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New Pool and Restaurant Coming Soon to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Boulder Ridge Cove

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New amenities will soon be available at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Boulder Ridge Cove of Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is scheduled to open in summer 2017. The re-themed pool area will feature an expanded sun deck and zero-depth-entry pool as well as a nearby “Boulder Ridge Railway and Mining Co.” water tower. A vintage mine cart will also support the mining theme with an affectionate nod to Disney history.

The area formerly known as Hidden Springs Pool will appear to have been an abandoned rock quarry and supports the pioneering backstory of Boulder Ridge. Locals in the Pacific Northwest re-purposed everything from bridges and tunnels to cranes and quarries after the fading of the Transcontinental Railroad in mid-20th-century.

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Beyond the new pool space, scheduled enhancements to the resort include a brand-new bar & grill, in addition to a quick-service restaurant. Geyser Point Bar & Grill will be located in the heart of the feature pool area of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, where Members and guests can grab a bite to eat as they lounge by the resort’s main pool. There will be ample outdoor seating and architecture that looks right at home with that of the existing Lodge, as well as Boulder Ridge Villas.

The Disney Vacation Club portion of Wilderness Lodge has been undergoing an extensive refurbishment and expansion. It was recently renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in order to more accurately reflect the new railroad theme and compliment the story line of the resort.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money! 

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog 

Solar Panels Added to Cars Land Attraction at Disney California Adventure Park

Cars Land Solar Panels

cars-land-solar

A new 40,000 square foot solar array system has been installed atop Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure park. It includes more than 1,400 high-efficiency solar panels that will use the power of the sun to help run the Cars Land attraction. The amount of electricity the system will generate for the theme park is equivalent to the energy used to power 100 homes in Anaheim each year.

Below is a time lapse video if the installation process:

The solar array system is the first of its kind at the Disneyland Resort and part of an ongoing commitment to develop and implement environmentally responsible practices.

Contact [email protected] or visit my Facebook page here to start planning your next magical Disney vacation. All of my planning services are 100% FREE and can help save you both time and money! 

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog 

 

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” Releases 15 New Pictures!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Darth Vader
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Darth Vader
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Darth Vader

I’m so excited that we’re about a month away from the premiere of “Rogue One”. To keep everyone excited Disney and the Star Wars camp released a bunch of set and film pictures.
Take a look!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) X-Wing CR: ILM/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
X-Wing CR: ILM/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Felicity Jones (C) and Riz Ahmed (behind) - briefing room, with Felicity and the Senator Jebel (guy in red and grey), Senator Vaspar (guy in blue), Senator Pamlo (lady in gold). Also back of Mon Mothma's head
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Felicity Jones (C) and Riz Ahmed (behind) – briefing room, with Felicity and the Senator Jebel (guy in red and grey), Senator Vaspar (guy in blue), Senator Pamlo (lady in gold). Also back of Mon Mothma’s head
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen) credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen)
credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Ben Mendelsohn credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Ben Mendelsohn
credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Riz Ahmed credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Riz Ahmed
credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Darth Vader credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Darth Vader
credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Director Gareth Edwards on set with actors Diego Luna (Cassian Andor) and Felicity Jones (Jyn Erso) on the set credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Director Gareth Edwards on set with actors Diego Luna (Cassian Andor) and Felicity Jones (Jyn Erso) on the set
credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Death Troopers credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Death Troopers
credit: Jonathan Olley/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Tivik (L) and Diego Luna
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Tivik (L) and Diego Luna
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Donnie Yen and Wen Jiang with Rebel Marines
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Donnie Yen and Wen Jiang with Rebel Marines
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Donnie Yen (L) and Felicity Jones (R) Credit: Giles Keyte/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Donnie Yen (L) and Felicity Jones (R)
Credit: Giles Keyte/© Lucasfilm LFL 2016
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) X-Wing
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
X-Wing
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) Rebel U-Wing fighter
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Rebel U-Wing fighter

Disney Springs Progressive Dinner Tickets Available

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The head chefs of both Morimoto Asia (Masaharu Morimoto) and Art Smith’s Homecoming (Art Smith) in Disney Springs are coming together to offer guests a night of dining they won’t soon forget. The two chefs are teaming up for ‘Sake and Shine,’ a progressive dinner, on Dec. 3 in Disney Springs.

