Author: Shelley

When she isn't chasing her chihuahuas, daughter, or cheering for her Hokies you can find Shelley On the Go in the Central Florida Area and on-air with WDBO News 96.5 on Friday evenings!

Our Thoughts on Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

A few of us had the opportunity to stay at Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort, which opens today. We were able to stay in one of the Nemo Family Suites, explore the resort, take advantage of the Pool and Play areas, tour the soon to open Cars Family Suites, shop for resort specific merchandise, and eat at Landscape of Flavors. It was an amazing stay!!!

What was your favorite detail at the Art of Animation Resort?

The Big Blue Pool at Art of Animation was one of our favorite places!!!
Shelley: My absolute favorite detail of the Art of Animation Resort was how the trees around The Big Blue Pool were grown to have curvy trunks as if they were waving under the sea.
Aurora: The fact that in The Finding Nemo area that everything looked like it was under water. The way that the plants were placed and the way the trees were angled and the vibrant colors. The fish on the sides of the buildings with the colors being gradual blues made you feel like you were under water!
Betsy: There are so many to choose from, but I think one of my favorites has to be the diving mask by the Big Blue Pool that belongs to P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. I missed it the first time I walked by the pool, but loved it as soon as I noticed it.
Megan: I loved the large icons. My favorite has to be Crush outside of the EAC building.

What is your biggest tip for people staying at the Art of Animation Resort?

Squirt at the Righteous Reef Playground at night is alive with color!
Aurora: Take advantage of everything to see! Take a tour of the property. Take pictures. Make sure that you look for the small details. The kids will LOVE finding their favorite characters in hidden spots all over the resort. This place is a feast for the eyes.
Betsy: Take time to enjoy this resort! It is amazingly themed and detailed and I hope that people will take the time to appreciate the effort that the imagineers put into constructing a resort that is so immersive. I want to go back just to hang out by the pool, enjoy the atmosphere and the great food!
Megan:Take time to look at the sketches in the lobby. Try to find the piece of artwork in the chandelier in the Lobby signed by John Lasseter.
Shelley: Make sure that you take time to enjoy the resort during the day and at night, because there are so many creative uses of lighting that make all the difference and bring out details that aren’t as easily noticed in the daytime!

What should people know about staying at the Art of Animation Resort?

A view of the jogging trail from the Finding Nemo Family Suites.
Betsy: There is a great walking/jogging path along Hourglass Lake that is beautiful at night. We were only able to experience part of it due to construction, but by the time the resort is completely open in the middle of September this will be a great place to exercise or just to take a nice stroll along the lake with your family.
Megan: Make sure to schedule time to spend hanging out at the pool or to go for a run around hourglass lake
Shelley: In the far corner of the check-in area of Animation Hall, there is a children’s play/screening area with a twist! Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm artists will be on hand showing kids of all ages how to draw their favorite characters and holding “Animation Classes”.
Aurora: That this is not your typical value resort. They have raised the bar. The pool is AMAZING! The Scenery is Beautiful. The Themeing kicks all the other resorts butts. This place is not your typical small room resort!

 

What are you looking forward to experiencing again?

The amazing attention to detail can be found everywhere in the Finding Nemo Family Suites!
Megan: The rooms. I loved how spacious they were. The details in them made me feel like I was in the movie.
Shelley: I am really looking forward to bringing Zoe to the Resort to experience the pool, water play areas, and playgrounds! I think she will absolutely love all that there is to offer!!!
Aurora: I can not wait to stay in the Little Mermaid section! But I honestly can not wait to get in that Big Blue Pool again and float around listening to Mr. Ray Jabber under the water!
Betsy:  I think the Big Blue Pool is the thing I’m most looking forward to since I forgot my bathing suit this last trip. I want to hear the underwater speakers, play games by the pool, enjoy adult beverages at The Drop Off pool bar and just relax and soak it all in.

What would you eat again at the Art of Animation Resort?

