Category: Walt Disney World

Disney fans mark your calendars for May 27, 2017,  because CEO Bob Iger just shared that Pandora – The World of Avatar will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The long-awaited expansion is the largest in the park’s history, and will bring several attractions, restaurants, & shops to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The Disney Parks blog posted:

This new land will transport guests to the visually stunning world of Pandora. Here, guests will wonder at floating mountains and bioluminescent plants, and can join the Na’vi on two excursions that take adventure to the next level.

First, the family friendly Na’vi River Journey will send guests through a bioluminescent rainforest. Their journey will end in an unforgettable encounter with a Na’vi Shaman, a figure who has a deep connection to the life force of Pandora. And second, Avatar Flight of Passage will offer guests the jaw-dropping experience of exploring the world of Pandora atop a Banshee.

Guests will also be able to dine at Satu’li Canteen, grab a drink at Pongu Pongu or shop for Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits, and more at Windtraders.

Make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates on this and other theme park news!

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Sometimes you just want a quiet day in the park. Other times you’re with a theme park newbie or someone who isn’t a fan of rides. For whatever reason, there are times that you find yourself not riding rides, and that’s okay. Some of my favorite attractions past and present are not rides. I thought I’d share a few so if you are touring a theme park with someone who is unable or unwilling to ride, or you just want to experience a park in a different way, here are some of my go to attractions. I’m starting this series with the Magic Kingdom, so enjoy!

Relaxing in the Magic Kingdom

Fantasyland holds one of my favorite things of all, an attraction that typically has a very short wait time, is sitting down, and in air conditioning. This magical show is called Mickey’s PhilharMagic and is a fun 3D film featuring some great songs from Disney movies and that rascal Donald Duck.

A classic in Adventureland that has thankfully been restored to its previous incarnation, is the wonderful Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. This great show exhibits the audio animatronic birds who sing words, and flowers who croon in the tiki tiki tiki tiki tiki room. Again, this is sitting down, and in air conditioning. Are you following a theme here folks?

Now Frontierland holds another classic that was a favorite, then we had a parting of ways, but have since reconciled. The Country Bear Jamboree still has some of the great bear band rhythm, but not as much as it had before, and it made me sad/mad for awhile when the cuts were made, so I may have stayed away for a bit. Time has passed now, and I’ve missed those bears dearly, so again, sitting down, air conditioning, clapping, singing, and Max, Buff, and Melvin.

On Main Street USA it is truly a must to catch the Dapper Dans and listen to a set or two of their a capella harmonies. Often they will even take requests and can be found around the Harmony Barber Shop, which makes sense as they are a barbershop quarter. The Mayor is often hanging around, and if you’re lucky, you may even get one of his super rare business cards. Also on Main Street if you are around for it, you should try to see the Flag Retreat ceremony, but be warned, you will probably need a tissue as they typically honor a veteran guest each day in the Magic Kingdom.

Parades are great ways to enjoy days without rides and see lots of characters without standing in line to see them. You can often find a spot to sit and grab a snack and rest before the parade. While you are waiting for the parade to start, you can people watch, which is another one of my favorite park activities in the Magic Kingdom. You will see people from all over the world, but you may even see someone you know from home. It is funny what a small world it is!

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Happy New Year!!! 2016 brought new additions to the theme parks of Central Florida, and 2017 is going to be a year filled with even more new attractions, lands, and restaurants across the board.

I thought a great way to start the year would be to spend the week looking forward to what is coming in 2017 leading up to me sharing my favorite picks this Friday on icFlorida’s Best Bets on WFTV!

So let’s get this new year started by taking a look at what is coming to the Walt Disney World Resort!

While this year will see the long awaited arrival of Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the amped up construction of both Star Wars and Toy Story lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are new shows, attractions, restaurants, and events that will be making their debut at the Walt Disney World Resort!

New In 2017: Walt Disney World Resort

Pandora: The World of Avatar – Summer 2017

Pandora: The World of Avatar will open in this summer, and this land full of fantasy and cutting-edge technology has been created in collaboration with filmmaker James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment.

The land will feature two signature attractions, Avatar Flight of Passage that will send guests flying above the jungles of Pandora on a Mountain Banshee and on the Na’vi River Journey this a family-friendly boat ride will take riders through the dramatic Bioluminescent rainforests.

The Satu’li Canteen will be the land’s main dining location while Pongu Pongu, a drink kiosk with a design as eclectic as its expat owner, will help keep visitors fed while they ride and shop for Na’vi cultural items, toys, science kits and more at Windtraders.

Rivers of Light – 2017

This powerful theatrical production takes Disney’s Animal Kingdom guests on a magnificent emotional journey – a visual mix of water, fire, nature and light choreographed to an original musical score. Continuing the park’s transformation from a day-into-nighttime experience, the amazing after-dark show on the banks of Discovery River celebrates the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world. With innovative and never-before-seen technology, Rivers of Light will be unlike any other production ever staged at Walt Disney World Resort.