The Orlando Sentinel provided the following details for the event:

Guests will start their evening at Morimoto Asia, with a three-course Pan-Asian meal with sake and beer pairings. It includes the Iron Chef’s favorite dishes of the season such as Alaskan king crab and Nantucket Bay scallop “ankake” over crispy noodles, five-spiced brasied beef short rib with a sansho peppercorn sauce and wilted dou milao, and a sushi course.

The feast will be served in the Forbidden Lounge balcony in the restaurant.

Afterward, guests will head to Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming for dessert that includes a build-your-own-Florida-strawberry shortcake bar as well as slices of the chef’s famous Hummingbird cake and Shine cake. A variety of moonshine-based cocktails will also be available.

Sake and Shine

What: A progressive dinner with Celebrity Chefs Masaharu Morimoto and Art Smith.

When: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3

Where: Morimoto Asia and Homecoming Florida Kitchen at Disney Springs

Tickets: $225 per person (price is all-inclusive and covers tax and gratuity). Buy advance tickets by visiting http://bit.ly/2flf5eg.

If you would like to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Mickey & Friends Photobomb Family Holiday Portraits

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This holiday season, unsuspecting families visiting a Disney Store in Southern California got a magical surprise when their family portraits were photobombed by Mickey Mouse and friends. Watch the prank video below as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy bring the holiday spirit and hidden cameras capture kids’ adorable surprised reactions when they discover their favorite Disney pals are in their formal family photo.

Mickey and Minnie and prove that they’re stealth photobombers – Goofy, not so much.

Cast Member Preview of ‘Rivers of Light’ this Weekend

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ROLR4896893

ROL

It feels like we have been waiting for ages for Rivers of Light to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The opening dates have been pushed back so many times, we were beginning to worry it may never open! That being said,  it is extremely exciting to hear that Cast Members have been invited to a special preview of Rivers of Light this weekend at Animal Kingdom. Since this means the show is officially ready to be seen/performed, then it leads us to hope that means it is ready for guests ASAP as well!

We’ll let you know as soon as Disney announces official Rivers of Light opening dates for park guests.

 

If you would like to visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland, but are unsure of where to begin, contact me today to take advantage of my FREE vacation planning services! I specialize in Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Aulani resort in Hawaii, as well as Adventures by Disney. Email me today at [email protected] for a free quote, or you can follow along on Facebook here.

Photo: Disney

 

New Featurette From “Rogue One” Online Now!

RO

RO

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is getting into gear for it’s December release. One of the ways it is doing this is releasing a brand new featurette today.

“Rogue One” hits theaters December 16 in 3D, RealD 3D and IMAX 3D!

“Moana” Film Review, Set Your Sails for fun!

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I got the opportunity to see Disney’s “Moana” over the weekend, and was blown away. There is a reason Disney is the animation company to beat, because they’re the best at it. “Moana” is a family film for every part of your brood, and take the brood, they’ll love it.

Moana” is about ‘princess’ (she’s the daughter of the chief, so same thing) Moana (voiced by new comer Auli’i Cravalho), who has been drawn to the water all of her life, despite her father, Chief Tui (Temuere Morrison) protests. When the island begins to have troubles, and by prompting of her Grandmother (Rachel House) she takes a stone, the heart of Te Fiti, and leaves her home to seek out the demi-God Maui (Dwayne Johnson) and to have him return the heart to where he stole it from. Many adventures, and songs, ensue.

This Disney film is refreshing, to say the least. This is a story of a girl discovering and becoming who is she, without a dude. Spoiler – there’s not even a male character her age in this. None! I love it!! A teenager scared of who is she and what she’s expected to become, goes through her own journey. Love it madly!!

moana

As the usual Disney animated film, this one is driven by its music. Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) and Opetaia Foa’i (band ‘Te Vaka’) wrote the music. The songs and music drive the soul of this film. It becomes embedded so much that you don’t even realize that’s why your heart is beating faster – it’s the music that grips you.

moana

Directed and written by Ron Clemens and John Musker, these two also did another oceanic Disney film – a little flick called “The Little Mermaid”. Although Ron and John worked with ‘water’ on Mermaid, this is their first digital film, and it’s a whole different…. Ocean. This water is a character not just an element. Like the rest of the characters, it is well thought out and beautifully done. They have another instant classic on their hands.

