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!
For years, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend combination of receiving medals for the 5K, Half Marathon, and Marathon was a 42.4 mile challenge unofficially dubbed the “Dopey” by fans. Now with the addition of the new Walt Disney World 10K, the name “Dopey” becomes official with an additional new medal for the Dopey Challenge, but with one small change. Instead of being 42.4 miles, Disney is including the 10K into the mix for a grand total of 48.6 miles. That’s right, the old fan based Dopey was only 4 medals (5K, Half, Full, and Goofy), but now Dopey challengers will receive 6 medals total adding 1 for the 10K and 1 extra for doing all 4 races.
The cost to participate in this new challenge? $495 for participants who register before June 18, 2013. This price includes all 4 races.
The new 10K will cost $95 for registrants by the same date. With the 5K being $60, the Walt Disney World Full & Half Marathons costing $160 each, and the Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge weighing in at $340.
Price increases for the Walt Disney World Marathon races will occur on June 19, 2013 and again on August 14, 2013.
Additional information can be found at runDisney.com
This week’s Wordless Wednesday takes a peek at one of my favorite details in Barnabas T. Bullion‘s Big Thunder Mining Company.
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The 20th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival presented by HGTV blooms into action March 6-May 19, 2013 at Walt Disney World Resort. More than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape.
This year Disney’s favorite topiaries and beautiful garden landscapes create the perfect backdrop this year’s new crop of festival additions that include food-and-beverage Garden Marketplaces, new topiaries, a circus-like “Land of Oz” play area, and nighttime illuminated gardens.
Flower and Garden Festival Additions Debuting This Year:
Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice. Chefs are perfecting menus for marketplaces that will include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others. Around the World Showcase promenade
Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush. Beverage specialists will feature brews and beverages at food marketplaces and at Fruits by the Glass andPineapple Promenade. Around the World Showcase promenade
The Land of Oz Garden circus-like play area, based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz The Great and Powerful” to be released March 8, 2013. The interactive children’s play zone will feature play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed to stretch kids’ imaginations and muscles. Midway-style games, circus-themed game tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants will capture the spirit of the upcoming film. Also on tap: photo opportunities and the “great and powerful Oz’s” crashed hot-air balloon. Imagination Walkway
I am in love with these glass poppies outside of the Land of Oz play area.
Larger-than-life Fab Five Disney character topiary. Floral versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) star in a celebratory cookout scene in living topiary color. The 14-foot-tall Goofy topiary will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms. Epcot Front Entrance
Illuminated Gardens in the park’s Future World and World Showcase will twinkle and glow over the festival’s world-famous Disney gardens and topiaries each festival evening. Epcot Future World and World Showcase
httpv://youtu.be/Uaok6wbfjuI
When you travel World Showcase, you’ll find each pavilion features its own nation-themed Garden Marketplace (they may even look familiar) featuring great food and drink options for theFlower and Garden Festival! Here’s just a taste of what’s in store:
International Pavilions
The Smokehouse – Barbeque and Brews: Get into some finger-lickin’ barbecue—pulled pork and smoked brisket—and ice-cold craft beers at The American Adventure.
Lotus House: Delicacies with Far Eastern flair await you at China: a savory spring pancake, taro-bacon puff pastry, bubble tea and more.
L’Orangerie: France presents a rustic ratatouille tart, country pâté with cherry compote and, of course, a selection of French wines.
Bauernmarkt – Farmer’s Market: Visit Germany, for spring pea and mushroom bread pudding, potato pancakes and a variety of beers.
Primavera Kitchen: Italy will be serving lobster with asparagus, spring vegetable lasagna, panna cotta, fruity cocktails and Italian wines.
Hanami: Named after the nation’s custom of viewing spring flowers, this location in Japan will feature “frushi,” or fruit sushi, grilled seafood sticks and sake.
Jardin de Fiestas: Join the party in Mexico with crab tostadas, pork tacos, the strawberry-infused Rosita margarita and tequila flights.
Taste of Marrakesh: Enjoy Morocco’s lamb kebabs and couscous, harissa chicken drumettes with chermoula, desert rose cocktail and more.
The Cottage – Savories, Trifles and Tea: Stop by the United Kingdom for tea and delectable dainties, including a salmon tartare-topped cheddar biscuit, an ultra-gourmet Caprese and a trio of trifles.
