01.26.11
Posted in Walt Disney World at 3:24 pm by Amanda
Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba – “To party, to live it up”, the translation of this extraordinary show that exclusively runs at Downtown Disney’s West Side. This show is performed in a theater that has been built entirely for a Cirque Du Soleil show. La Nouba includes 65 performers from 15 different countries and includes acts using the German Wheels, High Wire, Aerial Ballet in Silk, Flying Trapeze, and a Power Track/Trampoline.
“La Nouba is a spectacle more visceral than intellectual. An 11-year old boy in the Audience seemed to sense as much. As the crowd filed out of the auditorium at the end of the show, his father asked him how he liked it. “My throat hurts” he answered. “Why?”, asked the father. “I think, I forgot to breathe”, said the boy” – The Orlando Sentinel
La Nouba runs nightly from Tuesday – Saturday with two shows, 6:00pm and 9:00 pm. Prices range from $53/$43 (Adult/Child) – $117/$94 (Adult/Child).
House of Blues – The House of Blues is found in Downtown Disney’s West Side, and was opened in 1997. This venue offers something for everyone, from many special events, a great selection of Cajun food in the restaurant and the World Famous Gospel Brunch.The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner and includes a children’s menu. The food is different than the rest of the restaurants at Disney, with catfish nuggets, VooDoo shrimp, gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys and cornbread to name a few southern selections that the menu offers.
The World Famous Gospel Brunch is one-of-a-kind, with live gospel music and a wonderful Louisiana Brunch with breakfast breads (corn muffins, banana bread, cinnamon twists), hot foods (biscuits and country gravy, cheddar cheese grits, ham and potato casserole and Creole chicken and shrimp jambalaya), carving station (roast beef and maple glazed ham) and desserts (cookies, brownies, apple crisp and banana bread pudding). The World Famous Gospel Brunch has two seating times, 10:30am and 1:00pm, and is priced at $33.50 for adults, $17.25 for children.
Live Blues music is featured on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 11:00pm. You can check the concert schedules at the Musical Hall on the House of Blues website at http://www.houseofblues.com/.
AMC 24 Theatres Complex - The theatre found in Downtown Disney’s West Side is one of the largest theatre complexes in the United States, with 5000 seats available. The theatre features both theatre and stadium seating, has incredible sound and is a great idea for families that are looking to spend a rainy day or evening away from the theme parks. One tip for those that are looking to maximize their time in the theatre, is to call ahead of time and ask what shows are playing in the new theatres, which are much nicer and more comfortable than the older section.
Chip’n'Dale “Sing-a-Long” Campfire – Looking for a little nostalgia while visiting the Mouse? Look no further! The Chip’n'Dale “Sing-a-Long” Campfire is a great activity for all ages. Head down to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campsites for an evening to enjoy a campfire hosted by Chip and Dale. The campfire features a sing-a-long, roasting marshmallows to make s’mores and snacks, and is an excellent way to end a crazy day in the Parks. The best part is this activity is free (marshmallows and s’more kits are for sale).
Outdoor Movies – Several Disney resorts have regular Outdoor Movies. Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort all feature a nightly movie on a blow up screen by the pool. Disney’s Fort Wilderness is a great place to also check out the movies, which is shown in part with the Chip’n'Dale Campfire. Movies are free and all guests staying at Disney Resorts are welcome to any of the shows at the Resorts. You are able to find the schedule of movies at the front desk of your resort.
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Posted in Walt Disney World at 2:44 pm by Amanda
#1 Picture Hot Spot: Lego Store with the Lego Family – Downtown Disney features a great little store for kids and kids-at-heart who love everything Lego. My tip for this photography opportunity is to get the picture in the morning if you are there. With very few people at Downtown Disney you won’t have everyone else trying to get the same picture as you. Great spot for some fun photography.