Shelley's amazing macaroon cupcake! It is hard to believe that this is came from a food court of a Value Hotel!
Shelley: Absolutely!!! With soooo many vegetarian options with a world twist and a beautiful setting I have a feeling I won’t get tired of eating at Landscape of Flavors any time soon!
Aurora: I LOVED My Meatball Sub. I will get it with the home made potato chips this time however. I also loved my yogurt and would get that again for a breakfast option. I want to try the Make Your Own Salad with Chicken, Also the Make your Own Pasta. I was VERY Jealous of Shelley’s cupcake with the macaroons on top so I may have to get one of those!!!!
Betsy: I loved the mini buckwheat waffles that I had for breakfast. My mom used to make buckwheat pancakes when I was little and I haven’t had them in years. This most definitely satisfied that craving. Plus, they were super cute and had Dory on them. 🙂
Megan: Definitely! The food was well above the normal value resort food quality.
What is one thing that you wish the Art of Animation Resort had?

Aurora: I would LOVE to see a Toy Story Section added on somewhere down the line. That is one of my personal favorite movies and I think the Theming is ENDLESS!

Betsy: I know value resorts don’t have them, but I would love it if there was a hot tub. This resort is so different from all the other value resorts, and dare I say, several steps above the rest, that I wouldn’t think it would be out of place at all.
Megan: A slide. The pool would be over the top if it had a slide.
Shelley: I wish that the resort had a tour with insight into the design and a look at the Imagineers designed the resort.

 

We hope that these tips and thoughts help you as you plan a stay at Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort!!!

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Pool And Play Areas

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is full of sooo many pool and play areas!!! The amount of recreation options at this resort is truly amazing!!!

The Big Blue Pool

The Big Blue Pool is located just outside of the Animation Hall, and is the single largest pool on property which has a really neat twist! While the pool is beautiful above the water with spraying jellyfish and coral, the true gem is when you are swimming under water you get to hear music…which sometimes features characters from Finding Nemo chiming in. My personal favorite was when Mr. Ray started to sing along and commentate with Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins”!!! Another fun touch is the landscaping around the pool, because you will find that all of the palm trees aren’t straight, and look like they are swaying with the current of the Big Blue Sea.

If you have someone in your traveling party with disabilities, it is important to note that there is a special lift chair available to help them into the pool. Also life vests are available for swimmers who could use a little help.

Schoolyard Sprayground is located just past The Big Blue Pool, and is a fun water play area for younger members of the family which is full of fun water sprays and fountains. Nemo and Marlin are in the middle of the Sprayground with the sea anemones, with Nemo’s friends all around them. If you have diaper-age children, swim diapers and rubber pants are required when they are using the pool or water play areas.

Kids can play, slide, and hide in small tunnels at the Righteous Reef Playground. Squirt swims along the coral creating a fun place for everyone to explore! The playground is located next to the Schoolyard Sprayground.

If you want to make sure that you are ready for the next RunDisney event or if you are feeling guilty about all the gelato you ate at the Landscapes of Flavor food court, there’s a 1.38 mile jogging trail that goes around the resort. It is a great way to explore the Art of Animation Resort, and at night the trail is extremely well lit and the view of Pop Century from the trail is beautiful!!!

The Pixel Play Arcade

Pixel Play Arcade is 4500 square feet of fun for the whole family! The arcade features ticket games, the latest in video games (I loved playing the supersized Fruit Ninja game), and classic games like air hockey. Instead of using cash in the arcade, you purchase a card with credits to spend there during your stay.

If you think that the activities stop there, you are really mistaken. Recreation Cast Members work overtime to make sure that there are plenty of great things going on in the afternoon and early evenings at The Big Blue Pool. There is The Big Blue Beach Party, the Righteous Dance Party Extravaganza, Arts & Crafts, Games, and Movies Under the Stars just to name a few. All of these activities are free, and are subject to change. In the event of inclement weather, activities may be moved to the kid’s playroom next to the Front Desk.

While the resort is a great value as far as space is concerned, when you add in the extra value of all of the water and play areas, amenities, and Recreation offerings you really can’t go wrong with a stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Make sure you check out our Facebook Page to find more pictures of the Finding Nemo Pool and Play areas at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort!

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Preview – Nemo Family Suites

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Walt Disney World’s newest value resort, will be opening in just a few short days on May 31, 2012. Here are some pictures of the Nemo Family Suites, which will open in the first phase with 320 rooms.

These family suites are approximately the size of two standard rooms at the other value resorts at a little over 500 square feet. The suites are comprised of a queen size bed in the bedroom, a pull out double sofa in the living room and a double murphy bed that comes down over the dining table. There is a full bath off of the living room and it is important to note that the master bathroom does not have a bathtub. Also in the living room is the kitchenette area that includes a compact refrigerator, small microwave, coffeemaker and a bar sink.