Pineapple Promenade: Take a delicious break in your day, indulging in spiced rum Dole Whip, pineapple upside down cake, fruit cups and more.
Florida Fresh: Taste the Sunshine State with watermelon and feta salad, shrimp and grits, and tomato and carrot wines!
Fruits by the Glass: Toast to Spring with mango and blueberry wines, nonalcoholic wild berry slush and gluten-free raspberry ale, among others.
Throughout the 75-day garden party, guests will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, a butterfly bounty, whimsical children’s play areas, HGTV celebrity designers, daily hands-on gardening seminars and a Festival Center packed with events that offer innovative ideas, gardening know-how and design tips. Weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform.
Every Friday through Sunday, HGTV design celebrities will host Festival Center seminars in the Flower and Garden Festival Center. This is one of my favorite parts of theFlower and Garden Festival, and I absolutely suggest checking it out! If you do plan on attending one of these seminars, you’re going to want to grab a seat early.
NEW! Chris Lambton of HGTV’sGoing Yard
March 8 – 10
NEW! Chris Grundy of DIY Network’sCool Tools
March 15 – 17
NEW! Egypt Sherrod of HGTV’sProperty Virgins
March 22 – 24
Brandon Johnson of HGTV’sMy Yard Goes Disney
March 29 – 31
Meg Caswell of HGTV’sMeg’s Great Rooms
April 5 – 7
Jason Cameron of DIY Network’sDesperate Landscapes and Man Caves
April 12 – 14
NEW! Sara Peterson of Editor-in-Chief,HGTV Magazine
April 19 – 21
Carter Oosterhouse of HGTV’sMillion Dollar Rooms
April 26 – 28
NEW! Casey Noble of HGTV’sDesign on a Dime
May 3 – 5
Dan Faires of HGTV’sDesign Starand HGTV.com’sDanMade
May 10 – 12
NEW! David Bromstad of HGTV Design Star, Color Splash, Design Star All-Stars
May 17 – 19
MoreFlower and Garden Festival Family Highlights Include:
“Monsters University” topiary: Floral representations of Mike and Sully from the hit Disney-Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.” and stars of Disney-Pixar’s June 2013 release, “Monsters University,” will join the festivities as new topiary family members. On the Future World Walkway
Phineas and Ferb topiary: The popular Disney Channel animated celebs limit their shenanigans to go green for a family photo-op. Behind Spaceship Earth
“Radiator Springs” interactive play zone: Race car Lightning McQueen and tow truck “Mater” of the Disney-Pixar film “Cars 2″ will be the well-maintained topiary stars of this play area. On the Test Track Walkway
Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House: Eight fanciful fairy topiaries of Pixie Hollow, including Tinker Bell, Fawn, Vidia and Terrence, take over the Butterfly House this year where hundreds of colorful winged beauties flit to life. On the Imagination Walkway
Another really fun addition to theFlower and Garden Festival is the Flower Power Concert Series, which kicks off March 8-10 with Micky Dolenz (“I’m a Believer”), and continues each weekend with pop favorites including:
March 15-17: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
March 22-24: The Guess Who
March 29-31: Nelson
April 5-7: The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
April 12-14: Paul Revere & the Raiders
April 19-21: Village People (new!)
April 26-28: The Orchestra, Featuring Former Members of ELO and ELO II
May 3-5: Tommy Roe (new!)
May 10-12: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
May 17-19: Starship starring Mickey Thomas.
You’ll notice that there are two really groovy additions to the Flower Power Concert Series this year! The 1970s top disco band the Village People (April 19-21) and 1960s singer-songwriter Tommy Roe (May 3-5) bring on the Flower Power beat when they take the concert stage for the first time.
If you are planning on attending one of the Flower Power Concerts, make sure that you get there early! Seats tend to go quickly and they are always a blast!
While you’ll find a lot of great exhibits and topiaries in Epcot’s Future World, the Flower and Garden Festival keeps growing as you travel around World Showcase, where the spotlight will shine on topiaries of Disney princesses, storybook characters and even pandas and trolls, guests will discover the attractions, shops and restaurants that represent cultures and cuisine of 11 countries.
