Walt Disney World Archives - Page 17 of 22

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2012

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quiet Places to Relax at Walt Disney World

At some point during your Disney vacation, or even if you are just a local needing a break, it is nice to take some down time to find places to relax at Walt Disney World resorts. Most of the resorts offer little nooks and crannies for guests to relax in while staying there. Some of my favorite places are hidden between the deluxe resorts and villas. I love to enjoy a nice afternoon at resorts like Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Beach Club Villas, Old Key West, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village, and the Villas and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

One of my absolute favorite spots to catch up with a good book or just relax in front of the fireplace is the Carolwood Pacific Room in the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. The leather rocking chairs would be in my house if I thought I could sneak off with them. This room is so peaceful! I love the touches from pictures of Walt riding the Carolwood Pacific miniature train in his backyard, to some of the actual cars from that train, and even the game tables families can gather around.

Another great location to get away from it all is at Disney’s Beach Club in the Solarium. It is tucked away just off the lobby near the Marketplace. The room is light and airy and has great couches and chairs in seating areas spread out around the room. This is a great room for meeting family and friends to chat outside of your resort room.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village, I adore the Library. It is comfy and welcoming, and rarely has any other guests around. In addition to being beautiful inside, the Library boasts a phenomenal view from it’s balcony overlooking the savanna. Also found here are some of the butterfly quotes that can be found around the resort. You can read more about them in my previous post here.

Papa’s Den, the library in the Hospitality House of Disney’s Old Key West Resort, is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy one of the many great books housed there. The decor is light and airy, similar to the Beach Club, but with Florida style. The books are all from authors who are from or wrote in Key West, like Ernest Hemingway, who the library is named in referenced to.

Just a couple of days ago I found a new spot at a resort where I’ve stayed at least five times already, Disney”s Wilderness Lodge. Since this is my favorite place to visit during Christmas time, I decided to take the elevator up to the sixth floor to get some pictures of the ginormous tree in the lobby. I looked across the lobby and saw what appeared to be a seating area I hadn’t noticed before just above the entrance doors. I went to the front side of the resort and found two areas on the sixth and fifth floors with leather chairs, sofas and fireplaces. These little nooks may be one of my new favorite places to relax and steal away to.

Fireplace on 6th floor of Wilderness Lodge

The next time you are at Walt Disney World and find yourself needing a place to relax, check out some of these resorts. Do you have any spots that I missed? Please let me know.

Wordless Wednesday – Tower Photo Op

TrenD Report – November 20, 2012

While I have been a huge fan of TrenD for awhile, I really believe that they get it now. They are absolutely understanding their market, and what we as consumers are looking for.

It has been easy to see how the quality of merchandise has increased over the past year, but what I am more excited about is watching their buyers (like @Designerland71) really understand and give us what we want as consumers. We want quirky, fun, and stylish clothes and accessories that represent our love of Disney without being too cheesy!

I am also really excited about the new Le Sportsac It’s a Small World line that is featuring the United Kingdom! It is seriously my new obsession.

The shirts, skirts, bags, and accessories that make up this TrenD Report are some of my most favorite pieces, and I really hope that my husband saw those Le Sportsac bags!!!! LOL!!!

I hope that you enjoy window shopping with me today in my latest TrenD Report, and make sure you take a second to look back at some of my past visits to my favorite store at the Downtown Disney Marketplace!

Let’s get this TrenD Report started!

Christmas Merchandise At Walt Disney World

Christmas Merchandise has started to arrive at Walt Disney World, and it is cuter than ever!!!

This year’s merchandise is filled with a lot of shimmer and whimsy!

I really like how they have more than just one standard look and feel to the Christmas merchandise this year.

I hope that you enjoy this quick peek at some of our favorite pieces from the Christmas merchandise at Walt Disney World!

Disney always makes sure to have some Fun ears for the Holidays!

Patriotism in the Parks – Hall of Presidents

Presidential Seal at the Hall of Presidents — Presidential Seal

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.

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.

