Tag: hollywood studios

Tour the Empire

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, family fun, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

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Jedis and padawans are going to want to pay a visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year as new Star Wars themed events and tours debut this year.

Recently, a variety of events have already been rolled out including:

  • Star Wars Launch Bay: A space that celebrates all things Star Wars including authentic replicas, making of “Rouge One” footage and a “Meet the Makers” film.
  • “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” currently a daytime show at the studios will see the addition of AWR Troopers from “Rouge One.” A new sequence has already been added to the show.
  • “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” that during the holidays joined the popular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will continue to be shown throughout the year.
  • Randomized tracks will return to Star Tours–The Adventures Continue attraction. Instead of the ride starting at the same planet of Jakku, it will be randomized to start and end at different locations. Through out the year, scenes from “Star Wars: Episode VIII” will be added.

For those who live and breathe The Force, the ultimate tour has been created.

This seven hour tour completely immerses the guest in the different experiences available in the park.

According to a release from Disney here is what will be included in the tour:

  • “A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide”
  • “Priority boarding for Star Tours — The Adventures Continue”
  • “Encounter two Star Wars characters (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at Star Wars Launch Bay”
  • “Screening of “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi”
  • “Enjoy Star Wars themed menu items during dinner at Backlot Express”
  • “A spot in the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party, which includes themed sweets and specialty beverages, as well as reserved viewing for the Star Wars: A Galacic Spectacular fireworks show”

For the younglings (ages 4-12), who are a part of the tour, they can also train to harness The Force in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.

The cost of the tour is $129 per person (with taxes and gratuity included) and will be offered Mondays and Saturdays.

Book your reservation by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.

Are you looking forward to these new additions to Hollywood Studios? Leave your comments below.

Let me leave you will a little taste of the regular March of the Stormtroopers:

 

 

Tot Five: News out of WDW This Week

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, family fun, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World
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Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

There have been a lot of announcements out of Walt Disney World this week including a new holiday show, new princess meet and greet, the return of favorite food items and more.

For this week’s Tot Five we will take a look all of this news so you can plan your upcoming holiday vacation.

1. “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!”

Even thought Halloween isn’t here yet, Walt Disney World is looking to the holiday season and just made an exciting announcement concerning Hollywood Studios.

A new nighttime projection show, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” (JBJB) will start Nov. 14 at the studios.

According to the Disney Park’s Blog, “The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.”

The show will feature musical numbers from Disney favorite movies including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more.

There will also be a Holiday Dessert Party that can be purchased for an additional fee.

2. Meet and Greet with Princess Elena of Avalor at the Magic Kingdom

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Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Ever since the coronation of Princess Elena of Avalor it was only a matter of time before she started meeting guests in the kingdom.

Starting Nov. 24 Princess Elena will meet with guests at the Princess Fairytale Hall with her other princess friends

I am so bummed out that we are going to miss seeing her when we go down for our latest trip.

3. DINOSAUR down for a longer than planned Refurb

The Animal Kingdom attraction was closed this summer for a refurbishment and was scheduled to open next Thursday, is going to be closed for awhile longer.

There have been reports of people who made FastPass+ reservations for the high intensity attraction all the way out to the middle of November have had their passes switched out for Expedition Everest passes.

So far, there hasn’t been an official comment about what happened with the attraction. I just hope that it isn’t going extinct.

4. Culinary favorite makes a return

Fans of the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow can rejoice. The snack is back.

The sandwich, available at this eatery located at Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, retails for $10.29.

5. Magical Night Time Weddings

Wanna get married at the Magic Kingdom at Night? You can do that now.

Yep, you can have your own Cinderella dream wedding after 11 p.m. at the kingdom and can be custom made for whatever your heart desires.

The wedding can accommodate up to 300 guests in Fantasyland.

Watch the video below to see a snippet of what your dream wedding can be like.

What are you most excited about when it comes to these new announcements? Leave your comments below.

Making Memories Easier

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, family fun, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World
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Photo courtesy of Attractions Magazine

It never fails.

You want to try and capture as many memories of your family’s visit to Walt Disney World.

Unfortunately, one person always ends up being the unofficial family vacation photographer.

When you look back at the photos many years from now, you will wonder if you actually went on that vacation because there isn’t a record of you talking with Mickey or eating a giant turkey leg.