The festival, including all gardening programs and exhibits, is included in regular Epcot admission. Availability is limited for some events. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.
T-shirt from runDisney I’d love image copyright Disney
People often ask what Disney items I collect. I don’t really do pins, other than for the races I’ve done or special occasions like Epcot’s 30th. Vinylmations aren’t really my thing because I know there are ones I like, but I can’t deal with the blind boxes and not knowing what I’m going to get. My weakness, when it comes to Disney, and other things, is my affinity for t-shirts. I’ve collected them since I moved to Florida in the late 1990s and thought I had a few added to the collection over the years. It wasn’t until I went to take pictures for this post that I realized that the number of Disney t-shirts I now own is pushing fifty.
Most of my Disney t-shirts have stories behind them as to when and where I purchased them. Others, I have no recollection of how I acquired them, but I am fairly certain that I purchased them all, if not all but one or two. At an average price of probably $20-25 each after discounts, I am a little embarrassed at the amount of money I’ve probably spent (well over $1,000.), but I do love them and the memories they bring. So I thought I’d take this time to share my t-shirt collection and what a few of them mean to me.
I wish I had a picture, or could find the shirt, but the first Disney t-shirt I actually remember getting (or having my mom possibly buy it for me) was in middle school on my first trip to Epcot in 1993. I loved the France pavilion so much and was a scholar of French at the time, so it was a perfect fit (or so I thought at the time) when I found a shirt that featured helpful phrases and words in French with their translation into English. The brilliant thing about this shirt was that the words were printed upside down, so I as the shirt wearer could read it a little easier. Dorky, I know, but I loved it and really wish I could lay my hands on it. I’ve spent over an hour looking and I’m temporarily calling off the search.
When I was in middle school and high school, my favorite Disney character was Winnie the Pooh. I had a stuffed Winnie the Pooh that even sang when you pushed a button on the hunny pot he was holding. I’m sure I still have him around here, but not sure where. These three shirts have survived a good two decades almost now.
Winnie the Pooh So SqueezableWinnie the Pooh Midnight SmackeralLuvable, huggable Pooh
The older I got, the more I realized that Mickey Mouse was actually my favorite character. I would say he probably makes up the character on the highest percentage of my shirts.
Mickey Live Laugh Relax tankMickey Swirl DesignMickey with batsMickey WoodyMickey You Gots to ChillPeace, Love & Mickey MouseSurfing Mickey
Over the years I have acquired a love for Disney t-shirts from the parks, whether to celebrate anniversaries or just favorite attractions.
EPCOT Center from WDW 40th AnniversaryEpcot 30th AnniversaryThe American Adventure Epcot 30The Magic Kingdom ShagPeoplemoverPirates of the CaribbeanS is for Sparrow POTCDisney MGM Studios Where Animation Comes to Life frontDisney MGM Studios Where Animation Comes to Life backStar Tours Judge Me By My Size, Do You frontStar Tours Judge Me By My Size, Do You backStar Tours I Am the Rebel SpyPlaid Mickey WDW 71WDW SurfboardsWDW Tour Quadruple Decker BusDisney Tradition Built by Characterss frontDisney Tradition Built by Characterss backDisneylandRed Car Trolley at Disney California Adventure
My favorite sports team trains at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports, so they even have Disney Atlanta Braves shirts.
ESPN WWOS Atlanta Braves Spring Training
Miscellaneous shirts
Don’t Worry Be HappyDopey I’m Smarter Than U LookCaptain AmericaThe AvengersDarth Vader Who’s Your DaddyWill Turner POTC tankTropical MinnieMuppets I Love NerdsKermit GeekGoofy Simplicity
Even my favorite actor, Sean Connery, was featured on a t-shirt I got at MGM about fifteen years ago.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Then there are the holiday shirts. The one that was the hardest to get and to wear after earning it was the 24 hours Leap Day in 2012.
Mickey Leap DayMickey BooMickey May Your Holidays Be Bright
Disney’s Polynesian Resort frontDisney’s Polynesian Resort back
The shirts I am most proud of, and have paid the most for individually, are those from my RunDisney races.
Mickey’s Halloween 5K 2010Buzz and Woody’s Best Friends 5K 2011Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5K 2011ESPN The Weekend 5K 2011Expedition Everest Challenge 2011Disney Halloween 5K 2011Expedition Everest Challenge 2012
My latest addition to my collection came last weekend in The Adventures of the Gummi Bears t-shirt.