#2 Picture Hot Spot: Anywhere in Epcot’s World Showcase – With so many different landmark buildings, The Temple in Heaven in China, Eiffel Tower in France, Pagoda in Japan, Cologne Cathedral in Germany, The Neptune fountain in Italy, the beautiful detailing in Morocco, or walking the streets of a typical British village, there are countless photography opportunities throughout the Disney World Showcase. I had friends who actually thought I had gone for a trip around the world when they saw my online photography photobook.
#3 Picture Hot Spot: Expedition Everest – Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom’s Asia, is home to the largest mountain on Disney property, appropriately known as Everest. This mountain can be seen at many points throughout the park and from a distance, it can look like the real thing, and from close up you can catch the coolest rollercoaster careening its way through the mountain. Disney is known for going into great detail and they did a great job on replicating this mountain. A great spot for some cool photography.
#4 Picture Hot Spot: Tree of Life – The Disney Tree of Life is a 145 foot incredibly real looking (yet artificial) tree that is carved with images of 325 animals. The Tree of Life is in the center of Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom and you are able to see this from many different angles as well. While it is hard to catch all the amazing carvings in your photography, the tree is definitely going to be a landmark for years and makes for great pictures from anywhere in the park.
#5 Picture Hot Spot: Sorcerer’s Hat – The Sorcerer’s Hat in Disney Hollywood Studios is one of Walt Disney World’s most famed landmarks. While many people love to photograph pictures where it looks like they are wearing the hat (very cute!) or with laser beams all around at night, my personal favourite picture is from a very rainy morning on my last trip, we were there for an early morning reservation at Hollywood & Vine, and the street was deserted. A truly beautiful piece of Disney photography.
#6 Picture Hot Spot: Spaceship Earth – Walt Disney World Epcot is home to Spaceship Earth, the huge golf ball that many of us have related with Epcot for many years. Disney Spaceship Earth like the Sorcerer’s Hat has been a great opportunity for a lot of fun photography as well, whether you are leaning on the golf ball, kicking the ball, etc. There are so many unique angles on Spaceship Earth that it is a perfect place for photography.
#7 Picture Hot Spot: Disney Magic Kingdom Entrance – Whether you love the gardens or the train station out front of Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, this is a beautiful place to grab the first photography for the day.
#8 Picture Hot Spot: Tower of Terror at Disney Hollywood Studios – The Disney Tower of Terror is the second tallest attraction at Walt Disney World reaching 199 feet, half a foot shorter than Expedition Everest. With the 1939 hotel theme, the exterior of this attraction is great for photography during the day or lit up at night.
#9 Picture Hot Spot: Streets of America – Located at Disney Hollywood Studios, this is a cute place for photography. The backdrops of the scenes give the illusion of New York City and San Francisco that look like they are right out of a movie set.
#10 Picture Hot Spot: Cinderella’s Castle at Disney Magic Kingdom – Of course, the most important landmark to most if not all Walt Disney World fans is Cinderella’s Castle at Magic Kingdom. A trip to Walt Disney World would not be complete without a photography of your family in front of the castle. There are so many great ways to capture the castle in photography, whether it’s the exterior, the interior, photography during the day, photography at night, or photography at Christmas time with all the beautiful white lights. If you want a picture without people milling around in the background, try to get an advanced dining reservation before rope drop.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 2:25 pm by Amanda
If you are visiting Walt Disney World with one of the Disney Dining Plans that uses counter service credits, it may be a good idea to see 
who offers the most expensive meals, helping you get the most out of the money that you paid for your Disney Dining Plan
1. Pepper Market Restaurant – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort – Most expensive counter service meal: Rib Eye Steak $23.95, Key Lime Pie $3.59, Soda $2.39 = $29.93
2. Wolfgang Puck Express Restaurant -Downtown Disney Marketplace – Most expensive counter service meal: Spaghetti with Meatballs $15.75, Creme Brulee $4.95, Soda $2.65 = $23.35