Star Wars Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Spring 2017

An all-new Star Wars Guided Tour is a seven-hour immersion in all current Star Wars experiences at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Character greetings, themed dining, ride experiences, insider’s tours, dessert party and VIP viewing of Star Wars: a Galactic Spectacular are among highlights. Offered Mondays and Saturdays, it’s part of several new Star Wars additions announced in December 2016 for the park, including a new onstage sequence in the daytime experience “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.” Star Wars-themed lands are planned for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Sky Dine-Around – 2017

The new experience gives guests priority boarding on the monorail for a distinctly Disney dining experience with stops for cocktails, appetizers, dinner and dessert. From a welcome cocktail at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests call at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (appetizers), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (entree), and back to the Contemporary for dessert, cordials and coffee. This experience will be offered Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Epcot International Festival of the Arts – Weekends (Friday to Monday) January 13 – February 20

Epcot welcomes an all-new festival playing winter weekends and treating guests to a triple scoop of artful fun. For six colorful weekends visual, culinary, and performing arts will take center stage. Each weekend will feature taste bud-tempting and eye-dazzling creations from the Disney culinary team. Meantime, exciting new art from various media will tempt art lovers. Because the artwork will change out, it’s a new art festival every weekend. In addition, the lagoon-side stage at American Gardens Theatre will pulse with favorite showtunes performed by Broadway talent. In a collaboration with Disney Theatrical, songs from some of Disney on Broadway’s award-winning shows including The Lion King, Newsies and Aladdin will be performed.

Miss Fortune Falls – Spring 2017

Aboard this family-style raft adventure, guests will be immersed in the story of Captain Mary Oceaneer. Legend holds that this treasure hunter roamed the seven seas in search of undersea artifacts – until a rogue storm marooned her at Typhoon Lagoon. Guests gently ascend in treasure rafts, only to plunge into a whitewater adventure where they will encounter some of Mary’s deep sea booty. When it opens, it will be one of the longest attractions (2 minutes) at Disney’s Water Parks.

Disney Springs – Throughout 2017

New dining establishments will help round out the line-up of dining, shopping, and entertainment at Disney Springs!

• Paddlefish – Sleek and modern after a bow-to-stern transformation from the former Fulton’s Crab House, Paddlefish will serve fresh seafood, steaks and chops. Unique menu choices for seafood lovers include a build-your-own boil. A new rooftop lounge will serve up a late-night menu and shipshape views of the water and Disney Springs. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

• Planet Hollywood Observatory – Longtime Downtown Disney-goers will remember the iconic domed restaurant that drew celebrities and fans of the Hollywood scene. The reborn space will be themed to stars of a different kind: a turn-of-the-20th-Century observatory serving up amazing burgers and sandwiches created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and craft cocktails whose names are inspired by the planets and space travel. Movie memorabilia, video screens, contemporary music and themed merchandise complete the scene.

• The Polite Pig – A sister restaurant to the Ravenous Pig, a favorite with Orlando locals, The Polite Pig will bring the same focus on genuine Florida cuisine to a broader global audience at Disney Springs. Lunch and dinner menus will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including beer, wine and cocktails.

• Wine Bar George – Orlando master sommelier George Miliotes uncorks his first Disney wine bar in a space reminiscent of a winemaker’s estate warmed by oak wood and cozy lighting. Small plates dominate the food menu but it will be the wines with a starring role: more than 100 selections both by the bottle and the glass in a range of varietals and vintages.

New Cabins and Deluxe Villas coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – 2017

A proposed new Disney Vacation Club Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, is scheduled to open, featuring new Resort accommodations that include plans for Deluxe Villas and unique waterfront cabins. Other enhancements coming to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. A sweeping re-imagination of the former Hidden Springs Pool, part of Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, is also scheduled to open in summer 2017. Named Boulder Ridge Cove, this area will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool.

Make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with the latest news and our visits to Walt Disney World!

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Rogue One Experiences Coming To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Last night the Disney Parks Blog hosted local media and 400 readers as they transformed Epcot’s Spaceship Earth into the Death Star and announced new Rogue One: A Star Wars Story experiences coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

First off, can we talk about how cool Spaceship Earth looked as the Death Star! Now the pictures don’t do it justice, but it was a fun temporary backdrop to the announcements.

Michael Roddy, Show Director/Writer with Disney Creative Entertainment, was on hand to talk us through all the new Rogue One: A Star Wars Story that guests can enjoy before the end of the year.

Star Wars Launch Bay – a multi-sensory space celebrating all things Star Wars – is now updated with authentic replicas from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” joining other Star Wars memorabilia in the preview gallery. Making-of footage from “Rogue One” has been added to the “Meet the Makers” film featured in Star Wars Launch Bay.

In the popular daytime stage show “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” guests will get a first look at AWR Troopers from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Outfitted in their specialized Stormtrooper armor with a dark, ominous gleam, these soldiers serve as bodyguards and enforcers for Director Krennic, a highly placed officer within the Advance Weapons Research (AWR) division of the Empire. A new Troopers sequence will join the show Dec. 16. Performances daily.

The fan favorite nighttime show, “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on December 16 and will join “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” as a second nightly fireworks spectacular at the park through Dec. 31. The show will continue to be presented in 2017.

Starting mid-December, randomized tracks will be returning to Star Tours – the Adventures Continue, the popular attraction that uses motion simulator-based technology. Instead of each ride experience launching from the planet of Jakku, the attraction will be randomized to both start and end at different locations for every galactic journey. New scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” will be added to Star Tours in the coming year.

But what’s more intriguing is an all-new Star Wars guided tour is a seven-hour immersion in all the park’s current Star Wars experiences that will begin on January 2, 2017 (offered on Mondays and Sundays throughout the year) that will include:

• A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide
• Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
• Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay
• An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay
• Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
• Enjoy Star Wars-themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express
• A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks show
• Younglings ages 4-12 on the guided tour package can also train in the way of The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.

The price point for the tour is $129 per person, plus tax, which seems reasonable for all those activities and can be booked ‘soon’.

Also on hand was Mads Mikkelsen, Galen Erso in the film, was on hand to share a never before scene from Rogue One. And while that clip isn’t available yet, you can watch new clips!

