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The New Spunky Stork Inside Wonderful World of Memories is Now Open.

The New Spunky Stork Inside Wonderful World of Memories is Now Open.

Exciting news! The new Spunky Stork inside the Wonderful World of Memories at Disney Springs is now open!  I absolutely adore matching with my family, hence the reason why we all have matching Santa Mickey shirts for Christmas! I am such a sucker for apparel stores that have these themes throughout it!

The new Spunky Stork is all that and a bag of potato chips! This store provides those matching outfits that everyone wants to wear!  Check out this first one! The adult shirt says, “So Fresh” and the baby says, “So clean”! If any of you know me, you know that I am always singing that song that says, “So fresh and so clean, clean”!  Hilarious!!

The New Spunky Stork Inside Wonderful World of Memories is Now Open.

What about this one?! It is sort of classic in its own way, right?!  I read this one with an Austin Powers accent!! Now you are doing it too, you’re welcome!

The New Spunky Stork Inside Wonderful World of Memories is Now Open.

I think this “half pint” shirt is so funny!  I know some people that would get this one!

The New Spunky Stork Inside Wonderful World of Memories is Now Open.

If the funny sayings aren’t really your thing they also have more subtle ones as well.  Check out this sweet set for mom and baby. It says, “Once Upon a time” and “Happily Ever After”.  I love the pastel colors on this! My daughter loves matching with me also, she would definitely rock this outfit with me!

The New Spunky Stork Inside Wonderful World of Memories is Now Open.

Or this subtle one. “The legend”, “The legacy”.  I am pretty sure my husband would want this one!  I think this one is very classic.

The New Spunky Stork Inside Wonderful World of Memories is Now Open.

Whatever your style may be, you and your family would enjoy this little Spunky Stork store inside the Wonderful World of Memories at Disney Springs.  Did you have one that caught your eye?  Or do you have a saying that you would want featured on a shirt for you and your “half pint”?  Happy shopping, y’all!

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself?  Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey.  Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Online Petition Urges Disney to Remove Trademark on Hakuna Matata

Online Petition Urges Disney to Remove Trademark on Hakuna Matata

Online Petition Urges Disney to Remove Trademark on Hakuna Matata. The petition was started by Shelton Mpala, a Zimbabwean activist.

The Swahili phrase “Hakuna Matata” is a rough translation from Swahili to English, meaning, “no worries” or “no problems”. The term became wildly popular, world wide, after its appearance as both a phrase and a song in the 1994 Disney animated featured film, The Lion King.

Mpala claims he aims, “to draw attention to the appropriation of African culture and the importance of protecting our heritage, identity and culture from being exploited for financial gain by third parties [Disney].” “This plundered artwork serves to enrich or benefit these museums and corporations and not the creators or people it’s derived from,” Mpala said.

Online Petition Urges Disney to Remove Trademark on Hakuna Matata

Kenyan intellectual property and entertainment lawyer, Liz Lenjo, does not agree with the petition started by Mpala. Lenjo said Disney “has not stolen anything” and that the backlash is due to misunderstandings about the situation. She claims the blame should go to social media for “blowing things out of proportion.” Lenjo also stated, “The conversation on the internet has been blowing up because of a misconception and misunderstanding around intellectual property law, the ethos behind intellectual property law and the various regimes of protection.”
“The use of ‘Hakuna Matata‘ by Disney does not take away the value of the language,” Lenjo claims. “East Africans or whoever speaks Swahili worldwide are not restricted from using the phrase.”
The petition, started by Mpala, has garnished over 50,000 signatures and continues to grow online. Disney has not made a formal statement regarding the online petition at this time.
The term “Hakuna Matata” was trademarked the same year the film was released, in 1994, according to the United Patent and Trademark Office.  A “live-action” version of The Lion King is set to release in 2019.

Online Petition Urges Disney to Remove Trademark on Hakuna Matata

Photo Credit: Walt Disney Pictures

Roster Announced for Pro Bowl Week at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Roster Announced for Pro Bowl Week at ESPN Wide World of Sports

The roster has been announced for the 2019 Pro Bowl. The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be bustling with professional football galore this time next month as Walt Disney World Resort hosts the NFL Pro Bowl Experience for the third year in a row.