3. Cosmic Rays Restaurant- Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Most expensive counter service meal: ½ Chicken and BBQ Rib Combination $13.99, Triple Chocolate Cake $3.59, Soda $2.49 = $20.07
4. Tangierine Cafe – Epcot Worldshow Case – Morrocco – Most expensive counter service meal: Chicken and Lamb Shawarma Platter $13.95, Baklava $2.50, Soda $2.39 = $18.84
5. Yak & Yeti Restaurant – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Most expensive counter service meal: Kung Pao Beef $10.99, Chocolate Cake $3.59, Soda $2.49 = $17.07
6. Sunshine Seasons Restaurant – Epcot Future World – Most expensive counter service meal: Two Entree Items and Two Sides $10.49, Chocolate Cheesecake $3.99, Soda $2.29 = $16.77
7. Flame Tree BBQ Restaurant – Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Most expensive counter service meal: Slab of St. Louis Ribs $10.49, Key Lime Pie $3.59, Soda $2.49 = $16.57
8. Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant – Disney’s Magic Kingdom – Most expensive counter service meal: Vegetable Pizza with Salad $8.49, Chocolate Cake $3.59, Soda $2.49 = $14.57
9. Starring Rolls Restaurant- Disney’s Hollywood Studio – Most expensive counter service meal: Black Forest Ham Sandwich $9.19, Mini Pastry $1.79, Soda $2.39 =$13.37
10. Toy Story Pizza Planet Restaurant – Disney’s Hollywood Studio – Most expensive counter service meal: Vegetable Pizza with Salad $8.29, Mickey Rice Treat $2.69, Soda $2.39 = $13.37
All of these expensive counter service meals can be purchased with any of the Disney Dining Plans as a Counter Service Meal, which equals a great value!
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Posted in Uncategorized at 1:02 pm by Amanda
Tip #1 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Pack a Sippy cup/bottle/juice cup that your toddler is used to using. On a previous trip I bought a new cup for my son that had a straw rather than his regular sippy cup, and we had major problems. (Note: bring a sponge with soap pre-soaked in, to clean the sippy cup with)
Tip #2 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Snacks – Pack snacks that your toddler enjoys at home. This is a perfect distraction if the toddler gets bored or slightly cranky, or for your little one while waiting for a meal to be served at a table service restaurant.
Tip #3 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Extra Set of Clothes – Pack an extra set of clothing to the parks each day, an extra shirt and extra bottoms. Even a toddler that is potty trained can be easily distracted with the overstimulation of Walt Disney World, and with all the desserts and treats, a toddler is notorious for spilling sticky food all over their clothing, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup.
Tip #4 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Blankie or Special Stuffed Animal from home – Sleeping in a different place, can be a slightly troubling thing for toddlers. Most adults can even appreciate that there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed. Pack a special blankie or stuffed animal from home to help ensure that your toddler feels a little more like they are at home.
Tip #5 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Stickers – Whoever invented stickers is a Godsend to all parents. If your toddler, or a child around you, is getting restless and is on the brink of a meltdown, bring out the stickers, putting them on your toddler’s hands and face, it could save you from becoming the center of a major scene as your child melts down in the middle of the park. Definitely a great thing to pack.
Tip #6 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Pedolyte or Formula – Even if your toddler has been off of formula for a year or two, family vacations have a reputation for being the time that your little one will come down with a stomach virus. Pack small packets of formula, they are a good idea if by chance your toddler does get sick. Various brands actually have the formula is ‘singles’ that you can just add to a water bottle. Also pack some pedolyte or a drink that is high in electrolytes in case your toddler becomes dehydrated, especially with the extreme Florida heat throughout the summer
Tip #7 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Baby Tylenol, Baby Tempura, etc – It is always best to be prepared in case your toddler has a fever. Pack it.
Tip #8 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Pack Sunscreen SPF 50 – Nothing is more horrible than seeing a little baby or toddler in the parks with bright red legs and arms. I definitely wouldn’t want to be the parent that is seen walking around with the sun burnt toddler, nor would I want to put up with crankiness the child is sure to exhibit as a result to the sunburn.
