The Carolwood Pacific: Fair Weather Route to host a ‘Conversation with a Magic Kingdom Steam Train Specialist’

Nestled inside the The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, is a true Hidden Gem…The Carolwood Pacific: Fair Weather Route.

Now I am sure that the person who showed me this spot is going to KILL me for sharing, but I can’t help it!!!

This quiet and peaceful room is filled with comfy chairs, game tables, and tons of Steam Train Memorabilia!

This was my favorite Oil Painting!!!
This model of the Lilly Belle was made in celebration of Walt Disney's 100th Birthday, and was absolutely amazing!!!

But by far the most amazing thing inside of this space is two actual freight cars from The Carolwood Pacific!!! (I absolutely apologize for the the quality of these pictures. My enthusiasm is greater than my skill for taking photos!)

What I found to be super cool, is that this lounge will be playing host to a ‘Conversation with a Magic Kingdom® Steam Train Specialist’ September 13th and 27th at 11:30 am.

Learn how Walt Disney’s lifetime love of steam trains led to their becoming an integral part of the Magic Kingdom® in this opportunity to talk one on one with a knowledgeable Steam Train Specialist from the Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour. Hear the history of how the Magic Kingdom® Steam Trains came to be the magnificent and massive steam locomotives they are today. We’ll See you in the Carolwood Pacific Room at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. All Aboard!

It never ceases to amaze me what you are able to find when you slow down and go off the beaten path during your visit to Walt Disney World!!!

If you are visiting the Wilderness Lodge, I absolutely suggest taking a moment to walk down to the Villas to visit this room that pays homage to such an important part of Walt Disney World’s history.

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Who isn’t a fan of a Swinter Wonderland of Mini-Golf?

Playing mini-golf was always one of those activities that we always promised ourselves that we would do on on next trip, and I am so sorry we waited so long!!!

Of the two courses on property we chose Winter Summerland, located next to Blizzard Beach, for our mini-golf adventure.

The prices seem on par for mini-golf courses off property, and coupled with the Annual Passholders (and Cast Member) discount of 50% off it is an amazing value!!!!

Of the two courses available at Winter Summerland, we chose to play the Snow Course. It was not a super busy day, but for planning purposes the 18 holes took us about an hour to complete with 4 adults and 2 young kids, who didn’t play very many holes, in our party.

The holes are super themed! My favorite details were the bumper stickers on the elf sized trailers and the 18th hole!

First Stop, Blizzard Beach!Welcome to Winter Summerland!!!Welcome Path Signs
Registration AreaA sleigh...and a trailer...oh my!Garland...and snow...License PlatesWinter CourseHole No. 1
ElfstreamsHole No. 2Hole No. 3Before CoolerAfter CoolerHole No. 4
More Elfstream Fun!Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...Where there's smoke...Hole No. 5Dangerous path...

Winter Summerland, a set on Flickr.

Here is a look at two videos of the 18th hole…

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9YnycyG07Q]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGNdSrF03u4]

It was an absolute blast, and I can’t thank Scarlett (@scarlettashley1) & her boys, Ben (@snowpup), and Betsy (@floridamingo) enough for the great morning!!! I especially want to thank Ben for knocking my ball into the hole twice!!! 🙂

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IBM Centennial Celebration in Innoventions

IBM is celebrating their Centennial Anniversary by showcasing their history and contributions in Innoventions.

Paul Lasewicz, IBM archivist, is sharing his knowledge and showing some of the products that have made them famous over the last 100 years.

The 20 minute presentation is full of information and facts. As a bit of a history buff, it was really interesting learning about their roles in early census tabulations and the creation of the Social Security Administration. I also learned that I need to type 216 words a minute to break the world record…guess I can mark that off the bucket list.

I know I probably sounds like a huge dork right now. But what started off as a way to dodge the rain, turned into a really fun hour.

Paul and his presentation are here until tomorrow, and take place every hour from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

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Little MissMatched adds new Disney socks, clothes, and accessories!