The Los Angeles Chargers lead the pack with seven players on the AFC Pro Bowl Roster while the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints all follow with five players each.

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady, Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and New York Giants rookie RB Saquon Barkley were all announced to play in the Pro Bowl.

The Pro Bowl will take place the week of Monday, January 21st through Sunday, January 27th with most of the festivities taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Football fans can watch the AFC and NFC team practices, along with fun activities like the popular 40-yard dash and the revamped NFL Skills Showdown. Pro Bowl Week will also feature several new events like the 40-yard Splash, the Gridiron Gauntlet obstacle course, and the Precision Passing contest.

Other activities include the Long Snap Accuracy Challenge, where fans can test their aim by tossing the football through several obstacles or the NFL Family Football Zone which is an area for families to participate in a variety of football and tailgate-themed games.

NFL Pro Bowl Week is open to the public with no charge to guests at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World

Tickets for the big game are still available along with the rosters for the AFC and NFC teams at the Pro Bowl website

Source: Disney.

Photo Credit: Disney.

A Sneak Peek at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Coming to Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade

Sneak Peek of Star Wars land

Sneak Peek of Star Wars land

What did you ask for for Christmas? I asked for details on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge… I’m not kidding, I totally did! It looks like I’m going to get my wish!!! During ABC’s broadcast of A Magical Christmas Parade, new details will be released about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge bringing “a galaxy far far away” much much closer!

Recently at the D23: Destination D event we learned a lot about the new rides coming to the land, particularly Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run, which will put guests aboard Han Solos iconic (infamous!?) ship! That said,  we are eagerly awaiting any new tidbits we may learn during the Christmas Day broadcast! I’m hoping for information on the delicious food and amazing merchandise that will be available! Figures crossed.

That isn’t all the excitement to be had during the Christmas Parade broadcast though. In addition to all the Disney Magic we have come to expect from a Disney Parks parade, Father and son duo Matteo and Andrea Bocelli, everyone’s favorite Hollaback Girl, Gwen Stefani,  American Idol winner (and Disney lover) Maddi Pope, newcomer Aloe Blacc, Disneys own Acapella group Dcappella  and country crooner Brett Eldredge will perform.  We can’t wait. Watching the parade is a special tradition in our home that ranks almost as high as exchanging gifts! This year’s sneak peek .eans we are even MORE excited! What details are you hoping to see released? Let us know in the comments.

Lime Monorail Gets Face-lift with a Sleek New Paint Job

Lime Monorail Gets Face-lift a Sleek New Paint Job

There’s been a ton of talk recently regarding monorails at Walt Disney World. Whether it be mishaps, refurbishments, or whatever else…monorails have been a hot topic of discussion. We often hear many individuals complaining about this and that regarding the systems. Whether it be that they’re outdated or need repair, there’s been a lot of noise going on from unhappy guests. But we’re here today to bring you a little positive news regarding one of the coolest modes of transportation to ever grace a Disney park.

The Lime monorail system debuted a sleek new paint job recently, and we must admit that it looks sharp! Lined with blue, the colors are not only extremely distinguishable, just very pleasing to the eye. With a nice new glimmering coat, the arrow-dynamic design of the monorail really pops! Dare we say, that it looks more “futuristic?”   Not to mention that a new paint job was probably needed!

As with most news like this, we’ve got you covered with some photos of the updated paint job, and we want to know what you think?

Lime Monorail Gets Face-lift a Sleek New Paint Job Lime Monorail Gets Face-lift a Sleek New Paint Job Lime Monorail Gets Face-lift a Sleek New Paint Job

Nice, right? We told you! It’s nice to know that Disney seems to always be on top of maintaining their facilities. Despite certain mishaps that are bound to happen no matter the level of preparation, Disney continues to invest in guests experiences. Ensuring that we have a flashy mode of transportation to get around Disney property is another way the Walt Disney Company continues to invest in our fandom!

The Hospitality at Disney Just Keeps Getting Better!

Hospitality at Disney

Everyone is well aware of the hospitality at Disney.  I am sure we have all heard the stories about how a cast member has gone out of their way to help make a families trip.  The Disney Company prides itself on making sure all guests are taken care of in any way they can.  Well the hospitality at Disney just got even better!