Tip #9 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Swim Diapers – Even if the toddler is potty trained, it is a good idea to still put them in a swim diaper if you are going to be at the resort pool or one of the water parks. I can’t imagine anything more embarrassing, then for everyone to be asked to exit the pool because your child has had an accident due to having too much fun in the water. If this does happen, the pools have to shut down for several hours, making your family quite unpopular.
Tip #10 for Packing a Toddler for Walt Disney World: Ear Plugs – Ear plugs are a great idea if you are bringing your toddler to see any of the firework displays. My son was fine with fireworks when he was infant (he actually slept through them), but for the fireworks this July, when he was 24 months, he was frightened by the noise. So it is a great idea to pack ear plugs, or something to cover their ears to block out some of the noise.
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01.19.11
Posted in Walt Disney World at 6:30 pm by Amanda
There is no greater way to travel to Walt Disney World, then to do it with your friends and
family right there with you. Walt Disney World understands that so many people would like
to experience a once in a lifetime experience and has created a unique experience called
Grand Gatherings.
Grand Gatherings are experiences and special benefits that apply to groups of 8 or more
that are visiting Walt Disney World together. Whether you are a family or friends, the Grand
Gathering allows the guests to experience some exclusive experiences including special
character meals, dessert receptions and safaris.
Good Morning Character Breakfast – Join Tony (Lady and the Tramp), at Tony’s Town
Square Restaurant for a delicious and upbeat breakfast that includes a full range of
characters, including everyone’s favorite, Mickey Mouse. During the full, all-you-can eat
buffet breakfast, there is a full range of music, and you and your family are able to get up
and dance and sing with the characters. If you and your guests are celebrating a birthday
or anniversary during your vacation, Tony himself will come over and serenade your table
or guest of honor with ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘Bella Notte’. After your dining experience, you
and your family and friends are invited to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic”, with special reserved
seating at the show proceeding your breakfast.
Exclusive to Walt Disney World Grand Gathering Guests
2010 Non-Peak Price: Adults (10+) $34.99 Children (3-9) $20.99
2010 Peak Price: Adults (10+) $38.99 Children (3-9) 22.99
*Park admission to Disney’s Magic Kingdom is required
Safari Celebration Dinner – Enjoy an exciting and memorable safari at Disney’s Animal
Kingdom theme park, which allows guests to have a special guide take them through the
Kilimanjaro Safari attraction. After the safari, the guests are taken for an all-you-can-eat
family style dinner at Tusker House, the meal will have an African inspired menu. Disney
characters will come to each table for autographs and photographs with the families and
friends, with a special opportunity for guests to get “up-close” with some exotic wildlife.
2010 Non-Peak Price: Adults (10+) $69.99 Children (3-9) $33.99
2010 Peak Price: Adults (10+) $73.99 Children (3-9) $35.99
*Admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Them Park is required
International Dinner & Illuminations Dessert Reception
Join Auntie Roz, a fun-loving, well-traveled character as she hosts an amazing array of food
from around the word in a delicious family-style meal. Guests will be entertained with live
music and storytelling activities. Disney character will get the guests up and dancing and
singing along with the music. Following the dinner, the guests will be escorted to a reserved
lagoon area where they will watch “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” and will enjoy a
dessert buffet.
2010 Non-Peak Price: Adults (10+) $69.99 Children (3-9) $33.99
2010 Peak Price: Adults (10+) $73.99 Children (3-9) $35.99
*Park Admission to Epcot is required
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Posted in Walt Disney World at 6:27 pm by Amanda
One of the greatest advantages and benefits to being a guest at a Walt Disney World Resort is the Extra Magic Hour. The Extra Magic Hour is exclusive to guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts and allows admission to the park one-hour prior to the designated Disney Theme Park opening in the morning, or for 2 – 3 hours after the Disney Theme Park closes for the evening. The Extra Magic Hours is free for guests, and often mean lower crowds, smaller lines and are a great way to add a little extra magic into your Walt Disney World vacation.