Washington Crossing the Delaware in the Hall of Presidents — Washington Crossing the Delaware

George Washington in the Hall of Presidents — George Washington

Andrew Jackson at the Red Eagle Tavern in the Hall of Presidents — Andrew Jackson at the Red Eagle Tavern

Lincoln - Douglas Debates in the Hall of Presidents — Lincoln – Douglas Debates

Abraham Lincoln in the Hall of Presidents — Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln on the brink of Civil War in the Hall of Presidents — Abraham Lincoln on the brink of Civil War

Mr. Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address in the Hall of Presidents — Mr. Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address

Moving into the Industrial Era in the Hall of Presidents — Moving into the Industrial Era

Teddy Roosevelt in the Hall of Presidents — Teddy Roosevelt

FDR faces the Great Depression in the Hall of Presidents — FDR faces the Great Depression

JFK and the Washington Monument in the Hall of Presidents — JFK and the Washington Monument

Ronald Reagan addresses the Challenger Disaster in the Hall of Presidents — Ronald Reagan addresses the Challenger Disaster

George W. Bush post 9-11 in the Hall of Presidents — George W. Bush post 9-11

The Presidents of the United States of America in the Hall of Presidents — The Presidents of the United States of America

George Washington center stage in the Hall of Presidents — George Washington center stage

George Washington speaks in the Hall of Presidents — George Washington speaks

Barack Obama speaks in the Hall of Presidents — Barack Obama speaks

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?

Wordless Wednesday – They All Can’t Be Millard Fillmore

Wordless Wednesday – They All Can’t Be Millard Fillmore – On the Go in MCO

Wreck It Ralph Merchandise at Walt Disney World

Wreck It Ralph Merchandise has arrived at Walt Disney World!!!

The Wreck It Ralph merchandise totally captures the spirit (and sometimes smell) of the movie! The pieces are super fun, with great details and imagination. I love it when the merchandise stays so true to a movie, especially when its a movie that I absolutely loved!!!

From Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore comes “Wreck-It Ralph,” a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping adventure. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has been overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the good-guy star of their game who always gets to save the day. Tired of playing the role of a bad guy, Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a journey across the arcade through multiple generations of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

On his quest, Ralph meets tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty, and feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart-racing game Sugar Rush, who may just be his first real friend. But everything changes when a deadly enemy is unleashed, threatening the entire arcade and Vanellope herself.Ralph finally gets his chance to save the day—but can he do it in time?

Wreck It Ralph Merchandise — Arcade Cards now feature the main man himself!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m6RC9Nsl-g&feature=share&list=PLhc_IRGaIEKDhZu85PSCBs_tYS8OmGw2Y

Wreck it Ralph was such an amazing movie, and the Wreck It Ralph merchandise is great!

TrenD Report – November 5, 2012

TrenD Report – November 5, 2012

Why yes, it is that time again! Time to go window shopping at my favorite store in Walt Disney World…TrenD!

While in past reports I have been really excited about the purses, you could easily say that I have a Disney Purse Problem, this time I am really excited about the clothing!

In the past TrenD clothes have been really about the trends and fads, but they seem to be coming to more of a middle ground in that the designs that they are featuring are more stylish than trendy which is a nice change for some of the pieces.

And you can find a large majority of these pieces scattered around Walt Disney World, I always find in my TrenD Reports its always fun to see how they mix the pieces from the park into more normal brands of clothing.

Also, I found that they are starting to make more Disney-fied skirts and dresses which is a great addition to the shirts that they offer!

I really hope that you enjoy this trip around TrenD with me in this TrenD Report!

Wordless Wednesday – Happy Halloween since 1964!

Halloween Happenings at Walt Disney World Resorts

Halloween is almost here! The pumpkins have been carved, candy is ready to be distributed, costumes are laid out and the kids are ready (us big kids too). What if you aren’t home for Halloween, but are fortunate enough to be at Walt Disney World for this awesome time of year? The first thought is of course to try to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (my favorite special event of the year) at the Magic Kingdom, but what if you’ve already done that or don’t feel like spending money for a ticket? I’ve got some suggestions of great things to do at resorts where you can have a ton of fun!