The Nemo Family Suites are the two buildings, four and five on the resort map, that flank The Big Blue Pool as you exit the Animation Hall. As you exit the Hall, you find yourself shrunk down to Nemo’s size to experience his world with his friends. Mr. Ray greets you at the door of building four, which is on your right as you face the pool, and you see the shadows of Bruce and friends who remind you that “Fish are friends, not food” as fish adorn the walls and landscape around the entrance. Across the pool, Crush and his friends are coasting along in the EAC. The plants around the building reflect those that you would find in the Big Blue, and there are fish friends mixed in among them.

As soon as you walk into the hallways, which is one of my favorite parts of this resort, there is no doubt that you are in the world of Finding Nemo! The carpets have seaweed and bubbles, watch out for a Hidden Mickey, the walls are painted a soothing blue, and huge paintings of the characters adorn the walls.

Each room is dripping with detail! The carpets are decorated with colorful seaweed, schools of fish have created pictures, and in the bathroom you find that your vanity is made from reclaimed boat parts. But my absolute favorite detail, is that when you pull down the Murphey Bed there is a picture of Nemo and Marlin waiting for you. Plus, every cabinet and dresser drawer front is beautifully decorated with images from Finding Nemo.

I am absolutely in LOVE with these rooms, and I cannot wait to bring my family here to stay!!!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0I2fNUfXFk&feature=relmfu

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Orlando Solar Bears Are Out Of Hibernation and Into The Wild!

After ten years without a Hockey team, Orlando is “Out of Hibernation and Into the Wild” with the re-creation of the Orlando Solar Bears.

It all officially started in November 2011 when the ECHL, a premier “AA” hockey league, approved Orlando’s expansion Membership Application for the Orlando Solar Bears to return to the ice at the Amway Center in October 2012 in time for the ECHL’s 25th season.

The Orlando Membership is owned by Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, L.P., an entity controlled by Joe Haleski, Bob Ohrablo, and Jason Siegel.

Once the expansion was approved by the ECHL, the race was on to get the team in place and ready to take the ice in 2012.

At the Amway Center in January 2012 during the Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls game, the new Orlando Solar Bears logo was unveiled.

The logo features the team’s mascot “Shades” and was designed by Joe Bosack, a leading sports graphic designer, and uses the traditional teal and purple color scheme.

 

“A focus group made up of youth hockey players and coaches, past Solar Bears season ticket holders and former Solar Bears employees assisted us as we developed the marks that we will unveil tonight; in both the planning stages and with the final presentation,” said Jason Siegel, President of Orlando Pro Hockey Operations, LP.

Then on May 10, 2012, Orlando Solar Bears partners Jason Siegel, Joe Haleski and Bob Ohrablo joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to welcome the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild and the AHL Houston Aeros as affiliates for the Solar Bears as they begin their Out of Hibernation season in October 2012. The announcement was made at RDV Ice Den, the official training and practice site of the Orlando Solar Bears.

 

With Minnesota Sports and Entertainment hockey executive Jim Mill on hand for the announcement, it was an exciting afternoon!

“We want to win,” exclaimed Ohrablo. “We strongly believe that affiliating with the Wild organization will provide us with a solid core of players from which we can build a competitive and exciting team for our fans.”

It was also a really nice touch that young skaters from the RDV Ice Den were on hand to present both Minnesota Wild and Houston Aeros jerseys to executives and Mayor Dyer.

If you are as excited as we are about the Solar Bears taking the ice, there are two different types of Season Tickets available.

With the Half-Season Ticket package, priced $225 – $540, you select the 18 games, Opening Night and 17 regular season games, which you would like to attend at a savings of up to 31%. You will get the following:

  • First choice of seat location that stays the same for all of the regular season games. In addition to these games, you will also get access to both regular and playoff presales for individual game tickets before the general public.
  • Also, there will be three VIP events which you will receive invitations to as a Half-Season ticket holder. The events will be in November/December 2012 “Holiday Skate with the Players”, January/February 2013 “Winter Carnival”, and in March 2013 there will be a Year-End Awards Banquet.
  • Ticket Forwarding – An easy way to email your tickets to others
  • Dedicated Account Manager
  • Online Account Access.