Watch as Director Gareth Edwards and Creature Effects Supervisor Neal Scanlan offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the creatures of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

httpv://youtu.be/P2N0Mn4i4Dw

And the new ‘Worth It’ TV Spot…Hope begins with them…

httpv://youtu.be/5MIy1V9HI_4

Don’t forget that Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in theaters on December 16th!

 

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This November Walt Disney World is kicking off the holiday season with the debut of new shows, experiences, and a new restaurant! It’s going to be an awesome month to be in Orlando!

Magic Kingdom

At the Magic Kingdom, the Christmas Tree and wreaths are up as they prepare for the influx of holiday visitors.

Returning this year, each night Cinderella Castle turns into a beautiful ice palace thanks to the help from Elsa, Anna, and some of their Frozen friends during ‘A Frozen Holiday Wish’ castle lighting.

The new ‘Once Upon A Time’ debuted on November 4^th, and this new nightly projection show is partially inspired by the Tokyo Disneyland Park uses projection mapping to transform Cinderella Castle with familiar scenes from Disney movies. During the show, Mrs. Potts from Beauty and the Beast shares bedtime stories with young Chip, taking a journey through the most adventurous scenes from Cinderella, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and other favorites along the way.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is under way on select nights until December 22^nd with new holiday treats and shows. This after-hours party gives guests a chance to experience exclusive entertainment, character meet and greets, fireworks, and a parade full of holiday cheer and fun while enjoying holiday drinks & treats under the gentle falling of Florida ‘snow’.

Disney Springs

As Disney Springs continues to grow, so does their holiday offerings!

Beginning November 11^th in the Disney Springs Marketplace, 15 Christmas Trees inspired by Disney characters and movies will create a winter wonderland walk-through experience complete with a gentle snow fall, toy soldiers, singers, and plenty of unique photo opportunities! I can’t wait to see the Disney Villains and Mary Poppins Christmas Trees!

Yesterday the Disney Parks Blog shared a peek at a new nighttime holiday experience coming that looks like it is going to be awesome!!!

httpv://youtu.be/ZjnXWe-cDFo

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a new restaurant and nighttime holiday show join the park’s line-up of fun!

A new projection and fireworks show called ‘Jingle Bell Jingle Bam’ lights up, on, above, and around the Chinese Theater area of the park with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score starting November 14^th.

Led by elves Wayne and Lanny, the duo from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special Prep & Landing, the spirited yuletide adventure to the North Pole features memorable holiday moments from Disney films including Mickey’s Christmas Carol, Beauty and the Beast, Pluto’s Christmas Tree, Bambi, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, along with many other holiday favorites with a festive finale that’s “So tinsel”.

Fans of the The Muppets will get a chance to dine with Pizzerizzo set to open on November 18^th! The quick service restaurant will offer a variety of personal-sized pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and desserts surrounded by décor inspired by Rizzo, as well as his extended family and friends who have visited PizzeRizzo over the years. Upstairs you will find Rizzo’s Deluxe Supreme Banquet Hall, where there’s a wedding reception already in progress complete with a disco ball dance party playing the world’s greatest party playlist!

Epcot

And finally at Epcot, beginning November 25^th you can celebrate the ‘Holidays Around the World’.

Photo: Walt Disney World

During the day, you can discover how the 11 countries making up the World Showcase celebrate the holiday season with costumed storytellers, decorations, music, and seasonal food favorites.

Then in the evenings hear a celebrity guest narrator tell the biblical story of Christmas alongside of a 50 piece orchestra and variety of choirs. The story, the music, the twinkling trees and decor fills you with the spirit of this wonderful season. And you can catch the performances at 5:00, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at the American Gardens Theatre.

 

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The 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is under way now, and I had the chance to try a selection of dishes you can find around the park at a luncheon and I was completely blown away!

I’ve listed the dishes in alphabetical order of where you can find them at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival to help make planning a little easier!

Epcot Food & Wine Festival 2016: What To Eat

Africa

Butter Chicken with Micro Cilantro, Steamed Rice, and Naan Bread (The Chew Favorite)

$5.00 Disney Dining Plan Snack

I have never met a Butter Chicken I didn’t like, and this might be my favorite of all time! The sauce was creamy with just enough spice for taste and the micro cilantro added a nice bite!

Brazil

Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans and Tomato (Gluten Free)

$5.50 Disney Dining Plan Snack

Don’t let this dish’s simple flavors steer you away from choosing it on your food adventure around World Showcase! The flavors are delightful and the black beans are extremely flavorful.

The Chew Collective

Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Mousse with a Caramel Drizzle (Gluten Free)

$3.25 Disney Dining Plan Snack

While this is a smaller dessert, it packs a powerful peanut butter punch! The white chocolate mouse is extremely light making this a perfect choice on a hot afternoon!

Greece – NEW

Vegan Loaded Greek “Nachos”: Pita Chips, Meatless Sausage Crumbles, and Vegan Tzatziki (Vegetarian)

$4.50 Disney Dining Plan Snack

If you aren’t vegan and are curious about giving a vegan dish a try, this is the small plate for you! These ‘nachos’ are fresh and light, and so tasty that you won’t find yourself missing the dairy or meat.

Greenhouse Guru hosted by Village Farms – NEW 

Duck Confit with Creamy Polenta and Fire-Roasted Salsa (Gluten Free)

$5.25 Disney Dining Plan Snack

I am not a fan of duck. I’ve tried it a thousand ways (okay maybe I am being dramatic here), and it just has never been my favorite. I will say that this duck isn’t as gamey as I have had in the past, and the fire-roasted salsa does a great job cutting the fattiness of the meat. I’d definitely eat it again…which is saying a lot!