The Disney Cast Members (employees) will begin handing out wristbands to guests that are staying at a Walt Disney World resort several hours before the park closes for the evening, and when the park closes for the night the Cast Member will clear out the guests that do not have wristbands on.
Hours for the Walt Disney World Theme Parks are released on average 6 months ahead of time and the hours will include what park is having the Extra Magic Hour for the day (generally only one park has this per day) and whether it will be a morning or evening Extra Magic Hour.
Attractions and rides that will be open during Extra Magic Hours:
Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom:
Morning - Buzz Lightyear, Cinderella’s Carrousel, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Space Mountain, Stitch’s Great Escape, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway
Evening – Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Country Bear Jamboree, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, The Haunted Mansion
Extra Magic Hours at Epcot:
Morning - Mission: Space, Spaceship Earth, Universe of Energy
Evening - Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, Journey Into Imagination, El Rio del Tiempo, Maelstrom
Extra Magic Hours at Hollywood Studios:
Morning - Muppet Vision 3-D, Rock’n'Roller Coaster, Star Tours, Tower of Terror
Evening – Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage, The Great Movie Ride, Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Morning – Discovery Island Trails, It’s Tough to Be a Bug, Kilimanjaro Safari, Pangani Forest Exploration Trail
Evening - Dinosaur, Festival of the Lion King, Primeval Whirl, The Boneyard, Tricera Top Spin
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Posted in Walt Disney World at 6:19 pm by Amanda
When people start looking at planning a trip to Walt Disney World, they often ask when would be the best time of year to visit. Obviously, for some, such as myself, any time of year is perfect if it means I’m hanging out with the Mouse himself. For others, there is the obstacle of work schedules, children’s schedules, not wanting to go when the weather is too hot, and not wanting to go when the weather is too cold. Some people are looking to go during a time when their favourite event is running, or may be looking to go during their favourite holiday to help make that day extra special. No matter what your reason is for wanting to go, most people want to head to Disney when the crowds are low, and the weather is bearable.
Historically the lowest attendance occurs from just after New Year’s Day to just before President’s Day, from Labor Day to the week before Thanksgiving, and the week after Thanksgiving to mid-December. Crowds pick up for President’s Day right through to the beginning of March, late April through to early June, and for Columbus Day weekend. The parks are at their peak during Presidents Day Weekend, Spring Break (mid march through to late April), Memorial Day weekend, summer break (mid June through to Labor Day), Thanksgiving Day weekend, and Christmas week through New Year’s Day. It is always a good idea to take a look at the dates you are looking on traveling to make sure that there are no US holidays that fall during that time, not only will the crowds be crazy, but often times airfare can be quite expensive as well.
When planning a trip to Walt Disney World, it may also be a good idea to take a look at what event, if any, will be running during your stay. Personally, I am quite open to any event that may be running as I see it as a new cultural experience or an event I can learn from, but for example, I have read reports from people who visited during Gay & Lesbian weekend, and were horrified.
Example of Events:
January – Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7 -10
February – ESPN the Weekend
March – Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
Princess Half Marathon Weekend
Atlanta Brave’s Spring Training
April – Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival
May – Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Fesitval
Star Wars Weekends
June – Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
Star Wars Weekends
July – Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
ESPN RISE Sports Festival
August – Sounds Like Summer Concert Series
September – Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival
Night of Joy
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
October – Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival
Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
November – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
December – Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
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Posted in Uncategorized at 3:48 pm by Amanda
This is an example of a WordPress page, you could edit this to put information about yourself or your site so readers know where you are coming from. You can create as many pages like this one or sub-pages as you like and manage all of your content inside of WordPress.
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Cirque Du Soleil La Nouba – “To party, to live it up”, the translation of this extraordinary show that exclusively runs at Downtown Disney’s West Side. This show is performed in a theater that has been built entirely for a Cirque Du Soleil show. La Nouba includes 65 performers from 15 different countries and includes acts using the German Wheels, High Wire, Aerial Ballet in Silk, Flying Trapeze, and a Power Track/Trampoline.