Disney has recently added a “pop-up” on the My Disney Experience, MDE, for the holiday season.  Guests can now experience the most out of their visit at Magic Kingdom with the extra help of cast members.  Located across the lands guests can simply look for the team members in blue shirts with a castle logo.  These cast members will be available to answer all of your questions until 11:00pm or park close, whichever is earlier.

Hospitality at Disney

If you are unable to locate a cast member you can also look within the My Disney Experience app for details on these locations, which are marked with the symbol that looks like an “I”, like the ones pictured below.

Hospitality at Disney

Cast members are ready to assist you with all of your park needs, starting with all of your theme park needs.  Cast members can provide you information on wait times, fastpass+ information, dining needs, available park tours and more!

This is such a treat having these cast members available throughout the day!  They will be able to make any person’s trip as magical as it can be.  There is no word on if this will continue on past the holidays, but I think this should definitely be an option!!

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself?  Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey.  Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Fun Disney Attractions Dioramas Now Available at Disney Parks

Disney Attractions Dioramas

Are you ever looking for souvenirs that are as entertaining as they are adorable? I think the new Disney Attractions Dioramas definitely hit that mark. Four iconic attractions are available as build-it-yourself Dioramas that the whole family can enjoy!

Fun Disney Attractions Dioramas Now Available at Disney Parks

You’ll find Dioramas for the Mad Tea Party, Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, and it’s a small world. Each package comes with everything you need to build it, and no glue is required. These are great to bring home and relive a little bit of Disney Magic as you build. They also make for a great rainy day activity if you happened to get rained out while on your Disney trip! I bet they would make great stocking stuffers for Disney fans too!

Haunted Mansion

Fun Disney Attractions Dioramas Now Available at Disney Parks

Splash Mountain

Fun Disney Attractions Dioramas Now Available at Disney Parks

Mad Tea Party

Fun Disney Attractions Dioramas Now Available at Disney Parks

it’s a small world

Fun Disney Attractions Dioramas Now Available at Disney Parks

Each Diorama features characters from the ride, and stylized artwork inspired by the attractions, and related merchandise. I love the idea of getting to put together your own diorama, but that they are simple enough for our little ones too. They retail for $16.99, and directions are included. The pieces are secured within larger pieces, so be careful popping them out!

Which one of these Disney Attractions Dioramas is your favorite? Are there other Disney attractions you would like to see made into a Diorama?

Review: Madame Tussauds of Orlando

Review: Madame Tussauds of Orlando

Review: Madame Tussaud's of Orlando

This holiday season create memories with your friends and family at Madame Tussauds of Orlando.  Madame Tussauds is a short drive away from Walt Disney World nestled in the ICON Orlando complex.  Guests are invited to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most famous stars. I jumped at the chance to escape the midweek blues and spend the morning “meeting” a few of my favorite celebrities including Walt Disney himself.

Pricing and Hours

Single Attraction : $28 Adult / $23 Child

Two Attraction : $39.95 Adult / $34.95 Child

Discounts: Florida Resident $5 off ticket and Military 10% off ticket

Free Parking

Open Daily: Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 1o pm Friday – Saturday 10 am – 11 pm (check for special Christmas/Holiday hours)

Madame Tussaud

Review: Madame Tussaud's of Orlando

It all started with Madame Marie Tussaud back in the 1700s with the mold of Francois Voltaire. She would eventually go to live at Versailles as an art tutor, but during the French Revolution, she was imprisoned.  To prove her allegiance to the revolution, she had to create death masks of high ranking nobles including the King and Queen.  Once the Revolution ended, she inherited Dr. Philippe Curtius’ wax exhibition, and would eventually bring the exhibition over to England.  The rest is history as they say.  I have heard her name, but I have never seen what she looked like.  Looking at this tiny woman, and all that she has accomplished is incredible.  Now, there are 24 Madame Tussauds worldwide with seven right here in the United States.

Historical Figures

Entering the exhibit, I was greeted by Juan Ponce de Leon in his ship with the map of Florida which he had just discovered.  As I traveled through history, I even had a chance to meet Walt Disney and Albert Einstein! Each figure is handcrafted in London and takes between three-six months to complete.

Sports Legends

From Dan Marino getting ready to throw that game-winning touchdown to Muhammad Ali ready for the knockout, guests can take their #bestselfieever with their favorite sports stars.  The wax figure of Shaquille O’Neal was unbelievable.  He is SO tall.  I grabbed the basketball to see if I could get a shot up against him.  Yeah, that was an epic fail, but fun!

