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The second annual decorative Easter Eggs at Disney’s Grand Floridian hotel are up! But only for a few more days – through Sunday, March 31.
If you walk in the front door of the lobby, you will immediately see these gorgeous eggs. I didn’t get a chance to see them last year, so this was a huge treat for me to stumble upon.
The amount of work and detail put into each of these eggs is amazing. The fact that the Wall-E egg has lights kind of blew my mind. If you’re able to stop by the Grand Floridian before the eggs are egg-stict (sorry, I had to), be sure to do so!
This week’s TrenD Report is one for all the purse lovers out there!!!
The LeSportsac Spring 2013 Holland Collection has arrived at TrenD! I was on the fence about this collection, because of the light and muted colors shown in pictures. However, when you see the bag in person the colors are vibrant and warm. I am really becoming a fan of this collection.
Also, they have updated their canvas bags and the new look is fun! Last year’s design had a Tory Burch cut out feel to them, but this year’s update has a more playful and bold feel. If you’re looking for a durable bag, you may want to consider these!
Villains Haveys bags have invaded the shelves of TrenD, and I was super excited about them before I saw them. I absolutely adore the concept of the bag, with a Princess on one side and her Nemesis on the other, yet in person the execution seems low end. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Harveys fan, but these feel a little airbrushed to me. It was hard to get a great picture through the case, so I have included an image from their site.
There is a new Hidden Mickey floral design that is new that is so super cute! I am loving the tank top! The colors are super vibrant and fun!
You’ll find a few extra fun things that I found on my visit, so I hope you enjoy this TrenD Report!!!
This canvas Mickey Crossbody has been updated from the past style, and I REALLY like it!
This LeSportsac bag is a great mix of a tote and crossbody!
This LeSportsac two strap crossbody bag is a great size to take into the parks.
I think the Hidden Mickey Floral tank is my favorite!
I am still on the Fence about the Harveys Good vs Evil bags.
I love all the pieces of the new Hidden Mickey Floral line!
There are a few Petra Azar pieces, and they are STUNNING!
They even have a LeSportsac wallet this time around.
I love the red accents on this black and white canvas tote.
This Black and White Mickey tote is really fun!
I am OBSESSED with this It’s A Small World LeSportsac tote!!!!
This past weekend I had the pleasure to stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort for the second time and enjoy some of the amazing details. I thought I’d share some of my favorite new things since I was able to explore the Lion King and Little Mermaid sections for the first time. I cannot wait to go back and stay in each of these new sections of the resort! This is now cemented as my favorite of the Value Resorts at Walt Disney World. The theming is absolutely incredible! In case you missed them, go back and take a look at our previous posts about the Finding Nemo, Cars section and Landscape of Flavors.
If you aren’t familiar with the Art of Animation Resort it is amazingly designed, and the more you return to the Art of Animation Resort the more details you’ll notice and love!, it is divided into four themes. Finding Nemo, Cars, and the Lion King make up seven of the resort’s ten accommodations buildings with family suites. I had previously stayed in the Finding Nemo section back in May and visited the Cars section before it was officially opened several weeks later. The Lion King section opened in July, but I hadn’t yet had the opportunity to visit. Standard rooms make up the other three buildings in the Little Mermaid section.
Since I was staying there I thought I would take half an hour or so to explore the resort to see some of the magic the Imagineers created at this awesome new resort. Here, I’d like to highlight just a few of my favorite pictures from the other day.
RafikiMufasaTimon, Pumbaa and SimbaLion King exteriorBanzai, Shenzi and EdScarZazu
I love how well each of the character’s personalities were captured in the sculptures. The landscaping is immaculate and perfectly suits the theme of each section of the resort. You feel immersed in the jungle while walking through the winding paths of the Lion King. The palm trees sway, almost as if moved by an underwater current in the Little Mermaid area. I know I’ve said it before, but this is my favorite of the value resorts. The amount of time and energy the Imagineers must have put into this resort is mindboggling.
Little Mermaid exteriorLittle Mermaid exterior 2DinglehopperSnarfblattPrince EricTritonUrsulaSebastianAriel and Flounder
One of the best things is how the Art of Animation Resort is amazingly designed, and the more you return to the Art of Animation Resort the more details you’ll notice and love! really is the focus of the resort. You can see the beauty in things like the larger than life characters featured above. Also, great detail is put into little things like signs around the resort. The Cars section, where I was staying this trip, is my favorite to visit at night. The neon around Route 66, the Cozy Cone and the Wheel Well Motel just bring this area to life with retro Americana goodness. I especially love the nods to the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, etc. with the Cars parodies. Also, if you get a chance, check out all the bumper stickers on my favorite character Fillmore. Lot’s of great inside jokes can be found all around him.