Luckily, Disney found a solution that is the Memory Maker.

Memory Maker is an add on to your Walt Disney World package that allows you unlimited downloads of photos taken by Disney Photopass photographers, ride photos/videos and any restaurant photos.

There are hundreds of locations where you can have a photo taken with memory maker.

Some locations that you won’t want to miss include Main Street U.S.A. in front of Cinderella’s Castle, meeting Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall, the bridge near International Gateway with the France pavilion in the background at Epcot, Overlooking the Hollywood Hotel at Hollywood Studios and around the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

You will also want to ask some photographers about magic shots.

These shots add a little bit of pixie dust to your photos.

For example, at Animal Kingdom you can have a photo of you holding a baby Simba. This is done by adding a cartoon image of Simba in post-production.

Or, if you are near Princess Tiana’s meet and greet you can ask about kissing a frog.

You also don’t want to forget to link your attraction photos to your Memory Maker package.

After you get off an attraction that takes your photo, you will see a bank of screens displaying the ride photos off to the side. You will want to go up to the sales center kiosk and link the photo to your MagicBand or card that is linked to your Memory Maker account.

In addition to photos, a lot of attractions include really cute videos. Check out the Tower of Terror’s and Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train videos online.

You only have a 30 day window, that starts when the first photo is taken, to sign into your account and began to download pictures.

If you pre-purchase the package before you go, then the program is $149. If you wait until you get to Disney, the cost goes up about $20.

Also, there is a three day window if you purchase when you arrive at Walt Disney World. During this three day period you will have to pay for each photo individually.

You can also link the photos that are taken of other people in your party with the Memory Maker.

The number one tip is to always have your MagicBand, you would anyway, to easily add the photos on to your account.

The biggest thing for you to consider is would this be something that is important to your family given the hefty price tag that is attached.

Do you think this is something that would be beneficial to your family?

Leave a comment below.

Muppets Take Over Disney World

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in family fun, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

 

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

The Muppets’ presence is starting to grow at Walt Disney World. With the promise of a new experience at the Magic Kingdom and a new restaurant at Hollywood Studios, fans of the world famous characters should have a lot to look forward to this fall.

Magic Kingdom

The Muppets, featuring Sam Eagle, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and James Jefferson will come together in an original live show.

Situated right outside of The Hall of Presidents, the Muppets will talk to the audience about famous moments in history like the midnight ride of Paul Revere, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and more, according to Walt Disney World’s blog. There will be an original song and the madcap humor that has made the Muppets such loveable characters for many years.

“The Muppets Present … Great Moments in American History” will have an opening date of October of this year, with the rumor mill churning out it could be as early as Oct. 2.

Hollywood Studios

 

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Photo courtesy of WDWMagic.com

 

With all of the changes taking place in Hollywood Studios with the addition of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land and the removal of the more “traditional Hollywood” sections of the park, it seemed like the former Pizza Planet restaurant was just hanging out on it’s own. It would not have been situated in the new Toy Story area, so it seemed like this theme had to go by the wayside.

Since MuppetVision 3D was right next to this restaurant, Disney decided to rename this area Muppet Courtyard and give the restaurant a new theme that would tie in with the newly dubbed area.

This is how PizzeRizzo was born.

At the helm of the restaurant will be the street wise rat, Rizzo who will offer guests a place to grab pizza and beverage while in a relaxed atmosphere that features a “cheesy” banquet room and a special booth just for his celebrity friends, according to Disney’s blog.

The word on the street is that the exterior of PizzeRizzo is making great progress and it looks like it will be ready for its fall debut.

Are you a Muppet fan and are looking forward to these new additions at Walt Disney World? Leave your comment below.

 

 

 

 

 

Getting to Know Me: Disney Edition

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, family fun, Family Vacation, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

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In a little change of pace, I thought it would be fun to do a little Disney quiz to get to know me a little better, when it comes to Disney and Walt Disney World.

So here are my 53 Disney questions and answers:

1. All Time Favorite Disney Movie: “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” (currently; this changes all the time.)