Music Superstars

Grab a guitar and jam with Taylor Swift. Join Justin Beiber’s dancers to learn his iconic dance moves just like his music video. Did you know that some of the stars actually donate their own clothes for their figure? Rick Martin donated that suit for his figure!

Justice League

Justice League, “A Call to Heroes,” takes the wax figures to the next level.  Help your favorite DC Comic superheroes – Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman and the newest hero Aquaman save Metropolis. All in a days work helping Superman lift that helicopter, teaming up with Wonder Woman, signaling Batman, and harnessing the power of the trident with Aquaman.  Make sure to check out the costumes because they are exact replicas from the movies.  They are exquisite!

Movie Classics

Hop in your own fairytale onion carriage with Shrek and Fiona.  Sit in the director’s chair next to Steven Spielberg. Look closely at Sandy and Danny Zuko.  Every figure has real human hair.  Each individual strand is placed and styled along with daily combing.  It is amazing the detail that is carefully maintained.

Hollywood A-Listers

Step into the most happening Christmas party this season.  Dressed to the nines these celebrities are ready for the red carpet or award show after party.  Oh hey there Ryan Gosling and Ryan Reynolds!

Television Stars

Lights, camera, action because we are “live” on set for some of the most popular tv shows.  Create your own Modern Family with Sofia Vergara, and discuss the Big Bang Theory with Jim Parsons. Having to be camera ready at all times, all figures have their make up touched up daily by a special team.

Gifts

Try your hand at making your own wax hand.  Open daily Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 7 pm and Friday – Saturday 11 am – 10 pm you will need to prepurchase your tickets for this experience.  Then, stop in the gift shop to find the perfect item for that Justice League fan in your household or even your own Oscar!

Overall Thoughts

I had a blast spending the morning with Oprah, Abraham Lincoln, and Tom Hanks.  The detail and artistry that goes into each figure is astounding.  I am looking forward to bringing my kids. To find out more information and order tickets, click here. Have you spent the day exploring Madame Tussaud’s? Post in the comments below.

 

Universal Orlando Resort Offers a Holiday Dessert Party For the First Time

Universal Orlando Resort Offers a Holiday Dessert Party For the First Time

Universal Orlando Resort is offering a holiday offer an all-new “Exclusive Holiday Viewing Area & Dessert Party” experience from December 24 to December 30 – giving guests an even more special and exclusive way to experience Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration. Guests will enjoy dedicated viewing areas for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s and Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration – Plus specialty food and beverages!

The experience starts at 7 p.m. with access to an exclusive viewing area for Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s in the Hollywood area of the park. Guests can enjoy an assortment of beverages, including coffee and hot chocolate, and prime viewing of the incredible floats, larger-than-life balloons and favorite characters that take to the streets of Universal Studios during the parade.

Then starting at 8:45 p.m., guests will get access to a special viewing area for Universal’s Cinematic Celebration. They can enjoy a variety of specialty and seasonal desserts, sparkling wine, sparkling cider and more before the show, and then watch as a colossal celebration of beloved characters and some of the world’s biggest films come to life in the Universal Studios lagoon.

The “Exclusive Holiday Viewing Area & Dessert Party” is available daily from December 24 through December 30 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets for adults are $49.99 plus tax, and tickets for children (ages 3 – 9) are $29.99 plus tax. Separate theme park admission is required. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.universalorlando.com.

Universal Orlando Announces an Even Earlier Start Date for Halloween Horror Nights Next Year

Universal Orlando Announces an Even Early Start Date for Halloween Horror Nights Next Year

Universal Orlando Resort announced they are moving up Halloween Horror Nights in 2019!  Universal Orlando Resort has an early holiday gift for guests who are visiting in early September 2019 – they’ll now have the opportunity to experience the world’s premier Halloween event during their visit. Every fall at Universal Studios Florida™ nightmares rule the darkness. Houses drawn from the greatest horror stories chill the bravest souls. Streets transform into sinister scare zones. Mad laughter echoes from outrageous live shows. And across the park, some of Universal’s most exhilarating attractions tempt with thrilling escapes.