The Adventures of the Gummi Bears frontThe Adventures of the Gummi Bears back
In doing this, I noticed that I don’t have any Animal Kingdom shirts. I saw one the other day that I really liked, so this may be the next one to join the others.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom t-shirt
Do you collect anything? Do you have more Disney t-shirts than me? Do you have a favorite?
This week’s TrenD Report is full of some fun new T-shirts, jewelry, and fun Disney items to spruce up your home for 2013!
Alice Baseball T-shirt – $36.95
This Alice T-shirt…Bomb!!! – $28.00
Cheshire Cat Magnet Clip – $6.95
Simple and fun Snow White Apple T-Shirt – $40.00
I love that Snow White is hidden in this flowy tank – $39.95
This Snow White Magnet is pretty awesome! – $6.95
One of my favorite Walt Quotes of all time on a long chained necklace – $15.95
Minnie Mouse Jewelry Tree – $24.95
Tile Necklaces – $9.95
Mickey Mouse Charm Bracelet – $39.95
Minnie Mouse Nail Polish Set – $12.95
Minnie Mouse Lip Gloss Set – $12.95
Minnie is certainly Lookin Good in this almost sheer printed shirt – $36.95
I love Minnie’s expression on this shirt! – $39.95
Winking Mickey Gold Crop Top – $39.95
Kissing Mickey T-shirt has blue foil flakes… <3 - $36.95
Love this stripey t-shirt – $39.95
Super cute Tink Canvas Bag – $49.95
Mickey Tassel Necklaces – $19.95
This Minnie Mouse Trinket Box and Water Bottle are adorable – $24.95/$14.95
OBSESSED!!! Minnie Mouse Message Board – $24.95
This is perfect for Valentine’s Day!!! M + M 4 Ever Large Hobo – $39.95
Dumbo Magnet Clip – $6.95
<3 this mug!!! - $11.95
Mickey Canvas Printed Purse – $34.95
Run Disney Tote without the WDW Marathon tags is available
Don’t forget to take a look at last week’s TrenD Report, because I am still pretty much obsessed with the new purses they have out!
And while I am especially in love with the Harveys Mickey loves Minnie collection, I am chomping at the bit to see the Good vs Evil collection that will be released February 9th!!!
I hope that you’ve enjoyed window shopping with me!!!
Wordless Wednesday takes us to my favorite childhood ride at Magic Kingdom…It’s A Small World. I can’t ride IASW without thinking of my Dad and I singing the whole way through the attraction or how I sang it to Zoe when she was a baby.
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Saturday Italian football club AS Roma began their inaugural Winter Training Session at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for the club’s inaugural winter training, December 29, 2012 through January 1, 2013.
AS Roma captain Francesco Totti takes a shot on goal during winter training December 29, 2012 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Totti and the three-time Serie A-champion AS Roma club are in their first year training at Walt Disney World Resort. (Ali Nasser, photographer)
As part of a six-year partnership with Disney, the three-time Italian Serie A champions hold training sessions open to the public, in conjunction with Disney’s Soccer Showcase, the premier youth soccer tournament for college recruitment in the United States.
“The facilities are tremendously impressive,” said Franco Baldini, director general of football operations for AS Roma. “The ability to come here to train at this state-of-the-art complex in good weather during the Serie A winter break will be a big advantage.”
AS Roma’s involvement underscores the sports complex’s stature as the nation’s top youth soccer venue, which annually hosts pro soccer events as well as many of the country’s most prestigious youth soccer tournaments.
Players from AS Roma warm up before their winter training practice session at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on December 29, 2012. The three-time Serie A-champion AS Roma club is in its first year training at Walt Disney World Resort. (Ali Nasser, photographer)
The joint venture also integrates the Italian football club, winner of nine Coppa Italia titles and two Supercoppa Italiana crowns, into the U.S. youth soccer market, where it hopes to expand its fan base.
Part of their Saturday training session, included a 30 minute clinic with two teams participating in Disney’s Soccer Showcase. It was really great to watch these professional soccer players share their love of the game and techniques with these young players.
