Four Full-Size billiards tables
Regulation size, outdoor Bocce ball court
Full-service, executive chef driven restaurant serving award-winning food
Two premium bars serving fun and innovative cocktails
Customizable private space for parties of 10-800 people including corporate/team-building events, birthdays, bachelor(ette) parties, kids parties and more
Over 60 giant HDTV’s and HD projector screens
Industry best sound, lighting and music environment
Regulation Shuffleboard Table

When we were treated to a preview of KINGS Bowl Orlando, we were able to try some of their food and drink options.

Executive-Chef Andre Bautista has won numerous awards and has created a menu for KINGS Bowl Orlando showcasing American comfort food with a kick. Each dish has a unique, unexpected and playful twist that leaves diners delighted. Hand-formed buffalo wontons, house-smoked ribs, marinated steak tips and seared scallops are among Chef Bautista’s most popular and mouth-watering dishes on the Kings menu.

Born in Santos, Brazil, Chef Bautista has also embraced his roots and the large Brazilian tourist population in Kings’ Orlando location by adding “Moqueca,” a traditional Brazilian clay pot fish stew, to the menu.

I have to say that my favorites were the Hand-Formed Buffalo Chicken Wontons, Sesame Ginger Chicken Wings with Chili Soy Sauce, and the Chocolate Banana Spring Rolls were out of this world!

And the cocktail menu is beyond creative! Everyone really enjoyed the Fizzy Lifting Drink! It’s such a playful (and delicious) nod to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

But one of the coolest, and exclusive to KINGS Bowl Orlando, is the two booths that feature their own beers on draft. That’s right…You just tell your server how many pints you would like to purchase, and you then get to pour the beers you want at your leisure. It’s pretty awesome!

If Private Parties are your thing, KINGS Bowl Orlando has two private bowling/party space and party planners that are on staff to help make any party a success. From a fun gathering to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah party, you’re covered at KINGS!

There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going to visit KINGS…

Age/ID Policy:

Must be 21 or over to enter the premises after 6:00PM. All persons must present a valid legal ID for proof of age.
In order to consume alcoholic beverages, you must establish that you are at least 21 years of age. You must have a valid identification card issued by a state governmental agency containing your photograph, date of birth, height, sex and color eyes. Kings is unable to accept forms of identification that are expired, cracked, altered, or damaged in any way.
Please note: All forms of identification must NOT be expired Kings does not accept paper or international driver’s licenses as a form of ID. Kings staff may ask for back up identification at any time and for any reason.

Acceptable forms of ID are:

A valid Florida driver’s license
Passport
Out-of-state license w/back-up
Valid Florida ID with a valid expiration date listed
United States Active Military ID
A valid Foreign driver’s license
House Policies

House Policies

No horseplay or other disturbing or disruptive behaviors
Any person who damages Kings property or equipment shall be held liable for its repair or replacement
Loitering on these premises or in the adjacent parking areas is strictly prohibited

Dress Code

No excessively baggy clothing of any kind
No work style boots
No baseball caps
No bandanas/doo rags
No sleeveless shirts
No bluetooth devices
No oversized chains or pendants
Persons wearing torn or soiled clothing may only be admitted at the discretion of Management
No hats, clothing, jewelry or visible tattoos with profanity or objectionable art
Sunglasses may not be worn on the premises
All back packs and/or bags are subject to be searched by Kings staff

Kings reserves the right to modify the dress code guidelines for any reason, including or due to local or seasonal conditions or special events.

Location

Kings Bowl Orlando is located at:

8255 South International Drive, Suite 120

Orlando, FL 32819

Click here for directions on Google Maps.

Located on I-Drive behind Ripley’s Believe It or Not! And Charley’s Steakhouse. Enter from I-Drive or Universal Boulevard.