Due to popular demand and the incredible growth of the event, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2019 will begin earlier than ever before, running select nights from Friday, September 6, 2019 to Saturday, November 2, 2019.

Guests will face haunted houses, scare zones and live entertainment based on everything from horror legends and the top names in pop culture, to disturbing-original stories created exclusively by the twisted minds of Universal’s award-winning Entertainment team.

This year’s theme was Stranger Things and guests were thrilled and terrified with the interactive and very scary event. They added more dates as throughout October to be able to accommodate the growing number of guests in attendance.

More information about Halloween Horror Nights 2019 – including specific event dates, event content, tickets and offers – will be revealed in the months ahead. Stay tuned to www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando for updates.

Source: Universal Orlando Resort

Now you can have the full NBA experience at Disney Springs

NBA experience at Disney Springs

It’s official! Now you can have the full NBA experience at Disney Springs.  What could be better?  Get this!  You won’t be watching a game, you will be putting your skills to the test!  In the summer of 2019, guests can now have an NBA experience at Disney Springs!  Created by Walt Disney Imagineers, in collaboration with the NBA, this experience will be an amazing interactive experience for everyone!

This experience will be out of this world as you start of by experiencing a huge milestone in any basketball players life.  The NBA Draft!  During this experience you will have the opportunity re-create the atmosphere of the draft stage in your career complete with a photographic moment.

Players will then take part in a replicated NBA Combine challenge.  During this stage players will track and improve their jump shots and passing skills.  But make sure you do your best, because at the end of the session players will see the scouting report that highlights the players stats.

Great you made it! Now it’s time you take your first steps out onto the court to hear the roar of the crowd.  Don’t get sucked into the fame and stardom.  Players now need to maneuver through a series of timed shots to aim for a high score! Nice moves you have there!  You are one amazing player, now execute that slam dunk for the cameras around the basket can capture!

Way to go scout! You are doing amazing!!  However, you are not done yet!  We have more skills to test!  Next up, your ball-handling skills.  Your interactive trainer will challenge you with a variety of dribbling routines.  Do you have what it takes?

Guests will also have the opportunity to use an oversized slingshot to launch basketballs at hoops of varying heights.  The player has the challenge to make as many shots as possible before time runs out.

If all this fun wasn’t enough, guests will also have other NBA experiences that will top of their amazing adventure.  Guests can immerse themselves in the history of NBA and WNBA championship-winning teams, access a team locker room complete with up-to-date statistics, test their knowledge of the NBA and WNBA, and enjoy two 180-degree cinematic presentations.

This NBA experience at Disney Springs sounds amazing, even if you are not into basketball!  The Disney Imagineers never leave a detail out when they are creating new experiences for guests.  We can’t wait until Summer 2019 to have this experience!!

Source: Disney Parks Blog

Ready to experience the Disney magic yourself?  Well, pack your bags and get ready! As an agent that specializes in Disney Destinations, and the official travel partner for Chip and Co, I can help you begin your journey.  Just click the Key to the World Travel Picture, email me at [email protected], on facebook or fill out the form below for a free no-obligation quote.

Same Day Dining Reservations Offered at Magic Kingdom

Same Day Dining Reservations Offered at Magic Kingdom

Disney food lovers…. Get ready to be really, really excited! Same day dining reservations… yes, those mythical often talked about, rarely attained unicorns of Disney Dining, are now within your grasp! If you find yourself craving a Table Service meal but didn’t book one in advance now it as easy as talking to a Cast Member on Main Street! Simply find the Cast Members holding the Table Service Reservation signs to get started.

Same Day Dining Reservations Offered at Magic Kingdom

Cast Members will be able to help you find a table at the following restaurants:

  • Tony’s Town Square
  • Crystal Palace
  • Be Our Guest
  • Diamond Horseshoe
  • Jungle Navigation Skipper Canteen

If you’re keeping count… That’s nearly every Table Service restaurant at Magic Kingdom (sadly, crowd favorite Liberty Tree Tavern and Magic Kingdom stalwart The Plaza aren’t offered at this time)!

This is a limited time experiment, and may or may not be available the day you visit.  If it does well we hope to see it become a permanent fixture throughout the Parks. This experiment is also currently being tested at EPCOT as well.

Have you tried this new service yet? Did you love it? Hate it? Hope it stays around? Let us know in the comments what your experience was.