Hops & Barley – NEW 

Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese Served on Griddled Garlic Toast

$5.25 Disney Dining Plan Snack

If there was a ever a dish that screamed ‘Shelley’ it would be this one, as it is everything I love in one place! It is a heavier dish that you might want to save until later in the day.

Islands of the Caribbean – NEW

Quesito – Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce (Vegetarian)

$3.75 Disney Dining Plan Snack

Dear Quesito, I know we just met…but I think I love you! XOXO Shelley

This is the PERFECT dessert in my opinion! The slightly salty cheese plays against the sweet guava sauce creating amazing layers of flavors. My only complaint is that it is too small and I want to eat like 20 of them!

Wine & Dine Studio – NEW

Seared Scallop, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce

$5.50 Disney Dining Plan Snack

This might be my favorite dish of the luncheon. The scallop and celery root purée are slightly sweet and the brussels sprouts and wild mushrooms are a touch bitter with a bite creating a dance of flavors and textures. It was delicious!

Wine & Dine Studio

Trio of Artisan Cheese (Vegetarian)

La Bonne Vie Goat Cheese served with toasted Craisin Bread

Karst Cave-aged Cheddar Cheese served with Fig Compote

Statesboro Blue Cheese served with Spiced Candied Walnuts

$5.00 Disney Dining Plan Snack

Can you go wrong with a trio of artisan cheeses and accompaniments? I don’t think so! These three offerings are familiar pairings…but if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it!

I’m looking forward to getting out and trying more dishes at this year’s Epcot Food & Wine Festival, and I would love to hear what some of your favorite dishes are to try!

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For our final post this week on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, I thought I would do something I have never done before!

I took eight of my favorite pictures from the party to create phone wallpaper to help bring the magic and the fun of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party portable!

All you need to do is click on the image, save it to your device, and then place it as your phone’s wallpaper.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: #NotSoScary Wallpaper

I put a spell on you… – Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Happy HalloWishes – Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular

Musketeer Donald – Character statues as you enter Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The world was such a wholesome place until Cruella. Cruella De Vil – Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

Mickey’s Not So Scary Party Treat Bag and map – Cinderella Castle

Happy HalloWishes – Happy HalloWishes Fireworks Spectacular

Main Street U.S.A. Train Station  – As you leave Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

There’s always room for one more… – Haunted Mansion

For more Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party fun and information check out our other posts onAllergy-Friendly Trick-or-Treating, 7 #NotSoScary Experiences, Halloween Party Planning Information, and my general tips & tricks on icFlorida! Plus we’ve got tons of great photos and information on Instagram and Twitter!

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With so much to do that is exclusive to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, it is really important to prioritize what you want to do during the party.

But with information about the goings on either spread out over several areas of the official party page or not available until you arrive at the Magic Kingdom, I thought that I would compile all the information you would need to make a solid game plan for the night.

My biggest tip for creating a realistic plan is to communicate with everyone attending the party with you to ensure that everyone is on the same page as to what they want to try to accomplish during the party since it is pretty close to impossible to do everything in one night.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

Setting #NotSoScary Priorities

Unique Character Meet and Greet Opportunities

During Mickey’s Not So Scary you will have the chance to meet some exclusive characters, however this opportunity comes at quite a cost of time!

Two things to keep in mind is that characters typically don’t start meeting until the party begins however lines for popular characters (like Jack Skellington and Sally) may appear earlier with lines forming before 5 pm and characters stop meeting guests around 11:30 pm.

Here is where you will find characters during Mickey’s Not So Scary (an * denotes rare characters):

• Main Street U.S.A. – Town Square Theater – Mickey Mouse in his Halloween Finest* and Tinker Bell
• Main Street U.S.A.- Tour Guide Garden near City Call – Snow White
• Adventureland – Agrabah Bazaar near The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Friends from Aladdin (Characters spotted have included Jasmine, Aladdin, Abu*, and Genie*)
• Adventureland – Zanzibar near The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Jafar*
• Adventureland – Veranda near the Skipper Canteen – friends from Tarzan (Characters spotted have included Tarzan, Jane, and Terk*)
• Adventureland – Caribbean Plaza across from Pirates of the Caribbean – Captain Jack Sparrow*
• Liberty Square – The Glade behind Liberty Tree Tavern – Jack Skellington* & Sally* from The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Liberty Square – Near the Haunted Mansion – Carlotta* and Lady Renata*
• Fantasyland – Princess Fairytale Hall – Rapunzel, Tiana, Aurora, and Cinderella
• Fantasyland – Ariel’s Grotto – Ariel
• Fantasyland – Fairytale Garden near Cinderella Castle on the way to Mad Tea Party – Merida
• Fantasyland – Gaston’s Tavern – Gaston and Villager Belle*
• Fantasyland – Mad Tea Party – Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts*, and Tweedles*
• Fantasyland – Thotful Spot near The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Winnie the Pooh*, Tigger*, Piglet*, Eeyore* in Halloween Costumes
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Calliope Tent – the Seven Dwarfs*
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Train Station – Cruella DeVil*
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Casey Jr. Splash Pad – Donald Duck*, Daisy Duck*, and Minnie Mouse* in their Halloween costumes
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Barnstormer – The Great Goofini*
• Tomorrowland – Between Buzz Lightyear Space Rangers Spin and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – Buzz Lightyear and Lotso*

Entertainment, Shows, and Dance Parties

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween party boasts some great entertainment, shows, and dance parties throughout the park!