Hours of Operation

Opening April 15th, 2013

Monday, April 15th – 6:00PM-10:00PM

Tuesday, April 16th – Private Event, Closed to the Public

Wednesday, April 17th – Private Event, Closed to the Public

Thursday, April 18th – 6:00PM-12:00AM

Friday, April 19th – 6:00PM-12:00AM

Saturday, April 20th – 2:00PM-2:00AM

Sunday, April 21st – 12:00PM-12:00AM

Monday, April 22nd – Private Event, Closed to the Public

Tuesday, April 23rd – 5:00PM-2:00AM

Wednesday, April 24th – 5:00PM-2:00AM

Thursday, April 25th – 11:00AM-2:00AM

Friday, April 26th – 11:00AM-2:00AM

Saturday, April 27th – 11:00AM-2:00AM

Sunday, April 28th – 11:00AM-2:00AM

Also, they are having a great fundraiser for the Orlando Ballet called Bowl-Erina on April 16^th and you can find out more about it here.

We really enjoyed our time at KINGS Bowl Orlando, and it is a great way to spend a fun and upscale night with friends, a unique date spot, or just a great place to host an event. We can’t wait to go back!

Celebration Exotic Car Festival

The 10th Annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival children’s charity event is here again! This event showcases North America’s largest collection of exotic cars, race cars and iconic Hollywood movie cars, coming together to help children with life threatening medical conditions. Enjoy the world class exotic car concours set along the waterfront of Celebration, meet world famous chefs at the Food and Wine at Portofino event, participate in the acclaimed road rally, and more!

As one of the largest exotic car festivals in the world, they are also one of the only events that donate 100% of the net proceeds to charity. Since 2004, over $800,000 has been donated to children’s charities, including Make-A-Wish, Special Olympics, and Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospitals just to name a few through the efforts of this event!

Celebration Exotic Car Festival Schedule

Saturday, April 13

Concours of Exotic Cars
10 am-4:00 pm
FREE ADMISSION-OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Saturday morning, the peaceful waterside village of Celebration will welcome 250 of the planets most exotic cars, race cars and Hollywood movie cars in a world-class concours event. Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Bugatti, McLaren, Lotus, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Aston Marti, Pantera, DeLorean, and others will be competing for Class Trophies and the coveted Best of Show. Now in it’s 10th year, the Celebration Exotic Car Festival has been named one of the 5 Best Car Shows in the World by Made Man Magazine.

Located across from the Walt Disney World Resort, Celebration offers an ideal setting for the concours. Take a stroll around the lake, enjoy lunch at one of the sidewalk cafes, and browse the eclectic collection of shops.

Celebration Exotic Car Festival — 1958 Plymouth Fury – Christine (Steven King)

Saturday, April 13

Food & Wine at Portofino, Loew’s Portofino Bay Resort
Universal Orlando
7:00 pm-11:00 pm

This high-energy event is the party of the year! the annual Food & Wine party will take place harborside at the stunning Loew’s Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando. A virtual duplication of the beautiful seaside town of Portofino, Italy, this idyllic waterfront setting is the perfect location to enjoy fine wines and incredible cuisine! More than 50 local restaurants and renowned celebrity chef’s join to prepare a world-class culinary and fine wine extravaganza. Highlighting the evening will be a display of exotic cars, live music, performance artists, silent and live auctions, and much more!

Sunday, April 14

Rally10:30 am (Drivers Meeting 9:30 am)

Join us Sunday Morning for a fun and competitive rally! Following a drivers meeting and Continental Breakfast, drive your exotic car as it was meant to be driven, with a Police Escort to get us on our way. See the sights and enjoy the wide open roads of Central Florida! Wrapping up the event, enjoy a fantastic awards luncheon back at Cafe D’ Antonio in Celebration.

Check out the official 2013 Celebration Exotic Car Festival here for more information about the festival.