2. Top Five Disney Movies: “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” “The Little Mermaid” “The Lion King” “Peter Pan” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks”

3. Favorite Princess: Tiana

4. Favorite Prince: Eugene (if he counts as a prince)

5. Favorite Couple: Eglantine Price and Dr. Emelius Brown

6. Favorite Villain: Ursula

7. Favorite Heroine: Tiana

8. Favorite Hero: Aladdin

9. Favorite Sidekick: Mushu

10. Disneyland or Disney World: I have only been to Walt Disney World, so I will choice that one.

11. Favorite Attraction: Splash Mountain

12: Favorite Park inside the Resort (ie EPCOT): Magic Kingdom. To me that is the epitome of Walt Disney World.

13: Favorite land inside of the resort (ie Adventureland): This is a tie either Tomorrowland at night or Frontieerland at night. I love the Magic Kingdom at night. It seems more magical.

14: Favorite Disney Snack: Dole Whip Float

15: Favorite Disney Restaurant: Boma. It is a buffet, so you get to try a bunch of different things; it has many exotic foods that I can’t get at home; and the atmosphere is so beautiful.

16: Favorite attraction/show: Muppet Vision 3D

17: If you had the chance to stay anywhere overnight in the park, where would you stay: The Cinderella Suite in the castle in Magic Kingdom

18: Favorite Character to Interact With: Tiana or Ariel

19: Which character’s handwriting do you wish you had: Tinkerbell’s

20: Which character are you afraid of approaching: No one really

21: Favorite Disney Hotel: Port Orleans French Quarter. The smallest resort means that you are closer to everything. Plus the walk along the river to the sister resort, Port Orleans Riverside is beautiful in the morning.

22: Describe a Typical Day at Disney for You: Get up in the morning, have breakfast. Head to our park of choice, go back to the resort for naps or swimming, have a nice dinner and end the night in the park with late night magic hours.

23: Snow White or Cinderella: Snow White

24: Ariel or Belle? Belle, I love books.

25: Pocahontas or Mulan: Pocahontas

26: Aurora or Rapunzel: Rapunzel. I see a lot of myself in her.

27: Tiana or Jasmin: Tiana

28: Meg or Kida: Meg

29: Stitch or Pooh: Pooh

30: Eugene Fitzherbert or Prince Eric: I gotta go with Gene. Prince Eric is a little too dense for me.

31: Prince Charming or Prince Ferdinand: Who the heck is Ferdinand?

32: Li Shang or John Smith: John Smith. Common Li Shang, you didn’t know he was a woman?

33: Prince Philip or Prince Adam/The Beast: The Beast. Come on, he gave her a library.

34: Prince Naveen or Aladdin: Aladdin. He was brave and bold

35: Genie or Mushu: Genie. He is the absolute favorite of our Mousekatot

36: Hercules or Milo: I gotta go for Milo. I love a guy who uses his brain!

37: Two Characters that Would be Great Friends: Ariel and Kida

38: All Time Favorite Song: This is so tough. I will go with what I am feeling now, which is “At Last I see the Light”

39: Favorite Wardrobe: Tiana’s. Just because of the Lily pad gown at the end.

40: Outfit you wish you had: See above

41: What food from a Disney Movie do you want to try in real life: The rock cakes and bubbling beverage from Return to Oz

42: Character You Look Like: This is tough. Probably Ursula. hahahaha IDK.

43:Whose voice do you wish you had (singing and speaking): Ariel

44: What Disney movie cheers you up: Pirates of the Caribbean or Cars 2

45: What Disney Movie Makes You Sad: Inside Out or Toy Story 3. I refuse to watch these again.

46: What is the Most Underrated Disney Movie: Cars 2. People hate this movie, and I don’t know why. It is funny and isn’t sad at all.

47: Favorite Pixar Movie: Up. This is our movie.

48: Favorite Quote: There are so many, but if I am picking one: “Adventure is Out There” from Up

49: Favorite non-animated Disney Movie: Bedknobs and Broomsticks

50: Best Soundtrack: The Lion King….”Baaaaaahhhhhh zimbwaya!”

51: Last Disney Movie You Watched: The Many Adventures of Winne the Pooh

52: Two Characters Who Would be Enemies: Merida and Jafar because of how he treats women.

53: Two Characters that Should Be Paired Up But Aren’t: Merida and Eugene. They would got on so many adventures together!

Now your turn for some fun: answer your three favorite questions down in the comments below, so we can get to know you.