In the past I have visited both Downtown Disney and the Boardwalk to trick or treat on Halloween when I didn’t have a ticket to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. This year Walt Disney World is mixing up their locations and offering some spooky activities for kids of all ages at select resorts for registered guests of those resorts. On October 30th, Bay Lake Tower and Disney’s Contemporary Resort will both offer a variety of games, arts and crafts and trick or treat trails! Fort Wilderness also gets in on the Halloween fun a day early even with a pet costume parade.

Halloween adds the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa to the list of resorts participating in the special activities. Each one offers their own spin on both individual and group activities, but all the resorts share one thing at the end of the night: Halloween themed movies! Tuesday night, Bay Lake Tower and the Contemporary will show Spooky Buddies at 8pm and Fort Wilderness will have The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad at 8:40pm followed by The Haunted Mansion. Wednesday BLT and the Contemporary will show Something Wicked This Way Comes at 8pm, Fort Wilderness will show Hocus Pocus at 8:40pm. The Grand Floridian and Polynesian will have The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad at 7:30pm followed by Hocus Pocus, and Wilderness Lodge will have Hocus Pocus at 8pm. Saratoga Springs will have a Spooky Viewer’s Choice movie at 8pm.

I would love to be able to take part in some of these crafts like Monster Masks, Monster Mickey Tie Dye, Ghosts, Ghouls & Goblins Chalk Art, Pumpkin Decorating Contests, Creepy Crawly Crafts, and Decorate a Trick or Treat Tote. Also games like Ghoulish Guessing Contest, Totally to Die For Trivia, Spooky Scramble, Boo Bingo, and Disney Halloween Trivia sound like a blast! I really wish I was staying at one of these resorts next week so I could take advantage of all of these great offerings.

If you are a guest at any of these resorts I hope you enjoy these incredible sounding activities across the Walt Disney World resorts for Halloween. This is such a fun time of year to try out new special things to do at your resort that you maybe haven’t tried before. Please consult your resort activities guide or a recreation cast member for detailed descriptions, locations and times. Activities and times are subject to change without notice.

Also, feel free to visit our Facebook page to see some of our pictures from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party this year. Looking to get more for your Halloween fix? Check out some of our previous posts about MNSSHP here, here, and here.

Wordless Wednesday – The Bears Are Back

Wordless Wednesday – The Bears Are Back – October 24, 2012

Wordless Wednesday – Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

Storybook Circus Update

The other day, I was so excited to see some of the new elements in the Storybook Circus area of the New Fantasyland expansion in the Magic Kingdom. I had not looked at any pictures, so I had no preconceived notions and hadn’t really done any research about the Big Top Souvenirs, Pete’s Silly Sideshow and the new open seating and food areas. Like the other sections of New Fantasyland that have been revealed so far, my expectations have been far exceeded.

I only had a short time to explore, but I thoroughly enjoyed everything I saw. First, we explored the gift shop/snack location that is Big Top Souvenirs. This space is amazingly detailed and the Imagineers really did a great job bringing you into the whole circus theme. As you enter, you are greeted by Cast Members in circus costumes, welcoming you to play fun games like bean bag toss to knock over cans and juggling scarves. Awesome new merchandise themed around Storybook Circus as a whole and more specifically Dumbo, as well as general parks merchandise, are featured at the front of the shop.

The carpet is beautiful going from grass, to wooden planks, to the canvas of the circus tent. Circling the walls inside you find train cars from Casey Jr. themed after different animals like Tigers, Bears, Giraffes, Hippos, Hyenas, and even Penguins (where you can find the chilled bottle drinks). Above you, high up in the big top, you see rope ladders and trapezes. Not a detail was spared in the creation of this new shopping and snacking spot.

Food offerings are similar to what you can find on Main Street in the Bakery and Confectionery and focus on baked goods like cookies, cupcakes and caramel apples. You can also find specialty items like Caramel Corn Cupcakes, Caramel Corn and other circus themed treats. One of my favorite frozen drinks, glaciers, are available in blue raspberry, strawberry and lemonade. Many of these items can be used as snack credits if you are participating in the Disney Dining Plan. In additional to these fresh baked items and drinks, you can find your typical offerings of Minnie’s Bake Shop prepackaged goods and Goofy’s Candy Company sweets.