For the best viewing of the fun on Main Street U.S.A., you will want to secure a spot 30 minutes before each begins.

Here is some of what you will find:

• Main Street U.S.A
  • Celebrate the Magic – Projection show on Cinderella Castle – 10 pm
  • Happy HalloWishes! – Fireworks spectacular set against Cinderella Castle – 10:15 pm
  • Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular – Show on Forecourt Stage at Cinderella Castle – 8 pm, 9:15 pm, 10:40 pm, & 12 am
• Frontierland
  • Cadaver Dans – Singing that haunts the Streets of Frontierland – No posted schedule, but you can watch them perfrom before Mickey’s Boo To You Parade
• Tomorrowland
  • Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball – Dance Party set on the Rockettower Plaza Stage – Continuous

Parades

Mickey’s Boo to You Parade is the highlight of the party for me with characters in Halloween costumes, pirates, cowboys, gravediggers, ballroom dances, and Disney Villains set to music that is a total ear worm.

The parade steps off in Frontierland and travels to Main Street U.S.A. twice a night (8:30 pm and 11:15 pm), and with the Headless Horseman riding (weather permitting) approximately 10 minutes before each parade you will want to secure your parade spot at least 30 to 45 minutes before the parade begins.

Usually I would say to skip the first parade and watch the second, but it seems like that trick isn’t working this year. So instead, I encourage you to scope out the first parade before making a decision of which parade to watch.

Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-Treating is an activity that can be done at any time as you are walking from place to place during the party, so keep your eyes peeled for Trick-or-Treat markers throughout the park to stop as you go.

• Main Street U.S.A
  • Town Square Theater (Allergy-Friendly Center)
• Adventureland
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
• Liberty Square
  • Heritage House (Allergy-Friendly Center)
  • Liberty Square Riverboat
• Fantasyland
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pete’s Silly Sideshow
• Tomorrowland
  • Stitch’s Great Escape
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
  • Space Mountain
  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can read all about the new trick-or-treating experience here.

Attractions

There are several attractions open during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and while lines are shorter at times than a typical day at the Magic Kingdom this isn’t always the best use of time during the party.

• Main Street U.S.A
  • Town Square Theater
  • Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom (with an event-exclusive spell card available)
• Adventureland
  • The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
  • A Pirate’s Adventure ~ Treasures of the Seven Seas (an interactive adventure at your own pace)
• Frontierland
  • Splash Mountain
  • Country Bear Jamboree
• Liberty Square
  • Haunted Mansion
• Fantasyland
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Mickey’s PhilharMagic
  • Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
  • Princess Fairtyale Hall
  • The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
  • Mad Tea Party
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • The Barnstormer
• Tomorrowland
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Space Mountain
  • Astro Orbiter
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
  • Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
  • Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Your event ticket can be used to enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 pm, so arriving before the party is a great option if you are looking to fit in some rides since the crowds will be thinning out for the day in preparation for the party.

Dining

 

With Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party falling around dinner time, you may find that you will need to stop during the party for a snack or meal.

Not all locations in the Magic Kingdom are open and some will close early during the party, and here is where you can eat and what you will find there (an * denotes where you can find party exclusive treats):

• Main Street U.S.A
  • Main Street Bakery* – Starbucks espresso & house-made Disney pastries
  • Plaza Ice Cream Parlor* – Hand-scooped ice cream and waffle-bowl sundaes
  • Casey’s Corner – Specialty hot dogs and French Fries
• Adventureland
  • Aloha Isle – Dole Whip Soft-serve ice cream and fresh pineapple
• Frontierland
  • Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe – Nachos, fajitas, burritos, and Southwest burgers Open until 11 pm
  • Westward Ho* – Snacks and frozen lemonade
• Liberty Square
  • Sleepy Hollow* – Funnel cakes and ice cream
  • Liberty Square Market – Frozen beverages, fruit, and snacks Open until 9 pm
  • Columbia Harbor House – Fish, shrimp, chicken nuggets, salads, and sandwiches Open until 8 pm
• Fantasyland
  • Cinderella Royal Table – Requires Reservation – Signature Table Service
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant – Requires Reservation -Signature Table Service
  • Pinocchio Village Haus – Flatbreads, chicken breast nuggets, and salads Open until 10 pm
  • The Friar’s Nook* – Artisan macaroni & cheese, hot dogs, potato chips, & frozen beverages Open until 10 pm
  • Storybook Treats – Ice cream
  • Gaston’s Tavern* – LeFou’s Brew specialty slush, cinnamon rolls, and fruit
• Tomorrowland
  • Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe – Burgers, chicken breast nuggets, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches, and salads
  • Cool Ship – Pretzels, snacks, and beverages Open until 11 pm
  • The Lunching Pad – Hot dogs, pretzels, and frozen Coca-Cola

Shopping

You have to grab some of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party swag before you leave, because it is not available on the Shop Disney Parks App or online at the Disney Store!

Here is where you can find this year’s merchandise:

• Box Office Gifts – Main Street, U.S.A. – MagicBand
• Emporium – Main Street, U.S.A. – Event T-shirts, ornaments, General event trading pin, and MagicBand
• Frontierland Trading Post – Frontierland – General event trading pin and MagicBand
• Big Top Souvenirs – Storybook Circus – ALL event Trading pins and Event T-shirts
• Mickey’s Star Traders – Tomorrowland – Event T-shirts

For more Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party fun check out our other posts on Allergy-Friendly Trick-or-Treating, 7 #NotSoScary Experiences, and my general tips & tricks on icFlorida! Plus we’ve got tons of great photos and information on Instagram and Twitter!