Thanks to Reillysinneverland for the questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tot Five: How to Handle Food Allergies

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Vegan, Walt Disney World
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Photo courtesy of Disney Food Blog
One of the best things about Walt Disney World, Disneyland and the Disney Cruise Line is they cater to the needs of everyone.
For those dealing with food allergies dining out can be come complicated and even dangerous, depending on the severity of the allergy.
Disney has many precautions in place that help people avoid contamination.
Here are the tot five ways to help manage food allergies in your family while at a Disney property.
1. Send an email
If you or a family member have a serious, uncommon food allergy, the number one thing you should do is send an email to special.diets@disneyworld.com. You need to send the email after you have made your dining reservations and at least 14 days prior to your vacation.
People who have an allergy with the following need to send the email:
•Any allergy or intolerance not listed as a common food allergy (i.e. Gluten or wheat, lactose or milk, peanuts or tree nuts, shellfish, soy, fish, eggs and corn)
•Phenylketonuria (PKU)
•Metabolic disorders
•A single guest with multiple allergies/intolerances or multiple guests with allergies/intolerances within the same party
2. Ask for the allergy menu
All restaurants, have a list of the ingredients that are in their menu items, include the counter service restaurants.
Some of the table service restaurants will have a special allergy menu, so don’t forget to talk to your server.
3. Indicate an allergy when making a reservation
It doesn’t matter if you make your reservations online, through the My Disney Experience app or over the phone you can indicate that you have a food allergy.
Because you have this indicated with your reservation you are more likely to have a chief come out and talk to you about your allergies.
4.  Make sure you are prepared
No one wants to think that something will happen on their vacation concerning their food allergies. However, you always have to be prepared with your medication should a need arise.
If there would be an emergency, and you forgot your EpiPen there are several stations throughout Walt Disney World that have EpiPens available.
The stations are located on the guide maps.
5. Don’t be afraid to speak up
If you think there might be an issue with your order or if you don’t trust an ingredient, please speak up. You are never inconveniencing the people that work at Disney. They want you to be safe and not see something happen to you.
Do you have any tips on dealing with food allergies? Leave them in the comments below.

Tot Five: Best Spots to Grab a Quick and Healthy Lunch

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

A lot of people seem to think that if you are on vacation you have to face the dreaded “vacation weight gain” when you return home.

However, if you do a little planning before you go you can make smart choices when it comes to dining at Disney.

So here are the tot five places to grab a quick and healthy lunch in Walt Disney World.

1. Columbia Harbor House

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Tucked away in Liberty Square is a really great quick service restaurant called Columbia Harbor House.

While the restaurant caters mostly to typical New England fare like fried shrimp and clam chowder, it is also surprisingly has some great lighter options including the Lighthouse Sandwich (hummus tomato, broccoli slaw on toasted multigrain bread), grilled salmon with couscous and corn cobbette,  and broccoli peppercorn salad.

2. Tangierine Café

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Tangerine Café, located in the Morocco pavilion in EPCOT, offers a lot of different Mediterranean foods which are usually very healthy and contain a lot of fresh ingredients, healthy fats and savory spices.

Healthy choices here include the vegetarian platter( hummus, tabbouleh, lentils, falafel and marinated olives with fresh Moroccan Bread), Shawarma Chicken Platter (served with a side of Hummus, Tabbouleh, and Tangerine Couscous Salad with fresh Moroccan Bread) and Tabbouleh.

3. Sunshine Seasons

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

 

Inside of The Land pavilion in EPCOT’s Future World is Sunshine Seasons, a quick service restaurant that is known for providing quick, tasty and healthy food.

Offering selections for all three major meals, some healthy options include Bircher Muesli for breakfast, Power Salad with Oak-fired Chicken, Quinoa, Almonds and Honey Vinaigrette for lunch and Sesame Crusted Tuna with Asian Vegetable Noodle Salad.

4. Harambe Market

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

 

Animal Kingdom Park is home to some of the most flavorful and unique dining experiences in the entire resort. Luckily, these places also offer many healthy options including Harambe Market located in the Africa section of the park.

Yummy and healthy options include Grilled Vegetable Stack served with Green Papya Slaw and Black-Eyed Pea, Corn and Tomato Salad, Grilled Chicken Skewer (with the same sides) and Green Papaya-Carrot Slaw Side.