Fulfilling yet another meet and greet area, Pete’s Silly Sideshow, plays host to the opportunity to meet Daisy, Minnie, Donald and Goofy in their alter egos as circus performers. There are some great nods in this area to classic characters like Pete and to films like Melody Time. It is a different setup here with a large tent open with four queues coming out of the middle and the meet and greet areas in the four quadrants of the circular tent.

Adjacent to the two tents is another tent that is open on one side and acts as a mini guest relations location. Cast Members are on hand to answer guest questions, Fastpass machines for Dumbo and Barnstormer are now located here, and there is lots of seating with fans blowing down on the benches and seats to keep guests cool. This area was so neat with a great map of Storybook Circus, water fountains, height measurements for the rides in Storybook Circus, and while we were there it seemed really quiet. I can imagine sneaking away to relax in this tent on an evening to take respite from the crowds in other areas of the park.

Just between these three areas are some food carts with snacks like popcorn, churros, hot dogs, chips and drinks. Lots of tables and chairs circle this section of Storybook Circus, offering plenty of places to rest and relax while grabbing a quick bite between attractions. I love the brightly colors of the tables, and they even remind me of the Pixar ball.

All in all, I am so excited for the rest of New Fantasyland after seeing Storybook Circus. The attention to detail is beautiful and really plays into the circus theme very well. I look forward to what is in store with the rest of the work that is being done in this new section of the park. Have you seen the Storybook Circus’ newest additions yet? What are you most looking forward to seeing in person?

Weekly Review – Our Week On The Go October 1-5, 2012

Weekly Review – Our Week On The Go October 1-5, 2012

Weekly Review time!!! This past week here at On the Go has been crazy busy, but a total blast!!!

Now it’s time to look back at all that happened October 1^st – 5^th!!!

Let’s Go!

Happy 30^th Birthday EPCOT!!! I took a look back at my first visit to EPCOT Center in 1986 with some quality Fisher Price Camera Pictures of some of my favorite rides!

EPCOT30 Weekly Review — I think everyone who rode Horizons has this memory planted in their minds.

It’s after midnight, and Cinderella Diamond Edition is out on BluRay! I review this stunning and chocked full of Extras DVD Release. Even if you already own Cinderella, I would run out and get Cinderella Diamond Edition!!!

Cinderella Diamond Edition Weekly Review — Cinderella Diamond Edition Available on October 2, 2012

The Orlando Home Show was this weekend, and it was full of great ideas for your home and the fabulous Mark Brunetz was there, too!!!

Orlando Home Show Weekly Review — Orlando Home Show – October 5-7, 2012

Disney Interactive has launched a Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth App! Fans of Popular Newsy Web Series Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth Can Now Get Their Daily Cup of News and Laughter to Go with the Daily Shot App!

Daily Shot Now Available in the App Store!

Wordless Wednesday took us to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the Lobby of the Tower Hotel.

Wordless Wednesday Weekly Review — Wordless Wednesday – Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Tower of Terror

LEGOLAND Florida is Celebrating their First Birthday with tons of great savings and prizes for Florida Residents on October 15^th!

LEGOLAND Florida Birthday Celebration Weekly Review — LEGOLAND Florida Birthday Celebration Will Be Full Of Prizes, Savings, and Fun!

Aurora and I had the unique opportunity to see another side of Titanic: The Experience, and it was a ghostly good time!

Titanic the Experience Weekly Review — Titanic: The Experience

Betsy took us along for another look at the Art of Animation Resort, because since all of the sections of the Resort have opened she has some new favorite details!

Art of Animation Resort Weekly Review — Loyal Order of the Lugnuts

Heather Thomson, from the hit Bravo show the Real Housewives of New York, will be speaking on October 21^st during the Women for Israel Breakfast at the Hilton Orlando to benefit the Jewish National Fund.

And we ended the week with some news that made this WWE FanGirl get excited, WWE NXT is going to be at Full Sail Live! On October 11^th!

WWE NXT Weekly Review — WWE NXT is taping at Full Sail Live! on October 11th! Photo Courtesy of Central FL Top 5!!!

Thanks for joining us this week at On the Go, and we can’t wait to bring you even more posts next week!!! We’ll be looking at some fun activities at SeaWorld Orlando, the Richard Petty Experience, some Food and Wine Festival Fun, and more!

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