Cars at NightAssociation of Cogs in the MachineLoyal Order of the LugnutsKnights of CombustionFillmoreWheel Well Motel
I highly recommend that anyone who has an extra hour or two on a day they don’t necessarily want to go to the parks that they go explore Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. There are so many details to explore throughout the resort’s common areas, plus it offers one of, if not the best counter service locations at a resort. I hope you all get the opportunity to stay here, or at least visit someday. If you’ve been, what are some of your favorite details?
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2012 – Tips, Tricks, and Info
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which is my most favorite party of the year at the Magic Kingdom, is now under way at the Magic Kingdom!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Gang
I love Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party so much, because the Magic Kingdom is jam packed full of fun details, amazing entertainment, spectacular fireworks, and more importantly candy to celebrate Halloween! I am going to be sharing some of my favorite tips, tricks, and things to make sure that you do while you are at the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
The first thing that you are going to want to consider is when you want to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, because there are certain dates that tickets can be purchased at a reduced rate if they are purchased in advance.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held on the following dates in 2012:
And here is the price breakdown by date for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Price Breakdown
When arriving at the Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, party admission and wrist banding begins around 6:00 pm on party days, you will be directed to use one side of security and turnstiles since you will be receiving a special wrist band from Magic Kingdom Cast Members in special costumes indicating that you are attending that night’s party.
After getting your wrist band, you are going to want to grab a Halloween Treat Bag, this year featuring Frankenweenie and Wreck It Ralph, and a map for the party. One thing that I always do is bring a large purse or backpack to the party, because you will want to bring a large Ziploc bag for each member of your party to put their candy in since the more room you have in your treat bag the more candy Cast Members typically give you!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
Walking into the Magic Kingdom, you will notice that you will also be directed to one side of Main Street USA, since there will be a large group of guests leaving as you are arriving for the party. Also as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party begins you will be asked by Cast Members to show your armband since they will be trying to clear the park of non- party going guests.
We typically arrive before the party begins, so we like to take a look at the party map and look at all there is, what people are interested in doing during the party, and we grab a bite to eat since a lot of the quick service restaurants are closed during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party GuideMickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Map
First things first, we hit the firehouse at 6:45 to get in line for our special Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom card for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Our friends over at SOTMK Blog have great information about this card and all sorts of Sorcerer’s of the Magic Kingdom rumors and news!!!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Special Edition Card
This year we decided to break with tradition, and we hit several Trick or Treat Spots before watching the first Boo To You Parade.
Trick-or-Treat Locations can be found throughout the park, and are a really fun way to get into the Halloween spirit!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Treat Spot Markers
Adventureland
Next to Jungle Cruise where you’ll find some freaky tiki’s offering two treats!
In the Pirates of the Cairbbean queue you’ll find some candy booty!
Liberty Square
Along the waterfront in front of the Liberty Square Riverboat, you’ll be taken to a New Orleans Halloween Celebration.
Fantasyland
Before you can fly, hit the stop in Peter Pan’s Flight queue.
Visit Pinocchio’s Village Haus for a special treat from Werther’s.
The new & special stop at the Fantasyland Railroad Station is called the Casey Jr Candy Junction.
Tomorrowland
Speed on into the Tomorrowland Speedway for a tasty treat.
Near Space Mountain, there is an intergalactic treat from Kellog’s.
Beside Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress you will find a candy location sure to please anyone from any decade.
In addition to the Trick or Treat Spots there are two Trick-or-Treat Trails in the Magic Kingdom, which are themed and full of treats and special decorations for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Br’er Rabbit’s Laughin’ Place Candy Patch is my favorite, because of all the carved pumpkins!
Wonderland Curious Candy Way
For this treat trail you will want to enter from The Barnstormer in Storybook Circus, and follow the path full of decorations from Alice in Wonderland.
Br’er Rabit’s Laughing Place Candy Patch
Entering from the Splash Mountain queue, you follow this winding trail full of carved pumpkins and treats for a whole lot of candy & fun.
The Boo To You Parade, 8:15pm and 10:30pm, is by far my most absolute favorite part of the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!!! This parade is amazing and you will find yourself singing it’s song for the many months to come!