Youth athletes from Orlando FC America (girls) and Concorde Fire of Georgia are joined by members of AS Roma during a special clinic December 29, 2012 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The two youth clubs are participating in Disney’s Soccer Showcase, which runs at the same time at AS Roma’s winter training at Walt Disney World Resort. (Ali Nasser, photographer)
All AS Roma training sessions are open to the public with paid admission to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, daily admission is $16.00 (ages 10 & older) and $11.00 (ages 3-9). This is really a unique experience to see amazing soccer in an intimate setting, because you can watch from the sidelines! If you are looking for the AS Roma team, check here.
If you are a soccer fan or have little ones that play soccer, you will definitely want to swing by and take in a training session!
You can find some pictures that I took on our Facebook page here!
My first trip at Christmas time to Walt Disney World in 2007. You can read more about that trip here. My mom, brother and I started at Port Orleans French Quarter, but ended up at the Grand Floridian. It was the first time I ever saw the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. We also happened to meet the man who started it all, Jennings Osborne.
2007 Epcot with Mom and Andrew
2008 was a pretty awesome time at the holidays too. Again with my mom and brother, we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge the week before Christmas on a passholder rate with a club level room. We had such a great time, we decided to come back the week of Christmas at the Polynesian, which was the first time staying at my favorite resort and my favorite resort at Christmastime.
2008 Animal Kingdom with Mom and Andrew
For my 30th birthday in 2009, just a few weeks before Christmas, we stayed at Bay Lake Tower and attended Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party for the first time.
2009 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party with Mom and Andrew
In 2010 my mom and I attended my first D23 event, Magic and Merriment while enjoying split stays between the Beach Club and Old Key West. The event was amazing with an opening night private party at Hollywood Studios after hours, providing me with the opportunity to get some awesome empty park shots with decorations. The next morning we were at Epcot before opening, then had reserved Candlelight Processional, a private dinner on the Indiana Jones stunt stage at DHS before a private viewing of the Osborne Lights after hours. The last day we had a breakfast at the Top of the World Lounge at BLT before going in to the Magic Kingdom for a tour of the Cinderella Castle Suite and MVMCP. You can see my Photo Tour of the Cinderella Castle Suite here.
2010 with Mom, Chip, and Dale
Last year I was at WDW a few days after Christmas and stayed at Caribbean Beach Resort in a pirate room for the first time. I was fortunate enough to be the absolute last guest out of the Magic Kingdom one night, actually about 4am, and got some incredible empty park pictures.
2011 Castle and Parners
This year, while staying at Pop Century, I had a bunch of family and friends in town and we had a great time. Some of us did MVMCP one night and we enjoyed the holiday spirit together. Family gathered at WL one night for dinner and we got some shots in front of the tree with my grandma, mom, cousin and her family.
2012 Wilderness Lodge Family Picture
Christmas is one of my absolute favorite times of year at Walt Disney World and I love sharing these memories from the past six years. It is incredible to be able to experience these things year in a year out as a local.
This was my second time attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World but my first as an Orlando local. As with most special events, it was almost if not completely sold out, so be sure to arrive as soon as the party begins at 7 PM, though party goers can usually enter the Magic Kingdom as early as 4 PM. I attended on Thursday November 15 and it was slightly chilly by Florida standards which only added to the festivity of the party. Because there are so many “extras” reserved just for party nights, I did not ride any attractions. There is exclusive merchandise available, complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, character photo opportunities and dance parties, special Holiday shows, Holiday Wishes and the not-to-be-missed Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade.
Chip and Dale during the Once Upon A Christmastime Parade.
Starting with merchandise, you will find party exclusive pins and apparel in the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. and at various shops throughout the park. Pins are typically located at the registers and on the night I attended, these party exclusive items were not released until all the day guests had exited the park. The shirts are very popular but I did see some still available in Tomorrowland at the end of the evening.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party exclusive pins.
In terms of dining during the party, quick service is the way to go. Table service meals will take away from valuable party time. Check the party guide map because only certain dining locations are open. There’s always my favorite way to go which is to skip dinner and just enjoy the complimentary chocolate chip cookies, snicker doodles and hot cocoa instead. The party guide map lists all the Holiday Treat locations.
Cookies!!!