Celebrate Mother’s Day At The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel

The Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Hotel will offer free mimosas for moms at a special Mother’s Day brunch at the

character-dining restaurant Garden Grove

To help guests celebrate their moms, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel will be offering a special brunch at the character-dining restaurant – Garden Grove – this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

All mothers will receive a mimosa, compliments of the Epcot Resort Area hotel, to enjoy with their meal, while the entire family can enjoy interacting with some of their favorite Disney characters as they dine in the restaurant’s park-like ambiance. The specialty menu will feature items including a create-your-own eggs benedict station, salads, soups, and a buffet featuring seared branzino (fish), wild mushroom ravioli, honey-baked petite chicken and much more.

In addition to the Mother’s Day brunch, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel offers numerous amenities to make moms feel special on their day. Amenities include the luxurious, Balinese-themed Mandara Spa, five pools, a beach, Westin Heavenly Beds and much more. To check availability, make reservations and find out more information, including the latest special rates and offers, please visit www.swandolphin.com.

To make reservations, guests can call 407-934-1618 or visit www.swandolphin.com. The brunch is $35.99 for adults; $19.99 for children (ages 3 – 9); kids under three eat free. All pricing is exclusive of tax and gratuity; an 18% gratuity will be added to all checks. Discounts, promotions and coupons will not be accepted for this event.

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is the gateway to Central Florida’s greatest theme parks and attractions. The hotel is located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and nearby Disney’sAnimal Kingdom Theme Park and Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can discover 17 world-class restaurants and lounges, sophisticated guest rooms with Westin Heavenly Beds and the luxurious Mandara Spa. The hotel features five pools, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf, complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and the Extra Magic Hours benefit, where each day, one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks offers additional time for guests to enjoy select attractions. (Valid Theme Park admission and Resort ID required). The hotel can be reached at 800-227-1500, www.swandolphin.com or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/swananddolphin.

Wordless Wednesday: Lunch With Walt

Wordless Wednesday – April 10, 2013

Find Yourself In Nature At The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition

Find Yourself In Nature On Florida’s Space Coast

April 6 – 21, 2013

At the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition

For sixteen days in April, the Space Coast will be host to hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders and more during the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition from April 6-21, 2013. The Space Coast of Florida boasts a variety of habitats to explore, from coastal scrub and forested uplands to open prairies and maritime hammocks. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy an amazing diversity of ecosystems during specially planned treks and tours during the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition.

Inspired by the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition (FWCE) that covered 1000 miles of Florida in 100 days from the Florida Everglades to the Georgia Okefenokee Swamp, in April 2012, the Brevard Nature Alliance (BNA) created a local version of the statewide expedition. We share similar goals of creating awareness of conservation lands and wildlife corridors, but the BNA chose to encourage extensive active participation of the public. The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition (BWCE) will feature the active involvement of many expert guides, residents and visitors. Some Brevard events will be limited to very fit participants, like a six-day 74 mile kayaking trip in the Indian River Lagoon spanning the county. A four-day fifty mile paddling trip will follow much of the same route used by the FWCE up the St Johns River to Titusville. A two-day 38 mile trip on fat-tire bikes from Cape Canaveral to Sebastian Inlet will provide another unique experience. Many other events are far less physically demanding such as pontoon boat rides in the Indian River Lagoon, plant identification hikes and a variety of educational events. This expedition includes keynote presentations by three of the participants of the FWCE as well as a Spring Seafood Jubilee.

The BWCE moves across land and water, providing approximately 8o scheduled events from April 6-21. This event offers a variety of activities that relate to the natural areas of Brevard County. These activities will appeal to a wide range of interests, ages and fitness levels. Some of the activities include: eco-tours on horseback, by kayak or canoe and fat-tire bikes; stand up paddleboarding in the Indian River Lagoon; a nocturnal nature hike; a night critter watch ride; pontoon boat guided excursions; wildlife photography, surf fishing and plant identification instruction; and more.

Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition Cornerstone Events:

6-day 70+ mile Indian River Lagoon paddling and camping trip–Scottsmoor to Micco (with 3-day options)
4-day 50+ mile St. Johns paddling trip–Lake Washington to Midway
April 13: Elam Stoltzfus at Brevard Community College/Titusville – Capturing the 100 Days in Video–from the Everglades to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, including along the St. Johns River in Brevard County.