Little MissMatched is easily one of our favorite stores (Please, no one tell TrenD) in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

While we, Zoe and I, love their fun socks I always wished that they had some Disney options…and finally they have added them!

Currently they only have the anklet socks, $11 for 3 coordinating NOT matching socks, and they are available in 15 different styles.

In addition to the socks, they have added Disney clothing and accessories.

As with most things in Little MissMatched, the prices are comparable to those around the parks.

The small sling bag and the drawstring backpacks are $17, the t-shirts are $19, and the knit sweaters are $49.

While I am not a huge Pook-a-Looz fan, I don’t mind them so much on the Little MissMatched items. I think my favorite ones are the Alice and Wonderland Socks!!!

I am really excited about taking Zoe back and picking out a few goodies!!!

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UPDATED: 2011 Halloween Merchandise!!!!

I have to say that Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday, and I am really excited about the new Halloween Merchandise Offerings!

They seem to be a little more on the ‘scary’ side this year, but they are still fun through and through!

I hope that you enjoy the 2011 Halloween Merchandise offerings as much as I do!

Continuing with my Mickey Ear obsession, I take a look at the Pumpkin Ears! Soooo adorable!!!
The pumpkin stem detail is cute!!!
The Minnie witch ears are my absolute favorite!!!!
I love how they changed the bow this year!!!
FrankenMickey Ears!!!!
I bolt details are awesome!!!
These bad boys light up, and are pretty stinking cool!
Mickey Ears Headband with a Pumpkin Witch on top.
Mickey Ears Witch Headband that lights up! I love the spider that dangles at the top!

A look at the 2011 Halloween Banner
The spooky 2011 Halloween Reusable Bag
2011 Halloween Reusable Bag
A few of the Home Decor offerings! I love the Halloween Trees!
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS SHIRT!!!! This is the front of the Women's Halloween shirt.
The back of the Women's Halloween Shirt
Close up of the Men's Halloween shirt
Another close up of the Men's Halloween shirt.
A close up of the glow in the dark kid's Halloween shirt.

Minnie is my favorite!!!
Halloween Pins
Halloween Lanyards

I like how the Mickey pumpkin topper is a little creepy this year.

The Mickey ghost antenna topper is an oldie but goodie.

I really loved this Minnie Mouse bracelet!
Halloween Pens!!!
I know that these aren't really Halloween-y...but I thought that you might like to see them.
The Tinkerbell little hat.
The back of the Tinker Bell Hat.
The Cheshire Cat little hat.
The back of the Cheshire Cat little hat.
The Mad Hatter little hat.
This is the side of the Mad Hatter little hat...this one definitely has the most detail!
The back of the Mad Hatter little hat.

 

This morning I went by World of Disney at the Downtown Disney Marketplace, and found a few more items that I would like to share with you!

These tea light holders are pretty cool!!!
Mugs Mugs Mugs Mugs
Halloween Treats!!!
A Haunted Mansion of your own!
Crazy Mickey...I know that I already tweeted a picture of this, but I couldn't resist!!!
Popcorn...get your popcorn!!!
Again, I know I tweeted a picture...but it's Halloween Duffy!!!!!
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Are you ready? Because I am!!!

I just wanted to take a moment to say how stoked I am to get back to blogging after taking some time off to finish getting Zoe ready for Kindergarten!!!

Everything went really really well with her starting school, so now it is time to get back down to business!!!

I’ll be back and ready to share my adventures, thoughts, and reviews tomorrow!

I hope that you’re ready, cause I am!!!!!

See you tomorrow!!!!

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Daddy’s Movie Day with the Fox and The Hound 1 & 2

The Fox and the Hound has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember.  When the 2-Movie Collection came, I couldn’t wait to share it with my favorite movie buddy because I was her age when I first saw it myself.