With the Full-Season Ticket package, priced $380 – $1,480, you will get tickets to all 36 regular season home games and the first four home playoff games at a savings up to 42%. In addition to all of the privileges that Half-Season ticket holder receive, Full-Season ticket holders will have the opportunity to “freeze” their ticket plan price for the Solar Bear’s first three seasons (2012-2015).

If you are interested in being either a Half or Full-Season ticket holder, you can find more information here.

For more information about Orlando’s Solar Bears, you can follow them on their website, on Facebook, on Twitter @OrlandoHockey, and on YouTube.

I can tell you that I am really excited about the upcoming Orlando Solar Bear’s season, and that I can’t wait to see my first game in October!!!

 

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

The Secret World of Arrietty Comes To Blu-Ray and DVD May 22

Walt Disney Studios and the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Ponyo” and “Spirited Away”) proudly open the doors to “The Secret World of Arrietty” on Blu-Ray Combo Pack and DVD, on May 22, 2012. This visually Stunning animated movie stars an impressive voice cast that includes Will Arnett, Amy Poehler, Bridgit Mendler, Moises Arias, David Henrie and the iconic Carol Burnett.

Based on the acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers,” by Mary Norton, “The Secret World of Arrietty” is an imaginative tale of “little people” living furtively among us, and the unlikely friendship that forms when their hidden world is discovered. The heartwarming family adventure features beautiful, stylized animation and timeless themes of friendship, courage, and determiniation

Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered. Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all the little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts.

 

But when 12-year-old Shawn (voiced by David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers hi mysterious housemate on evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger.

 

In Dave’s earlier review of The Secret World of Arrietty, the message and beauty of the story really shine in the Blu-Ray format!  While a lot of the more serious material of the movie went over Zoe’s head, the core messages of love, hope, trust and courage really hit home with her…and us for that matter! We are huge fans of Studio Ghibli, and The Secret World of Arriety doesn’t disappoint!!! It is truly a beautiful movie with a heartwarming message.

In addition to the Blu-Ray hi-definition picture and digital sound, the 2-disc Combo Pack includes a good variety of bonus features! There is a Storyboard Presentation of the film, as well as the original Japanese Trailers and Television Commercials, There are also two great music videos in the bonus materials! Both “Summertime” performed by Bridgit Mendler and “Arrietty’s Song” which is the movie’s theme song is performed by innovative singer and harpist Cecile Corbel, who also wrote the lyrics, do not disappoint!!! There is also a behind the scenes look at The Making of “Summertime” music video hosted by Bridgit Mendler.

The Secret World of Arrietty is 95 minutes of great movie and the bonus features are definitely the cherry on top! I only hope that you enjoy this movie as much as we did!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6enJL6JiQc

 

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Her Universe Star Wars To Debut at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends and Online

It’s a good time to be a fangirl of the Star Wars saga as Her Universe, the female sci-fi genre line of fashionable apparel and accessories, revealed today it’s new Spring/Summer line to debut at Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando, Florida on May 18th (running each weekend till June 10th) and online at www.heruniverse.com on May 21st.

Created by actress Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the current seasonal offering from Her Universe Includes a racer back tank top and fashion tops featuring such beloved characters as Princess Leia, R2-D2 and Darth Vader as well as a unique Princess Leia zip-hoodie and a fun Ahsoka Tano youth tunic created to help young girls feel just like Anakin’s Padawan learner on The Clone Wars. To accentuate the new Star Wars apparel, Eckstein and Her Universe are offering two new charms – a Boba Fett design and a Japor Snippet replica, the good luck charm given as a gift to Padme from a young Anakin Skywalker. All of this Star Wars treasure can be carried in the new cotton canvas Star Wars tote bag featuring the Star Wars symbols. Several new apparel pieces are also being introduced for the younger “Jedi-in-training” including several Star Wars youth designs and, for the first time, a Jedi onesie for the tiniest followers of the Force featuring the adorable art of popular Star Wars illustrator Katie Cook.

“I was very excited when Ashley approached me to do kids’ designs for Her Universe,” said Cook. “She’s doing a wonderful thing for the female fan community already… and she’s doing those of us with little girls an even bigger favor by giving the littlest fangirls nerdy gear of their own!”

In addition to the new product line being available at Disney’s Star Wars Weekends, Eckstein will also, for the fourth year in a row, be co-hosting the Behind The Force live stage show and signing autographs each weekend of the event.

“Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Ashley Eckstein. “I truly enjoy meeting Star Wars fans of all ages and that’s why I am so excited to be offering merchandise for women, girls and now babies! As the voice of Ahsoka Tano, I cannot wait to see baby girls in an Ahsoka “Jedi in Training” onesie or little girls running around in Ahsoka’s new costume top!”

Her Universe was launched in 2009 by Eckstein, and her partner, The Araca Group, known as one of the most innovative theatrical production and merchandise companies in the world. Her Universe was created to directly address the expanding market of female fans by entering into its first agreement with Lucas Licensing to develop and produce a line of female-centered Star Wars apparel and accessories. The success of that line was followed up with a collection for the Syfy network including such shows as Battlestar Galactica. Visit www.heruniverse.com to purchase the new Star Wars collection or visit a Hot Topic store near you to find select Her Universe items. You can also learn more about Her Universe by following Eckstein on Twitter and visiting the Her Universe Facebook page.

Running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 18th through June 10th, Disney’s Star Wars Weekends is an annual event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park celebrating the Star Wars Saga, as well the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Each weekend offers fans a unique opportunity to join Jedi Masters, Sith Lords and Star Wars celebrities for special shows, presentations and memorabilia. For more information on Star Wars Weekends, visit: disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends or disneyparks.com/blog.

Photo credit: – Kelsey Edwards Photography

Her Universe has made a youth long sleeve costume tunic top, complete with thumbholes and a hood, to keep girls cozy while they pretend to be their favorite Jedi Padwan, Ahsoka Tano, from The Clone Wars
Anakin Skywalker gave this Japor Snippet symbol for good fortune to Padme Ami-dala. Now you can own this new Sterling Silver plated good luck charm and add it to your Star Wars by Her Universe charm bracelet.
R2-D2 is one of the most beloved heroes of the Star Wars saga and is always there to save the day. This new combed cotton jersey tee from Her Universe features everyone's favorite droid.
It's never too early to show them the ways of the Force! Featuring a new, original "Jedi in Training" design by renowned artist Katie Cook, this infant tee is perfect for any youngling.
Inspired by our fans, because Her Universe is a place where princesses save themselves, this new tee featuring original art from Katie Cook showcases Leia Organa, the self rescuing princess that started it all.
Cosplaying Leia has never been so comfortable in this new costume hoodie from Her Universe. By wearing this lightweight zip-hoodie you can be Princess Leia with the hoodie up or just geek chic with the hood down.
Inspired by Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher, who always liked the phrase "Looking For Love In Aldraan Places" and shared her thoughts with Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, this new 100% combed cotton jersey tee is perfect for any fan with a witty sense of humor.
Never underestimate the power of the Dark Side! Show the sexy side of the Sith with this Darth Maul inspired racer back tank top from Her Universe.

 

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

Animal Kingdom Merchandise

We have been showing a ton of love to Animal Kingdom this week, so I thought I would keep the ball rolling by taking a look at their large variety of merchandise.

With so many different lands inside of Animal Kingdom, the merchandise does a great job staying true to not only the message but location sold in the Park. Also, a you will be able to find merchandise that gives back to different foundations, such as the Disney’s Worldwide Conservation Fund, when you purchase them.

I hope that you enjoy this look at the merchandise that Animal Kingdom has to offer!!!

 

 

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram

AVENGERS Prize Pack Giveaway!!!

While THE AVENGERS doesn’t hit theaters until May 4th, you can win a pretty awesome AVENGERS prize pack today!!!

“Marvel’s The Avengers” stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Tom Hiddleston, with Stellan Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Directed by Joss Whedon, the epic action-adventure film is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since.

 

In the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, Iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow are called to duty when an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security. Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., must assemble the Super Heroes to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.

 

“Marvel’s The Avengers” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures. The film is being produced by Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige and executive produced by Alan Fine, Jon Favreau, Stan Lee, Louis D’Esposito, Patricia Whitcher, Victoria Alonso and Jeremy Latcham.  The story is by Zak Penn and Joss Whedon, and the screenplay is by Joss Whedon.

 

The contest will be open until May 5, 2012, and the prize pack includes an adult sized AVENGERS  t-shirt, set of 6 buttons and your choice of one pair of limited edition 3D glasses!

Good luck!!!

 

 

Continue reading “AVENGERS Prize Pack Giveaway!!!”

Follow us for more updates: Facebooktwitteryoutubetumblrinstagram