The motto of the Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition is “find yourself in nature” — the event is designed to build awareness of conservation lands and wildlife corridors in Brevard County – Florida’s Space Coast.

The Expedition is being organized by local volunteers and has received support from sponsors and experts on the lands and outdoor recreation of the area, including special support from the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands program and the Space Coast Office of Tourism.

The Brevard Wildlife Corridor Expedition is presented by the Brevard Nature Alliance, a voluntary group of individuals and organizations associated for the purpose of raising the awareness of citizens and visitors to the value and importance of the natural resources of Brevard County, Florida. The group is dedicated to serving the community through educational outreach, environmental program development, strategic planning, and the sharing of information and expertise with all interested parties.

The Mission of the Brevard Nature Alliance is to build public awareness and appreciation of the value of Brevard County’s natural resources by fostering and promoting ethical nature-based ecotourism.

TrenD Report: Time To Get Ready For Spring And Le Sportsac Giveaway

TrenD Report – April 9, 2013

After my last Hit and Miss TrenD Report, I was BEYOND excited to find so many great things at my favorite store just in time for my Birthday (Do you hear that dear Hubby?)!

It is definitely time to get ready for spring at TrenD, because there are a ton of great tanks available! I love that the tanks all have a little something that makes them so perfect for so many styles and occasions. I really love the fun and flirty floral details that are being used on these tanks that are perfect for spring and summer!

I was also super excited to see two new styles of Maxi Dresses, since the last few styles have sold out! They have stayed with their love of black and white in a fun layered Hidden Mickey Maxi Dress. And expanding on the popularity of the Bambi Maxi Dress, they have a new style that is so adorable and perfect for a sunny Sunday!

They’re also using a lot of sketch designs in their shirts this year, and it’s super fun! From regular cotton shirts with fun details, to burnout t-shirts perfect for hot days, and even some great purses!

I was also able to find some fun jewelry and watches on this visit. It is great to see designs that work so well on shirts featured on watches, bracelets, and necklaces! I am especially in love with the layered necklaces!

The only item that I was on the fence about was a shiny vinyl bowler bag…it seems more appropriate for the fall, but it could also double as a fun carryon for summer trips.

The Le Sportsac It’s a Small World Global Journey Collection has found its way to TrenD, and it is quite possibly my new favorite pattern! The charm is more understated, and the pattern is more sophisticated. I love it!!!

This brings me to the fun new twist to my TrenD Report I talked about last report! I am going to start giving away one of my favorite pieces that I find once a month. And this month I will be giving away a LeSportsac Rectangular Cosmetic Case to one lucky reader!

Congratulations Liz on winning the LeSportsac Case!!!

I hope that you enjoyed this TrenD Report and that you have fun entering the contest! Good Luck!

Aztec Print Hidden Mickey Dress – $49.95

Aztec Print Mickey Tank with Embroidery – $29.95

Aztec Print Minnie Tank with Embroidery – $29.95

Burnout Chip and Dale Sketch Shirt – $29.95

Burnout Jiminy Cricket Sketch Shirt – $29.95

Le Sportsac Global Journey Collection has arrived at TrenD

Mickey and Minnie in Paris Shirt – $36.95

Minnie Mouse Vintage Charm Bracelet – $39.95

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLAIMER: I bought the Le Sportsac Cosmetic Case only using my Annual Pass Discount (Hooray 10%), and isn’t sponsored by anyone…well except for me! 🙂

Great American Pie Festival Giveaway!

While I love the holidays in Celebration, nothing makes me happier than the arrival of spring and the Great American Pie Festival!

This year marks the 12^th year that the ever popular American Pie Council Great American Pie Festival sponsored by Crisco® returns to Celebration, Florida, making the dreams of thousands of pie lovers come true on April 27^th and 28^th, 2013.