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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party can be tricky to navigate for parents, so I wanted to share some tips to help parents be prepared for the fun!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

Tips for Parents

Costumes

Keep in mind that it is still warm in Florida during the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party schedule, so make sure you choose costumes that won’t make your little ghosts overheat. I love how fun this Elena of Avalor Costume from The Disney Store!

Cute Pajamas

As the night goes on and little ones get sleepy, why not pick up a super cute pair of pajamas for them to wear while they doze in the stroller. These Mickey Halloween Pajamas are available at The Disney Store.

Change of Clothes

Halloween Costumes (for adults and children) can get cumbersome after awhile, so I like to buy larger (2 Gallon typically) ziptop bags that I pack with a change of clothes so changing is more organized! I prefer the freezer bags, and you can find them on Amazon here.

Wristbands on the Same Arm

Everyone who attends Mickey’s Not So Scary receives a special wristband denoting that they are part of that night’s party, and earlier in the night you will pass through several ‘check points’ to ensure any stragglers have left the Magic Kingdom before the fun really begins!

To make the process easier for younger ones who may be learning their left from their right, everyone should place their party wristbands on the same arm for a visual cue when passing through these points efficiently.

Avoiding Budget Busters

I like to be prepared with snacks and glow toys or necklaces to help curb the small purchases that add up during the night at the party.

Candy Hack

When my daughter has a full candy bag from trick-or-treating at Mickey’s Not So Scary it doesn’t stay full for long, because she’s sneaking pieces of candy (no shame in that game) or is swinging it and candy flies everywhere. So as her bag approaches half-full I like to empty it into a gallon size ziptop bag. As a bonus, Cast Members are typically more generous with the candy the emptier your bag is at the candy location!

Smooth Character Interactions

During Mickey’s Not So Scary you will have the chance to meet some exclusive characters, however this opportunity comes at quite a cost of time for some so make sure that your children are comfortable meeting their friends before the party and that you prioritize which characters you would love to meet!

Here are the characters you will find during Mickey’s Not So Scary (an * denotes rare characters)

• Main Street U.S.A. – Town Square Theater – Mickey Mouse in his Halloween Finest* and Tinker Bell
• Main Street U.S.A.- Tour Guide Garden near City Call – Snow White
• Adventureland – Agrabah Bazaar near The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Friends from Aladdin (Characters spotted have included Jasmine, Aladdin, Abu*, and Genie*)
• Adventureland – Zanzibar near The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Jafar*
• Adventureland – Veranda near the Skipper Canteen – friends from Tarzan (Characters spotted have included Tarzan, Jane, and Terk*)
• Adventureland – Caribbean Plaza across from Pirates of the Caribbean – Captain Jack Sparrow*
• Liberty Square – The Glade behind Liberty Tree Tavern – Jack Skellington* & Sally* from The Nightmare Before Christmas
• Liberty Square – Near the Haunted Mansion – Carlotta* and Lady Renata*
• Fantasyland – Princess Fairytale Hall – Rapunzel, Tiana, Aurora, and Cinderella
• Fantasyland – Ariel’s Grotto – Ariel
• Fantasyland – Fairytale Garden near Cinderella Castle on the way to Mad Tea Party – Merida
• Fantasyland – Gaston’s Tavern – Gaston and Villager Belle*
• Fantasyland – Mad Tea Party – Alice, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts*, and Tweedles*
• Fantasyland – Thotful Spot near The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – Winnie the Pooh*, Tigger*, Piglet*, Eeyore* in Halloween Costumes
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Calliope Tent – the Seven Dwarfs*
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Train Station – Cruella DeVil*
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Casey Jr. Splash Pad – Donald Duck*, Daisy Duck*, and Minnie Mouse* in their Halloween costumes
• Fantasyland – Storybook Circus – Barnstormer – The Great Goofini*
• Tomorrowland – Between Buzz Lightyear Space Rangers Spin and Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – Buzz Lightyear and Lotso*

Two things to keep in mind is that characters typically don’t start meeting until the party begins however lines for popular characters (like Jack Skellington and Sally) may appear earlier with lines forming around 5 pm and characters stop meeting guests around 11:30 pm.

Children with allergies or dietary restrictions

Having children with allergies or dietary restrictions can make trick-or-treating a daunting task, but this year the Magic Kingdom is awash in teal, the official color of food allergy awareness, with a new allergy-friendly experience. You can find out all the details with tons of pictures here.

Park Bag Must Haves for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

Being prepared with everything you may need will insure that you have more fun that frights, and in this post I share some things I pack in my party park bag.

For more Mickey’s Not So Scary fun check out our other posts on 7 #NotSoScary Experiences and my general tips & tricks on icFlorida! Plus we’ve got tons of great photos and information on Instagram and Twitter!

An FYI…None of the links in this post are not affiliate links.

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Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: Don’t Miss These 7 #NotSoScary Exclusive Experiences

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom is jam packed with exclusive events, shopping, and entertainment that you don’t want to miss. Here are my favorite ‘Must Do’s’ for this year’s party!

1. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card

This year’s Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card features one of my favorite characters from Zootopia…Clawhauser!

The Disney Parks Blog summed up why he was the perfect choice for this year’s party exclusive card!