5. Anaheim Produce

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Sometimes when it is so hot outside, like Orlando is often, I really don’t feel like eating a big meal.

Luckily, Anaheim Produce, in Hollywood Studios, offers a wide variety of lighter and healthy fare including a variety of fresh fruit, Hayden Valley Raw Energy Mix, carrot and celery sticks and whole pickles.

While eating healthy is definitely an option while you are on vacation, you need to also find that right balance between treating yourself on occasion and eating healthy. You are on vacation after all and don’t want to feel too deprived.

What is your favorite healthy lunch at Walt Disney World? Leave your answer in the comments below.

Making Healthy Choices Easier

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has started displaying the calorie information of foods at some quick service restaurants on property.

So far it has only been the Backlot Express and Columbia Harbor House that has been displaying the information according to WDWinfo.com.

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Photo courtesy of WDWinfo.com

The information is within parenthesis at the end of the menu listing.

It is unclear if this will be rolled out to be on all the quick service properties or not.

If you want information about ingredients for dietary restrictions or allergies, or want to know the nutrition information, you can ask a cast member and they have all the information in a binder at the location.

What are your thoughts about this new addition? Will you use it to help you eat healthier while you are on vacation? Leave your comments below.

Making Celebrations Magical

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Disney, Family Vacation, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World
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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Celebrating your birthday, anniversary or special accomplishment at Walt Disney World is really special. You can take this celebration to the next level by including a little extra pixie dust magic.

Disney offers a wide variety of options to plus your celebration, including free buttons.

When you make your reservations, for either your hotel or dining reservations, you have a chance to indicate if you are celebrating anything. Let them know because you might receive a special surprise with your meals. Also, don’t forget to ask for your celebration button when you check in at your hotel.

Another way of providing something extra for a celebration is to purchase an in room celebration.

If you order an in room celebration your room will be decorated for you when you arrive.

There are a lot of different celebration options to choose from ranging from special holiday celebrations, to celebration specific, to age groups.

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Photo courtesy of Walt Disney World

Another way is to order a special cake to arrive at your meal.

There are a bunch of options that will suit everyone even including those with allergies or special diet restrictions.

For example, if you are looking for a gluten free or vegan cake, Erin McKenna bakery located in Disney Springs would be the place for you to go.

All other cakes can be ordered through Disney. However, make sure you let either bakery know which restaurant you are wanting to have your cake delivered to before you start the ordering process. Not all restaurants are owned by Disney and will not accept outside desserts.

While any celebration at Walt Disney World is memorable and magical, there are some additional ways to make it extra special.

Which way sounds the most appealing to you? Leave your comments below.

BREAKING NEWS

by disneywonderlandgazette, posted in Books for Toddlers, Disney, Family Vacation, Pittsburgh, Toddler, Toddler Travel, Uncategorized, Walt Disney World

 

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Official “Mousekatots” cover. (Art created by Theme Park Press.)

 

A little over a year ago, while stuck in traffic, Kevin and I were listening to a Disney themed Podcast.

The guest on the show was talking about how they wrote a book about Disney through a company called Theme Park Press. I sat there, while getting frustrated with the traffic, and thought that I could do that. I could write a book about Walt Disney World.

I then decided to combine my two loves, Walt Disney World and my daughter, and contacted the publisher at Theme Park Press.

And now about a year later, the rest they say is history!

Now I am super excited to say that “Mousekatots,” your official guide on how to do your Walt Disney World vacation with minimal meltdowns, is officially on sale!

Available in both Kindle and paperback, “Mousekatots,” leads you through every step on planning a memorable Walt Disney World vacation with your toddler.

How to get groceries and diapers to your hotel without a car? We have you covered. What important trick will make getting your toddler dressed in the morning a flash? We have the answer! What do you do if your child gets separated in the parks? Read inside “Mousekatots!”

“Mousekatots” also has all the height information, breakdown of all the attractions and menus for all the restaurants in the park.

So, if you want to make your vacation smoother and really have the opportunity to have everything planned so you can relax and enjoy watching your little Mousekatot in the parks, then please consider picking up your copy of “Mousekatot” today.

Your support would be appreciated in helping me make our dreams come true!