The festival will be held at Lakeside Park at 631 Sycamore St. in downtown Celebration, Florida 34747. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 27; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, April 28.

Admission to the Great American Pie Festival is free, and full of great activities, entertainment, and most importantly pie!

Some of the activities that you’ll find at the festival include a Pie Creation Station, pie tin art activity for art lovers of all ages, and the Pietopia Demonstration Stage sponsored by Village Inn and Bakers Square Restaurants, featuring entertainment and baking demonstrations with chefs from across the country.

And what would a Pie Festival be without the kids’ and adults’ pie eating contests that are returning this year, once again sponsored by Private Selection.

There is also a really large Children’s area that is chocked full of great crafts, some are edible and all are fun, and tons of bouncy houses. Zoe absolutely LOVES this area, and while she loves the pie this is her absolute favorite area!!! Admission to participate in all this area has to offer is $10/child, but it is absolutely worth it and a great way to work off some of the pie you’ve eaten!

However the shining star of the Great American Pie Festival is the Never Ending Pie Buffet, which last year featured an astounding 90,000 slices of pie as well as ice cream, toppings and beverages from America’s best known commercial bakers.

This year the Never Ending Pie Buffet will feature Bakers Square Restaurants and Pies, Bonert’s Slice of Pie, J. Horner’s Desserts, Kroger’s Private Selection, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Rocky Mountain Pies, Smucker’s Toppings, Village Inn, and Wick’s Pies among others.

Tickets to the Pie Buffet are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors over 65 and children under 5 to enjoy all they care of eat and drink.

Now…for the super fun part!

I am giving away a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the Great American Pie Festival’s Never Ending Pie Buffet! The Family Four Pack of Tickets includes 2 adult and 2 children’s admission tickets, and entry is easy and ends on April 19, 2013. So enter our giveaway today and every day until then!

Great American Pie Festival Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck and I hope to see you there!!!

Those interested in keeping up to date on the latest news concerning the pie championships, pie festival or pie news can follow the American Pie Council on Facebook and Pinterest and on Twitter.

Wordless Wednesday – Shamu at Sunset

Wordless Wednesday – April 3, 2013

MagicBands Up Close

Yesterday when I went into the Odyssey at Epcot to show Zoe all of the items on display from the artifacts, I got a really awesome surprise.

When we were talking to a Cast Member, we noticed that she was wearing a MagicBand and she offered to let me try it on. My Disney geek heart skipped a beat as I put it on my wrist.

Once I slipped on the MagicBand, which still have an unknown release date, it was really easy to see that their design is amazing!

The bands are made of a rubber and based off of the same design as running watches, because the texture and materials used to make the MagicBands are extremely lightweight, durable, allow air circulation, and are made to not stick to your skin.

MagicBands will be available in pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and grey. However you will notice that the bands have 2 colors, and the pink area (in this instance) is made so it can be separated from the grey to better fit children and those with smaller wrists.

While you will receive one free MagicBand as an Annual Passholder, you will need to have the My Disney Experience app to use your band effectively.

Currently you cannot register your Annual Pass to you My Disney Experience account, but it is something to keep a watch for so you can order your engraved MagicBand.

Also, if you are an Annual Passholder you will want to make sure that you visit the Walt Disney World site, to add you RFID Annual Pass to your profile under affiliations.

I hope that you enjoy this closer look at the MagicBands that are coming soon to the Walt Disney World Resort!

Wordless Wednesday – Water Lilies Galore

Wordless Wednesday – March 27, 2013

TrenD Report – Sometimes It Is Hit Or Miss, But Everyone Wins!

TrenD Report – March 26, 2013

This week’s TrenD Report is a tale of Hit or Miss!

Usually when I visit TrenD I can find a ton of new merchandise, however on my latest trip to my favorite Downtown Disney Marketplace store I didn’t find a lot of new items.

I think TrenD is starting to ramp up to get ready for Spring and Summer, so the new items out are a little miss-matched and random.

However with all this transition going on, I still found a few great new pieces to share that are super fun!