Why Clawhauser? Because he loves sweets, particularly donuts! On Halloween he enjoys sharing the delicious, ring-shaped delights with the trick-or-treaters who come to his door. Merlin the Magician was so impressed with the cheetah’s generosity, that he created a spell in his honor, “Clawhauser’s Tricky Treat.” When a sorcerer casts this spell, dozens of magical donuts appear! But spell-casters must be wary: careless use might result in an explosion of rainbow sprinkles!

To pick up your party exclusive Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card, head over to the Firehouse on Main Street U.S.A. and show the Cast Member (who is typically standing outside) your wristband. It’s quick and easy, so I like to do this as soon as the party begins so I don’t forget!

2. Specialty Treats

What kind of party would it be without specialty treats? Answer…a sad one!

This year’s Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party treats can be found around the Magic Kingdom at the following locations:

• Main Street Bakery
  • Chocolate Worms and Dirt Cupcake
  • Vanilla Spider Cupcake
  • Halloween Sugar Cookie
• Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
  • Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
• Gaston’s Tavern
  • Enchanted Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake (I am not a huge pumpkin fan, but the Enchanted Pumpkin Spiced Cupcake was delicious. )
• Storybook Treats
  • Candy Corn Ice Cream Cone
• The Friar’s Nook
  • Ghoulish Strawberry-lemonade Slushy
• Throughout the Park
  • Candy Corn Cotton Candy
  • Vampire Mickey Popcorn Bucket
  • Halloween Popcorn Bucket
  • Halloween Hot Mug
  • Poison Apple Stein

For those using a Disney Dining Plan during their visit, these specialty treats can be purchased using a snack credit.

3. Shopping!

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party features some pretty awesome and exclusive merchandise! You will find T-Shirts for the event and Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, ornaments, trading pins, annual passholder specific items, and a limited edition MagicBand.

• Box Office Gifts – Main Street, U.S.A. – MagicBand
• Emporium – Main Street, U.S.A. – Event T-shirts, ornaments, General event trading pin, and MagicBand
• Frontierland Trading Post – Frontierland – General event trading pin and MagicBand
• Big Top Souvenirs – Storybook Circus – ALL event Trading pins and Event T-shirts
• Mickey’s Star Traders – Tomorrowland – Event T-shirts

I like to shop early during the party as some items will sellout, and you don’t want to have FOMO since these items are not available on the Shop Disney Parks app or online.

4. Trick-or-Treating around the Kingdom

This year the candy selection at the trick-or-treat locations is awesome as they are sponsored by MARS, Werther’s  Original, Enjoy Life, and PEEPS to name a few.

Here are the treat locations around the Magic Kingdom:

• Main Street U.S.A
  • Town Square Theater (Allergy-Friendly Center)
• Adventureland
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Pirates of the Caribbean
• Liberty Square
  • Heritage House (Allergy-Friendly Center)
  • Liberty Square Riverboat
• Fantasyland
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Peter Pan’s Flight
  • Pete’s Silly Sideshow
• Tomorrowland
  • Stitch’s Great Escape
  • Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress
  • Space Mountain
  • Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

There is no time restraint on trick-or-treating, so I tend to wait to do this later in the evening.

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can read all about the new trick-or-treating experience here.

5. Happy HalloWishes!

Happy HalloWishes (10:15 pm) is the perfect way to celebrate the witching hour with fireworks and pyrotechnic effects set  to familiar and haunting melodies.

The Ghost Host from the Haunted Mansion invites you to “drop in” as Disney Villains light up the night with fireworks and a wicked version of melodies from Disney’s past that echo through the night—and creepy colors crawl over Cinderella Castle.

 

The “scare-abration” gets into full swing when some of the Disney Villains we most love to hate—including Maleficent, Ursula, Cruella de Vil, Jafar and Oogie Boogie—croon their scary tunes and do their best to steal the show.

I like to watch Happy HalloWishes! from slight left of Cinderella Castle (as you are facing it) in the hub to set up some fantastic shots!

6. Mickey’s Boo To You Parade

Traveling from Frontierland to Main Street U.S.A. twice a night (8:30 pm and 11:15 pm), Mickey’s Boo To You Parade is a cavalcade of familiar friends in their Halloween costumes, pirates, cowboys, gravediggers, ballroom dances, and Disney Villains set to music that you won’t stop humming until February.

To make sure you see the Headless Horseman ride, secure your parade spot 30-45 minutes before the parade steps off.

This year the second parade was just as crowded as the first parade of the night, so it seems like that black cat is out of the bag!

7. Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular

The Sanderson Sisters are BACK for the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular (8:00 pm, 9:15 pm. 10:40 pm. and 12:00 am) on Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage.

Enlisting the help of the Disney villains, the 3 sisters mix sinister shadows, terrifying nightmares and use the nefarious powers of their frightening colleagues to conjure the ultimate Hocus Pocus Party Potion—and cast a spell on everyone in Magic Kingdom park!

This show is worth my top ‘Must Do’ for the second year in a row! The story runs a little smoother this year there is more fun that you won’t want to miss.

Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular is EXTREMELY popular, so I suggest catching the 10:40 pm show as you can watch Celebrate the Magic at 10 pm followed by Happy HalloWishes at 10:15 pm before making your way closer to Cinderella Castle.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party requires a separate ticket that can be purchased online for the following dates:

• September – 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, & 30
• October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, & 31

Don’t forget to check out all the details of Allergy-Friendly Trick-or-Treating and my tips for planning an awesome night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party on icFlorida!

If you loved these pictures make sure you follow @onthegoinmco on Instagram!

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Happy Halloween! Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party has begun at the Magic Kingdom, and this year the Trick-or-Treat allergy friendly experience has changed.