The entertainment is the big draw of the Christmas party. The “Celebrate the Season” Show takes place at the Cinderella Castle Stage three times during the party while “A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show” is presented five times nightly on the Tomorrowland Stage. There’s a character dance party in Liberty Square and also in Tomorrowland. Be sure to visit the Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A. for a great holiday photo opportunity with Mickey and Minnie in their holiday best. The Cast Members gave me plenty of time and allowed me to do Photo Pass and also use my personal camera. Finally don’t miss Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade which debuts twice during the party. As with all parades, the first one is typically the most crowded and prime viewing locations fill up quickly.
Celebrate the Season Show
As with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is about the ambiance in the park, the snow falling on Main Street, U.S.A., the Christmas music wafting through the park, the holiday treats, and all the magical holiday entertainment reserved especially for party goers. As a now-local, I found the party to be a great way to strictly enjoy the magic of Christmas at Walt Disney World without feeling rushed and pressured to ride all my favorite attractions as I can do that at any other time. My advice, even if you are visiting the party as part of your vacation, is to focus on the party specific events and special offerings. It’s truly a magical time and is truly jam packed with holiday festivities.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is held select nights in November and December and often times sell out. Tickets went on sale on May 1, 2012 for this year’s parties. There are advance purchase discounts as well as discounts for Passholders, DVC Members, and military personnel on select nights. So don your festive holiday attire, grab your family and friends and head to the Magic Kingdom for a great way to kick off your holiday celebrations.
Don’t forget to grab your SotMK exclusive card at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
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If you are like me, and you are finding yourself at Walt Disney World over Thanksgiving and don’t have set plans yet, don’t fret. There are great dining options across property in both the parks and resorts. Some are even still available for dinner reservations at this point in time (11pm Wednesday, 11/14) (subject to change of course). Even if you don’t want to make a reservation for some of the restaurants for a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner, there are counter service locations that can still fill your craving for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Character Thanksgiving Meals
Some of the character meals across the parks and resorts are getting special treatment just for Thanksgiving. They offer holiday menus with many having traditional meals, with others focusing more on their own twist on the holiday fare. At the Contemporary Resort, Chef Mickey’s buffet is offering a Thanksgiving dinner. Across Bay Lake at Fort Wilderness, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ becomes Mickey’s Backyard Thanksgiving feast featuring turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and many of your favorites. In the parks, Tusker House, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, is having Donald’s Dining Safari Thanksgiving Lunch and then a non-character Thanksgiving meal for dinner. Walt Disney World Swan’s Garden Grove is having a character buffet dinner as well.
Table Service Thanksgiving Meals
Many of the restaurants in the parks are also providing meal options for the holiday. In the Magic Kingdom, Liberty Tree Tavern has both family style lunch and dinners. Also, the Diamond Horseshoe is hosting a table service dinner. At Epcot, the Biergarten in Germany has both Thanksgiving lunch and dinner options. Hollywood Studios has their buffet open for lunch and dinner as well as the Fantasmic dinner package. And, as already mentioned, in the Animal Kingdom, Tusker House is offering their dinner buffet.
At the resorts is where you will find most of the special holiday menus being offered. Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has a special prix fixe menu. Cape May Cafe at the Beach Club has a dinner buffet and the Captain’s Grille at the Yacht Club is serving both lunch and dinner buffets. At the Grand Floridian, Citrico’s has a prix fixe dinner menu. Also with a prix fixe menu is Flying Fish Cafe at the Boardwalk. For some a la carte menu options you could try lunch or dinner at the Grand Floridian Cafe. Still at that resort for dinner you can have a Thanksgiving dinner at Narcoossee’s. Trail’s End at Fort Wilderness is having a lunch and dinner buffet. At the Polynesian you have lunch or dinner at Kona Cafe, Olivia’s at Old Key West is also serving both meals, as are Sanaa at Kidani Village, the Wave at the Contemporary and the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs. For more family style meals, check out either Whispering Canyon Cafe at the Wilderness Lodge for lunch or dinner, or dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club.
Are you staying at the Walt Disney World Swan or Dolphin? If so, don’t worry, they have great options too! Fresh Mediterranean Market at the Dolphin is having a lunch buffet. The Swan’s Il Mulino is serving Thanksgiving dinner a la carte as is the Dolphin’s Todd English’s bluezoo. Downtown Disney even has some options for you at the House of Blues for dinner and Planet Hollywood for both lunch and dinner.