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Boo To You Parade is a MUST DO!!!
The parade kicks off with a ride from the Headless Horseman along the parade route. And while he used togo a lot faster, this ride is definitely one you aren’t going to want to miss!
If you are watching the parade from Main Street you’ll be “Calling All The Monsters” in a Street Jam that takes place twice before the parade in front of the Art of Disney and at the Main Street Railroad Station. While this won’t be everyone’s favorite thing, if you are looking to avoid this Jam you will want to watch Boo To You from Frontierland.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3qBOyFxRdQ
Once the Boo To You parade kicks off, you will understand why I love this parade so much! It is full of characters from the movies, shorts, and parks dancing along to a fun soundtrack on special floats. The Haunted Mansion and Cowboy sections of this parade are my favorite. The parade starts next to Splash Mountain, and there are definite plusses and minuses to watching it from different locations, and my two favorite places to watch it from are near the Flag Pole on Main Street USA and the Shooting Gallery in Frontierland.
If you chose to watch Boo To You from Main Street USA near the flagpole, your pictures will have the castle in the background which is always a bonus. However, there are super bright parade lights on the top of the Confectionery that make shooting pictures and video difficult at times. Most people attending Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party will line the streets of Main Street before heading to this section, and make sure you wait for the line to go out before claiming a spot.
Right down the middle of Main Street USA
Boo To You from the Shooting Gallery in Frontierland is also an excellent spot, because you have great lighting, planters to sit on if your feet are tired, and extra entertainment since there is time to kill from the events going on in Main Street USA. The downside is that since the parade starts in this direction, people tend to line up super early and you will need to stake out a spot for great viewing sacrificing some party time.
After watching the parade, we decided to ride The Haunted Mansion to take in the special features it has during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. During the party, The Haunted Mansion Cast Members are decked out in their spookiest attire and you’ll find one on the 999 Happy Haunts is out on the lawn talking to guests. You definitely do not want to miss this attraction!!!
One of the Happy Haunts during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
If Dance Parties and Character Appearances are your thing, you won’t be disappointed during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
There are two Dance Parties that let you take a break and shake off the sugar, while dancing with some of your favorite characters.
Club 626 was bumpin’ earlier in the evening!
Rock-It Out…Stitch’s Club 626 at the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland.
Woody’s Happy Harvest Roundup in The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square.
And for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, you will find that your favorite Characters are in their Halloween finest and mingling among the guests in addition to their normal meet and greet areas in the park.
Pooh and Friends in their Halloween finest for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.The Seven Dwarves
Then it was time for the best fireworks… Happy Hallowishes!, which begins at 9:30pm. The night sky lights up around Cinderella Castle for this 180° fireworks extravaganza! You will want to make sure that you are watching these with a castle view. If you choose to watch Happy Hallowishes from the Hub area, you will feel immersed in the show! But if you go further back on Main Street USA, you won’t be as crowded in and will be able to better see the whole show. Either way, you can’t lose!
Happy Hallowishes!
After some speed Trick-Or-Treating, we decided to hit the last show of the Villains’ Dance Mix & Mingle, 7:45pm, 8:50pm, 10:05pm, and 11:15pm, in front of Cinderella Castle. This high energy show features some of your favorite villains breaking it down and getting funky. It’s a lot of fun to watch!
Villains’ Mix & Mingle
And make sure that you take out those candy bags one last time before you exit the park, because outside the turnstiles there is one last Trick-Or-Treat location with Cast Members handing out Halloween Peeps.
And that was our night at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
The Main Street USA Railroad Station
It was an amazing night with amazing friends, and I hope that you will be able to use this information to make your Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party a blast!!!
Grand Floridian Resort Lobby’s Hosts Some Beautiful Hidden Gems
The other night I was wandering around the lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, and as I was listening to the band play I stumbled upon something that I had never seemed to notice before.
As I was admiring the amazing tiles that can be found in the Grand Floridian’s Lobby, I looked a little closer and noticed something for the first time. Hidden in the marble and stone floors of the resort were some of my most favorite characters. At first I only noticed the silhouettes of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto in the entry of the lobby. But as I was about to head out to my car, a friendly Grand Floridian cast member, who had seen me admiring the floor of the lobby, asked me if I had seen the other characters around the lobby. And when I said that I hadn’t seen any of the other characters, he gave me a detailed tour of the lobby and made sure that I saw all the other hidden characters. Also hidden in the lobby were Tinkerbell, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Peter Pan and Cinderella dancing at the Ball.