Once my Zoe and I began watching the original in the late afternoon, we didn’t move until hours later when both movies and a great deal of the bonus material had been played.  Both feature a wonderful story of friendship, amazing animation and voice talent.

As with all of my classic Disney favorites, the best part is sharing a piece of my childhood with my little princess.

More About the Movies 

In celebration of The Fox And The Hound’s 30th anniversary, Disney proudly presents a special 2-Movie Colleciont of The Fox And The Hound and The Fox And The Hound II – in dazzling Blu-ray High Definition for the first time ever!

Experience these timeless tales of true friendship, set against a backdrop of comedy and music in perfect harmony.  And now, both inspiring classics sparkle on Blu-ray with spectacular sound and unsurpassed picture quality.  Plus, this 3-Disc Combo Pack includes a DVD of each film!

Featureing loveable characters, brilliant animation, stellar voice talent and unforgettable songs, The Fox And The Hound 2-Movie Collection included two fun, heartwarming stories of loyalty and trust that your family will treasure for all time.

DISC 1 – Blu-ray Feature Film + Bonus

Features Disney Enhanced High Definition Picture and Sound

  • The Fox And The Hound 30th Anniversary Eddition – New Digital Restoration!
  • The Fox And The Hound II
  • “Unlikely Friend” – A fun, fascinating collection of stories about surprising friendships within the wild animal kingdom.

DISC 2 – DVD Feature Film + Bonus

The Fox And The Hound 30th Anniversary Eddition

  • Passing The Baton:  The Making of The Fox And The Hound Featurette
  • “The Best Of Friends” Sing-Along Song

DISC 3 – DVD Feature Film + Bonus

The Fox And The Hound II

  • The Making Of The Music – Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
  • “You Know I Will” Music Video Performed By Lucas Grabeel
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A look into the Indian Culture with Three Fun Movies!

One of the great things about living around Walt Disney World is that we are never lacking for visitors and house guests.  Recently we hosted some friends who had recently spent a number of months working in India.  They told us stories about their first hand experiences within the culture including India’s vast film industry.

Ironically enough, Disney’s first set of Indian films for North America came to the house the same week.  It was great to watch the trio of films, and get insight into another culture with people who had firsthand experience and insight.

Although it was a different experience from what we were used to, the films were quite enjoyable and easy to follow despite the subtitles. We really enjoyed sharing this look into foreign films with friends, and it is something we would definitely do again!!!

 

The Walt Disney Studios Unveils A Trio of Indian Films for North America

BURBANK, Calif. — The Walt Disney Studios announced June 29 the North American release of three films from India: “Do Dooni Chaar,” “Once Upon a Warrior” and “Zokkomon,” releasing July 26.

The movies were released simultaneously on DVD, video-on-demand, and digital download and are featured on iTunes.

Designed to expand the entertainment options of diverse cultural groups in North America. The movies feature some of the most recognizable local talent from each country of origin.  The films are produced in local languages and will be subtitled in English.

Do Dooni Chaar

Do Dooni Chaar is a heart-warming comedy about the dreams and challenges of a middle-class family who take a chaotic journey to fulfill their dream of owning a car and discover the true meaning of family along the way.  The film was written and directed by Habib Faisal (co-writer of “Salaam Namaste”) and features Rishi Kapoor, Aditi Vasudev, Archit Krishna, Akhilendra Mishra, Natahsa Rastogi, Supriya Shukla, Mohit Chaddha and Avtar Sahni,

Run Time:           111 minutes

Languages:         Hindi (English Subtitles)

ONCE UPON A WARRIOR

As the first ever Disney Telugu fantasy adventure, ONCE UPON A WARRIOR is about a swashbuckling warrior on an epic quest to save a mystical young girl from a wicked Queen in the ultimate battle between good and evil.  In the tradition of “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Prince of Persia,” the film features an all-star cast including Siddharth, Shruti Haasan and Lakshmi Manchu.