Counter Service Thanksgiving Meals
So, what if you, like me, have waited til the last minute and maybe there aren’t reservations available for your party of five? Don’t worry, Disney has that covered too. In Epcot, Sunshine Seasons, one of my favorite counter service options already, is supposed to be offering a special holiday menu too. Don’t want to go to a park, there’s a resort that has your name written all over it. At Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, the End Zone Food Court is even getting into the holiday meal spirit with a Thanksgiving dinner from noon until 10pm with turkey, mashed potatoes, candied yams, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls and your choice of either apple or pumpkin pie for only $10.99 for guests 10 and up and $5.99 for children 3 to 9 (prices, times and menu items subject to change without notice).
All in all, it looks like Walt Disney World has some pretty great options of many varieties of cuisine and location for just about any appetite. Many of these options are on the Disney Dining Plan and as I mentioned, a few are even still available at this time. If you find yourself at WDW over the holiday, have a Happy Thanksgiving and happy eating!
In honor of Election Day this week, I thought it all together fitting and proper to continue the Patriotism in the Parks series with a look at the Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom. This attraction focuses on the Presidents of the United States of America and the path to freedom through the American Revolutionary War. There is a ongoing joke that each election year the Imagineers at Walt Disney World secretly hope the incumbent wins so they don’t have to change the attraction to add a new president. I’d like to take a closer look at this classic Magic Kingdom attraction to highlight some features. If you are interested in my previous posts in the Patriotism in the Parks series you can read about Memorial Day and Flag Day.
Here is a video from the Disney Parks YouTube channel that talks about some of the technology and additions in the latest incarnation of the Hall of Presidents:
httpv://youtu.be/T1J4Wachgcw
This Magic Kingdom opening day attraction has been a favorite of mine for years. I love being able to sit and watch the story of our founding fathers in air conditioned comfort for a nice break of just over twenty minutes or so. My friends even tease me occasionally (every time) about reciting the Gettysburg Address along with Abraham Lincoln during the show. I blame my 9th grade English teacher Mr. Mullen for making us memorize and recite it in front of the class that year. Amongst our friends we also have a tradition of thanking President Millard Fillmore. Recently, I was engaged in an interesting conversation with the dead president via twitter. It was quite amusing! Apparently there is a bot that scans twitter for the name “Millard Fillmore” and tweets at people who mention him.
The show was inspired by the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction that debuted at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York City. The attraction then was installed at Disneyland in 1965. Later, changes were made and Lincoln was removed, but he has been back on Main Street U.S.A. since 2009. I was able to see this show for the first time a few months ago on my Disneyland trip, which you can read about here, and it was very interesting seeing elements lifted from both the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure at Epcot.
Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
Hall of Presidents features audio-animatronics of each of our 43 presidents as well as a film narrated by Academy Award winning actor Morgan Freeman. The film begins shortly after the American Revolution around the time of the Constitution in 1789 and goes up through present day. In between, much ground is covered from the two plus centuries of American history. Most prominently featured are segments about George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama.
ColonistsDeclaration of IndependenceWashington Crossing the DelawareGeorge WashingtonAndrew JacksonAndrew Jackson at the Red Eagle TavernWestward ExpansionLincoln – Douglas DebatesAbraham LincolnAbraham Lincoln on the brink of Civil WarBombing of Fort SumterMr. Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg AddressMoving into the Industrial EraTeddy RooseveltSocial Progress with Teddy RooseveltFDR faces the Great DepressionJFK our youngest elected PresidentJFK and the Washington MonumentRonald Reagan addresses the Challenger DisasterGeorge W. Bush post 9-11The American spirit will prevailNew frontiers lie aheadThe Presidents of the United States of AmericaGeorge Washington center stageGeorge Washington speaksBarack Obama speaksThe Presidents
I love how this attraction highlights some of our greatest moments in history through montage in the video, but also doesn’t gloss over darker times in our past like the Civil War and Great Depression. This is a great snapshot of American history and always imbues me with a sense of pride and appreciation for what we have achieved in this great nation of ours. Do you have a favorite part of the Hall of Presidents? Do you have a favorite President? Have you cheered for Millard Fillmore? If not, what are you waiting for?