One of my favorite details can be found just above where you find Cinderella at the ball. If you go up the staircase, you will find in the carpet that Cinderella’s Carriage is waiting to whisk her home from her night.
I was amazed that even after all the times, and the countless times that I had walked through the lobby of the Grand Floridan, that I had never seen these hidden gems.
It was a great way to explore the Grand Floridian in a way that I hadn’t done before, and now I can’t wait to explore other resorts to see if I can find other hidden characters and gems!
I have always considered myself to be somewhat of an old soul. As a friend recently said, I do like movies starring dead people (read: I like classic films often shown on TCM more than a lot of the recent releases). As far as music is concerned, I know more oldies and classic rock music than my parents do. I am content listening to stories of the way things used to be. I even wrote my college admission essay about how I grew up in the wrong era. I am definitely a Gen Xer, but feel comfortable thinking back to the time when men wore hats and women wore gloves (think Mad Men or earlier). These all combine to account for a fraction of why I like Disney’s Pop Century Resort as my go to value resort at Walt Disney World.
The nostalgic atmosphere of the resort cannot be denied. For the uninitiated, the resort is comprised of ten buildings that house 2,880 rooms, making it one of the largest resorts in the country. The different buildings are themed after the decades of the 1950s through the 1990s, which makes it a great choice for anyone with a thing for looking back and reminiscing about the good old days. Of course there are tons of other great reasons guests may enjoy Pop.
One of the most appealing benefits that the resort has over the other three current value resorts (Disney’s All Star Movies, Music and Sports Resorts) is that it has its own bus transportation to the theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney that is not shared with any other resorts. As anyone who has stayed at All Star Movies may have experienced, there is not much more frustrating than seeing a bus pull up for the destination you are looking for, only to be completely full and not accepting any guests. More good news for Pop guests is that it will NOT be sharing a bus with the brand new Disney’s Art of Animation Resort opening on May 31st of this year. This is on top of the fact that Pop is a bit more centrally located than the All Star resorts.
The standard rooms at Pop Century have either two double beds or a king bed (note: many of the king rooms are handicap accessible). Flatpanel tvs sit atop sleek mid century modern light wood dressers and the artwork is themed after the decade of the building in which you are staying. A curtain can be pulled across the opening between the vanity area of the bathroom (which is separate from the toilet and shower area) to provide some privacy and a separation from the bedroom. Each room is also appointed with a table and a couple of chairs, an in room safe, telephone, dresser as well as an alarm clock radio. The rooms are clean and comfortable and quite adequate for the value of the resort.
In the last few weeks the value of the resort has increased even more. The resort is in the process of installing mini refrigerators in all of the rooms. These are slightly smaller than the ones at the moderate and deluxe resorts, but still large enough to store a decent amount of stuff. I was fortunate enough to have one of these newly installed in my room when I stayed at Pop in the middle of March. If one has not yet been installed in your room (even at the All Star Resorts) you may request one at no charge to be delivered to your room, whereas previously they were $10./night. Another great upgrade has just been completed across all of the value resorts: FREE WI-FI!!! This may not seem like a big deal to everyone, but to those of us who are permanently attached to our phones or laptops, this is a huge benefit that was previously only afforded to guests staying at Deluxe and recently the moderate resorts.
Given these upgrades and, in my opinion, the superior theming over the other three value resorts, I find it difficult to justify staying at the Moderate resorts over Pop. Previously I would rationalize by saying they have the fridge and coffeemakers, which I never use, but now what? Ceiling fans are nice and all, as is the larger room, but unless I’m going to a moderate with two queen beds, I’m going to choose Pop. The resort seems to be great for adults with a sense of nostalgia as well as kids who will recognize the large icons of some of their favorite Disney animated characters like Lady and the Tramp, Mowgli and Baloo from the Jungle Book, Roger Rabbit and even Mickey Mouse!
Everything Pop is one of the nicer options at the value resorts and has a nice open concept design with the gift shop flowing into the food court. Many mistakenly assume that counter service restaurants only serve burgers and hot dogs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to inform people that it can be oh so much more. One of the great selections at Everything Pop is the nightly special that is something akin to mom’s home cooking. Some nights you will find a baked turkey dinner with mashed potatoes and green beans served with cornbread fresh out of the oven, and others you will have fish, pasta or meatloaf. The other food and beverage location at Pop is the pool bar Petals. I will admit I have spent more than a few hours there enjoying friends’ company over libations. It is a nice location and the CMs are always friendly and willing to strike up a conversation.