Partygoers who have food allergies or dietary restrictions are encouraged to first visit one of the two Allergy-Friendly Centers that can be found at the lobby of the Town Square Theater on Main Street U.S.A. and at the Heritage House in Liberty Square.

Inside of each of these locations you can speak with trained Cast Members about what your candy options will be based on your allergies and dietary restrictions, learn about the Trick-or-Treat experience, and receive a special teal treat bag (if you would like) that makes you more recognizable to Cast Members.

Now that you know your options it is time to go trick-or-treating! As you travel throughout the Magic Kingdom during the party, look for Cast Members at each treat location with either a teal bag or treat sign and ask them for a token. Keep in mind that the trade in value on tokens is one-for-one at the Allergy-Friendly Center.

Now that you’ve got your tokens it is time to head back to an allergy-friendly center to trade in your tokens!

Here is a closer look at the different treats, both candies and non-food items, available on the allergy-friendly assistance menu:

Although not listed on the menu, there are also sugar free treats available at the centers.

Keep in mind that they Allergy-Friendly Centers should close with the party, so don’t count on being able to trade your tokens in after the party has ended.

Tips for making the most of your Allergy-Friendly Trick-or-Treating at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party:

• Make sure to visit one of the two Allergy-Friendly Centers as soon as they open! While the party officially begins at 7 pm, these stations **could** open earlier if Cast Members are there and the area is all set-up.
• Don’t be shy! Talk the cast members who have the allergy friendly treat tokens! They want you to have as much fun as everyone else, so don’t feel out of place asking them for one…or two! 😉
• Lines to redeem your tokens can be quite long, so an ideal time to visit one of the Allergy-Friendly Centers is when other major party activities (like the second Mickey’s Boo To You Parade) are under way.
• There’s no limit on how many times you can visit a candy stop! So don’t feel bad for getting back in line to go through again if the line is shorter than you expect.

For more tips for planning your visit to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, check out my video on icFlorida!

 

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This summer the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is hosting Sandtastic Weekends on August 26-28 and September 2-4 for the first time.

Santastic Weekend activities and events are open to both resort guests and the public, and is a great way for the whole family to have a great time together.

The highlight of the weekends are the 100 tons of intricately sculpted sand art designed by award-winning world-class sculptors from Team Sandtastic and constructed right on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort’s private beach.

The event will offer guests a variety of different ways to take part in the action, from watching the masterpieces being created up close to learning the tips and techniques of sand sculpting during a sand sculpting clinic. Those with a competitive side can take part in amateur sculpting contests or try to stump the professionals by giving suggestions for speed sculpting demonstrations, where a piece is created in just 10 minutes.

The fun will extend beyond the sand sculpting, with plenty of indoor and outdoor food selections featuring creations from the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team, including the resort’s own Phins and Feathers craft beer; games on the beach like corn hole and table tennis; a DJ; and to close the day, a campfire and s’mores.

The fun continues to Labor Day Monday, September 5, with special tributes to celebrate the Kickoff Classic college football game between Florida State and Ole Miss taking place in Orlando. Fans of each team will find a giant sand sculpture in honor of the game incorporating a tribute to both teams and the lights on the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort causeway will feature team colors. Coverage of the Kickoff Classic between the Florida State Seminoles and Ole Miss Rebels will be shown on an outdoor oversized projection screen.

Sandtastic Weekends at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort At-A-Glance

What: Sandtastic Weekends at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Info:  The first ever Sandtastic Weekends at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort on August 26-28 and September 2-4 will feature activities for guests of all ages, including sand sculpting classes, amateur sculpting contests, speed sculpting demonstrations, games like corn hole and table tennis, a DJ, campfire and s’mores and a movie under the stars. The event continues to Labor Day Monday, September 5, where football fans can watch the Kickoff Classic between the Florida State and Ole Miss on an oversized projection screen beginning at 7 p.m.

When: Friday, August 26 to Sunday, August 28 and Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4

12-10:30 p.m. (for full schedule, check www.sandtasticweekends.com)

Ticket Information: Sandtastic Weekends are free and open to resort guests and the public. Overnight accommodations start $168 per night and can be made athttp://www.swandolphin.com/sandtastic/stay

Parking: $18 for self-parking and $26 for valet.

Overnight accommodations during Sandtastic Weekends start at just $168 per night. To reserve a room or for more information, including a full schedule of events, please visit www.sandtasticweekends.com.

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Wordless Wednesday – June 29, 2016

This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes us to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World where The Country Bear Jamboree is performed. Once you are inside Grizzly Hall you come face-to-face with some talented bears who sing their favorite songs, but my favorite performer is definitely Big Al.

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Wordless Wednesday – June 15, 2016

This week’s Wordless Wednesday (well it isn’t really that wordless) takes me back to 2013 to a rainbow at the Magic Kingdom over Tomorrowland.

It was a super early morning during a media event, and there was a really bad thunderstorm that morning. After the storm passed we went into the park, and as I turned to look at Tomorrowland I snapped this picture of this vivid rainbow on my phone.

And while I remembered the storm, and I have been through many since, the beauty and tranquility of this moment has always stuck with me.

We’re all hurting after the horrific events in Orlando this Sunday, but what strikes me is just how much love and beauty is coming after such an intense tragedy.

Earlier Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando, said, “If anything at all that can come from this, it is that we are more united than ever.”

And that understanding and love is our rainbow after the storm.

I’ll never forget what happened in Orlando, but I won’t remember the hate I will remember to carry even more love in my heart & soul because you never know what tomorrow will hold.

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