One thing to keep in mind is that the upside of seasons changing, is that great pieces will go on sale! This flowy Ariel top is a wonderful buy at $24.99!

I am really starting to come around to the stylized Princess pieces that are in the parks right now. The shirts are super fun and the double sided journal means no one has to pick just one favorite Disney Princess.

And on a totally selfish note, I am really glad to see the Mickey Flip Flops start making their way onto the TrenD Report!

While I am HUGE fan of the vintage shirts, I am always a little bummed that they’ve only been available in the men’s section…until now! I was really excited to see that the Dole Whip shirt is now available in a lady’s cut.

Finally, I was also glad to see more canvas tote options making their debut just in time for me to find a new beach bag! Whether it’s the vintage look or the neon Loungefly tote you really can’t go wrong with such a versatile bag style!

I hope that you enjoyed this short TrenD Report! In the next report I am going to announce a fun new change to the TrenD Reports!!!

My Favorite Walt Disney World Spring Break Tips

My Favorite Tips For Making The Most

Of Your Spring Break At Walt Disney World

With the mad rush of Spring Break at Walt Disney World upon us, I thought I would share some of my family’s tips for dealing with the large crowds at Walt Disney World at this time of year.

When it is super busy at the parks our goal is to try to make the experience as fun and stress-free as possible, while still getting to take in as many attractions and shows as possible in on a busy day.

So here are MY 7 Must Do’s to make a busy time of year fun for the whole family!

1. Have a plan of attack!

I know this one sounds like a no-brainer, but take inventory of everyone’s favorite rides and must see shows and prioritize them. When we visit, I often find that my ability to come up with a ‘Plan B’ on the fly is what really makes or breaks a great day at the Parks since you never know what your day is going to bring.

Make sure you visit our friends over at Touring Plans, because they REALLY know how to plan a day if you are looking to make the most of every minute of your day!

2. Make your day filled with games.

In ev’ry job that must be done
There is an element of fun
You find the fun and snap!
The job’s a game

Mary Poppins had the absolute right idea! Your job is to make the most of your day in Walt Disney World, so spit spot!

Why not see how many character shirts you see in a day with extra points going to the more rare characters? Or see if you can find Cast Members from all 50 states. Maybe you can even try your hand at becoming at Hidden Mickey Hunter!

3. Look for things you might have overlooked before that others might, too.

I know this one sounds a little weird, but stick with me!

I often get stuck in the rut of following a pattern of attractions and shows when I visit the parks; however I am now constantly on the lookout for the little things I didn’t see before.

My absolute favorite one of these activities is to go the Animation Academy thanks to Betsy! I will warn you that this will take up a good chunk of time, since classes are held every 30 minutes and you can sometimes have to wait as classes tend to fill up. While you are waiting there is a ton to do and fun trivia to keep you all company.

I promise that you will not regret dedicating some time to trying your hand at the Animation Academy.

4. Pay a visit to the 2013 Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot.

The 2013 Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot is an outstanding way to spend the day, but you can really make the most of your visit by taking your time to smell the roses!

While I’ve already shared a lot of my ideas for My Perfect Day at the Flower and Garden Festival, there are even more ways that you can avoid a lot of the crowds during the Festival!

Spend time in the garden exhibits and in the Flower and Garden Festival Center, take the Tea Tour offered in the United Kingdom Pavilion, stroll through the Kinsey Collection in the American Adventure Pavilion to escape the heat, and finally make sure that you find your favorite character topiary and pose for a great picture with them.

5. Take a visit to Fort Wilderness with the family.

If any tip could possibly get me into hot water with the ‘locals’, this might be it…

Fort Wilderness is the absolute best kept secret at Walt Disney World, and once you figure this out you will be hooked!

The recreation offerings at Fort Wilderness are amazing, and ideal for this time of year to take advantage of the great weather! Some of the more unique activities you will find at the resort are archery, horse and pony riding adventures, jogging trails through meadows and cypress groves, and wagon rides for the whole family to enjoy.