As with the other value resorts, Pop has several pools. The Hippy Dippy Pool is the main theme pool with the images of flower power from the 60s being prevalent as the pool is situated between the two 60s buildings. There are also pools between the 80s and 90s buildings with a computer theme, and my favorite being the 50s bowling pin pool. An arcade is located in the lobby just adjacent to the front desk and Everything Pop.
I’m not quite sure how I will feel about Pop when the Art of Animation opens in the end of May. I don’t often have need for a family suite, but it may be nice for several friends staying together or if I travel with family again. The bigger question will be if I will be staying at DAAR (Disney’s Art of Animation Resort) once the standard rooms in the Little Mermaid building open. I took some pictures last week of the progress that has been made recently with the construction at the new resort along with some nice views of Pop at sunrise.
Pop!
decades on the front of Classic Hall
front desk
Everything Pop
50s memorabilia in the lobby
60s memorabilia in the lobby
70s memorabilia in the lobby
80s memorabilia in the lobby
90s memorabilia in the lobby
Pop property map
beds
tv and dresser
Stacy!!!
table and chairs
vanity area
bathroom vanity area
bathroom
bathroom
70s border
70s artwork
Hippy Dippy Pool
90s pool
50s bowling pin pool
50s Tramp
50s Lady
60s Mowgli and Baloo
70s Mickey
70s Big Wheel
Big Wheel maximum weight
80s Roger Rabbit
Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head
Petals pool bar
signs along Hourglass Lake with events from 1951-1999
picture from March 2010 of Art of Animation resort
picture from March 2010 of Art of Animation resort
Art of Animation 2012
Art of Animation March 2012
Art of Animation resort March 2012
The Lion King building of Art of Animation resort 2012
Finding Nemo building of Art of Animation resort March 2012
Cars building at Art of Animation resort March 2012
Hidden among the attractions, shows, resorts, and just about any other place you can think of are Hidden Mickeys.
Hidden Mickeys are created by Imagineers and are hidden among their creations like a signature. They can take many different shapes and forms, from the traditional 3 circle mickey or even a profile of the famous mouse, but one thing remains the same…that they are there to be found and enjoyed.
Steve and Vickie Barrett have lovingly created fascinating books and an amazing site about the pursuit of finding these hidden gems.
While they might not know it, they have created a family obsessed with Hunting for Mickeys wherever we go.
I thought that I would start sharing a few of my favorites from all around Walt Disney World.
My favorite Park is Epcot, so let’s go!!!
The Mickey is hidden in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.
I love this one at Test Track...
This one in Morocco is pretty obvious, but I still love it!!!
This is Zoe's favorite Hidden Mickey!!!
Here is another one from Test Track...
What are some of your favorite Hidden Mickeys in Epcot?
When I read on the Disney Parks Blog that Josh Agle, better known as SHAG, would be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort for the first time to sign deluxe prints of the 40th Anniversary Map I knew that I had to be there!
I got to Uptown Jewelers at around 10:00 am and found myself sixth in line to purchase the print to be signed by SHAG. It was really exciting!
I wanted to take this bad boy home with me!!!
The confectionery was sending over samples of goodies, and some of the citizens of Main Street USA came by to offer a visit. The wait was made to be enjoyable thanks to the humor of Fire Chief Smokey Miller…
At 11:00 am we were able to buy our items to be signed. There were prints, Haunted Mansion decanters and glasses, and Haunted Mansion aluminum water bottles available.
Then it was time…but just as SHAG was about to begin signing the good Fire Chief had a surprise! He joined the Dapper Dans in a serenade of “Grim Grinning Ghosts” for SHAG!
The Print itself features the icons and resorts that were present as Walt Disney World opened 40 years ago. From the Polynesian to water skiing to the sky buckets…it’s all there!!!! And to top it off, he was a super cool guy who graciously signed and spent time with each of us.
It was definitely an experience that I won’t soon forget!!!
While taking in all of the details is often overwhelming, I was taken back by the simple decorations of Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom!
I love how these decorations stay authentic to the period of Liberty Square through the use of materials, and how even the smallest details add so much to the overall look and feel of the area!!!
These garlands hang from the light posts throughout Liberty Square.If you look closely at the garland, you'll find these little guys!I love how they use fruit in the decorations around the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square!Don't forget to take your picture at the sleigh just outside of the the Christmas Shoppe!!!
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