Run Time:           133 minutes

Languages:         Telugu (English Subtitles)

ZOKKOMON

Zokkomon is a thrilling Hindi action adventure film about an ordinary boy who overcomes extraordinary challenges to become a magical hero.  The film had its World Premiere at the Indian Film Festival in Los Angelas and a limided theatrical release.  Featuring well-known Indian stars Darsheel Safary and Anupam Kher (‘Bend it Like Beckham”) the film features music by India’s most popular trio, Shankar Ehsaan Loy.

Run Time:           108 Minutes

Languages:         Hindi (English Subtitles)

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Priorities

Good morning gang!

I know that I have been super absent from posting for the summer, but it has been one heck of a ride that has been filled with a lot of personal loss, great gains, change, and growth.

One thing that I realized along the way was that my priorities were WAYYYYY out of whack. While I started this blog to talk about my adventures and observations, I got caught up in the game. The events that I got invited to had gotten to be more important than the people that I was with and the experience itself.

I absolutely have enjoyed and cherished my experiences thus far, but as I look back on my almost first full year in Florida it is time to make some changes around here. It is time to get back to going to the parks, looking at the details that make me smile like a kid, and being in the moment.

Will I still go to events and do reviews? Sure, but it will be with a more discerning eye and lighter heart. Living in Celebration and having the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World so often is truly a blessing, and I don’t want to forget that for one moment.

Thank you so much for letting me share my feeling with you this morning. I hope that you will continue to join me on my adventures and continue to share yours with me!

 

 

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Daddy’s Movie Day – Have A Laugh Volumes 3 & 4

Being fans of all of the Disney classic cartoons, we were very excited when Disney’s Have a Laugh Volumes 3 and 4 came for review.

As soon as they came in the mail my little princess and I set out to enjoy some of these classic Disney cartoons.  Both volumes include 5 classic cartoons in both original format and remastered versions. It is pretty awesome to see these old classics brought back for a new generation!!! We weren’t  big fans of the BLAMs..but to each their own. The Black Eyed Peas “Re-Micks” was a super huge hit with our dancing diva!!!

There were too many great cartoons to pick our favorites!!! I hope that you enjoy them as much as we did!!!!!

Have a Laugh Volume 3

Original Release Date:6/14/11
Approximate Run Time: 67 minutesV-G.

Plot Summary:

Just when you thought it was safe to stop laughing yourself silly, Mickey and his friends are back with more sidesplitting Have A Laugh high jinks!

Set sail for the high seas of hilarity when Mickey, Goofy and Donald go a-whaling and wind up going overboard, literally! Bark with laughter as Pluto is dogged by a pesky gopher who’s making mincemeat of Minnie’s garden. Then, have a ball with Goofy as he hits the links and BLAM! his “relaxing” game of golf goes outrageously awry.

Fully restored and remastered, these amazing cartoons also feature a new “Re-MICKS,” a mash-up music video of crazy cartoon clips remixed to the hit song, “I Gotta Feeling” from the Black Eyed Peas. It’s a novel approach to uproarious classic comedy that’ll make you laugh out loud. Bursting at the seams with surprises, Have a Laugh Volume 3 will tickle your funny bone till it hurts!

Have a Laugh Volume 4

Release Date: 06/14/2011
Run Time: 65 minutes

Plot Summary:

Just when you thought it was safe to stop laughing yourself silly, Mickey and his pals are back with more sidesplitting Have A Laugh high jinks! Have an outrageously gday with Mickey and Pluto when their adventure Down Under goes way over the top, thanks to a wayward boomerang and a humongous ostrich. Kick up your heels with Donald as his fireside hula dance heats up hilariously. Then, ride a tide of laughs with Goofy as he tries to catch a wave and BLAM! gets clobbered by his surfboard. Its a bold, new approach to classic comedy thatll make your spirits soar. Overflowing with fun and surprises, Have a Laugh Volume 4 will paste a permanent smile on your face!

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