But you have to wait all day to get to my absolute favorite thing to do at Fort Wilderness, which is attending Chip ’N Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long followed by a movie under the stars. During the Campfire Sing-a-long you get to sing and dance with two of the best (not that I am biased or anything) characters…Chip ‘N Dale! And then you get to watch a great Disney movie under the stars, while you roast marshmallows (which are available for purchase at the campfire area) over the campfires that are always roaring thanks to great Fort Wilderness Cast Members.

6. Take a Tour!

It is absolutely astounding how many tours at Walt Disney World are offered!

Whether you are a history nut who wants to take the Keys to the Kingdom tour or walk on the wild side with a Wild African Trek, you are sure to find a tour that fits your interests at Walt Disney World!

A tour that I have taken many times and thoroughly enjoy is the Behind the Seeds tour in the Land Pavilion at Epcot. This tour is my favorite since it is extremely affordable (Adults $18.00/Children $14.00 with Annual Pass discounts available), appropriate for all ages (they even have special strollers and wheelchairs for use on the tour), and gives you the thrill of being backstage while being ‘in’ an attraction. The tour is also offered several times a day, so it is very schedule friendly!

I am really looking forward to making more time in my schedule for tours at Walt Disney World this year!

7. Be prepared!

I know I sound like I am out of the Festival of the Lion King with my final tip, but it is possibly the most important one I could give you!

The last thing you want on a busy day is to NEED something, and have to wait in long lines to buy something that you left in your room or didn’t think to bring. This is the one tip that I still struggle with and have to remind myself of on a constant basis.

When we visit the park as a family we always try to bring a ‘family bag’ that is full of essentials that we find ourselves needing every visit.

And here is a list of what our ‘family bag’ contains:

Umbrellas – It’s Florida, and it’s going to rain when you least expect it!
Snacks – We make sure to bring small snacks that won’t melt in the hot sun to help keep spirits high during longer than expected waits for kids and adults.
Trading Pins – It is always useful to keep a few of these babies handy!
Autograph Book and Sharpie – Zoe ebbs and flows on wanting autographs, but it is a better safe than sorry thing for us now.
Ziploc Bags – We carry them in several sizes to make sure that our electronics are safe from the rain (please see umbrellas).
Lip Balm & Sunscreen – Pretty self-explanatory for these two items.
Baby Wipes – You can get small packages with fun Disney prints, and baby wipes are good for anything…Baby wipes for Moms are like duct tape for MacGyver!

I hope that you’ve enjoyed my tips, and that if you are visiting Walt Disney World for Spring Break that you have an absolutely amazing time!!!

Disney Easter Matching Game From Wonder Forge

I was super excited to receive the Wonder Forge Disney Easter Matching Game to review just in time for Easter!

This isn’t just your average matching game, because every so often you get a surprise glimpse of one of your favorite Disney Characters all dressed up and ready to celebrate Easter with your family. It was so fun to see Zoe’s face when she got a character that was as she called them ‘extra cool’!

The Disney Easter Matching game is played with the normal 72 cards, however instead of 2 of each card there are 4. While this took a little getting used to, Zoe found that it was easier for her to play.

The game is recommended for Children ages 3 and up, and is played like the classic matching game where the player with the most matched cards wins! If you are looking for a harder option, you can play with the rule that you must find all 4 matching cards. Playing Alone? Time yourself to see how long it takes to find and match all of the cards. Also, if you have a younger Disney Fan at home, you could play with half the cards for a less intimidating and faster matching game.

We really enjoyed playing the Disney Easter Matching Game together! It was a really fun twist on the classic matching game that I am sure we’ll be playing all year long.

If you’re looking for a really fun last minute goody to fill your Easter Baskets that is fun for the entire family, I suggest picking up the Disney Easter Matching Game from Wonder Forge.

Make sure you follow Wonder Forge on Facebook and Twitter for information on all their new games and giveaways!