“Moana” hits theaters November 23rd, just in time for the long weekend so take the family – especially your tween and teenage girls. This is a lovely story of strength, empowerment and discovery of who a person can be. Be prepared, by the December holidays everyone will be singing “How Far I’ll Go” “You’re Welcome” or my favorite “Shiny”. Grab a lei and sail as fast as you can to your local theater!!

moana

Holiday Happenings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Santa

Santa

Santa, Mrs. Claus and their favorite elf, Kandy Kane, are jetting off to Florida this December to escape the cold and join guests for Holiday Happenings at Santa’s favorite resort – the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. During this month-long celebration, children and kids at heart can enjoy a magical holiday vacation experience at the Epcot Resort Area resort with holiday season room rates up to 10 percent off.  Due to popular demand, this year’s activities line-up, features an expanded bedtime elf tuck-in program, as well as the return of some annual favorites.

Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet ‘n Greets

Decked out in their Florida vacation attire, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Kandy Kane meet guests in Santa’s customized Tiki Hut on select nights. Featuring reindeer, palm trees and flamingos, this holiday photo opportunity is like no other.

A Florida Snow Fall and Tree Lighting Ceremony

With the help of some holiday magic, guests can experience a snow fall in the comfort of the Dolphin lobby. Throughout December, the lobby is transformed into a festive holiday scene featuring a 45-ft tall Christmas tree surrounded by a holiday train set.  The scene is completed with regularly timed snow falls. This snow, however, requires no shoveling.  On select nights, guests can join Mrs. Claus for the lighting of the Christmas tree starting at 6pm, followed by hot holiday beverages and crafts for kids at Santa’s Tiki Hut.

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Newly Expanded Bedtime Elf Tuck-Ins

This year Santa’s elves will be working even harder during the holiday season to bring joy to the children staying at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. On select nights starting Dec. 2, throughout the holiday season, after Santa’s helpers have finished making presents, they will deliver milk, cookies, a plush toy and storybook to resort rooms, read a bedtime story and tuck children into bed, in full costume. This premium service ranges from $35 to $59 for one child and $20 to $35 for each additional child, with prices varying by date. A service charge of 20 percent is added, in addition to tax. Reservations are required and space is limited. To book, call 407-934-4206.

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Life-Size Chocolate Holiday Santa Scene

Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-sized sculpture weighs in at approximately 2,000 pounds! The sculpture, created by the resort’s executive pastry chef Laurent Branlard (two-time world pastry champion), is showcased in the lobby of the Swan. It features chocolate Santa sitting in his chair, a 7-foot tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker, chocolate fireplace, chocolate Christmas tree and chocolate toy train.  The scene will be displayed in the lobby of the resort throughout December and is 100 percent edible. However, any chocolate lovers thinking of taking on the challenge of consuming this enormous sweet, should consider that it is 4 million calories! (By the way, the sculpture is not available for tasting!)

Magic Keys for Santa

How will Santa deliver presents to each guest room without a chimney? With a magic key! Children can hang a magic key on their door to help Santa find his way on Christmas Eve. Magic keys are available at the concierge desk.

Dancing Lights Show

A dazzling musical light show transforms the outdoor causeway each evening into a holiday spectacle with dancing illuminated palm trees and favorite holiday tunes.

Holiday Entertainment

On select nights, guests can catch entertainment by carolers, choirs and musicians in the resort lobbies, on the causeway and in other public areas throughout the resort.

For more details about all the holiday excitement, including a full schedule of activities, at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort or to make room reservations, please visit www.santasfavoriteresort.com or call 1-800-227-1500.

BB-8 Life-Size Floor Lamp Awakens the Force with Light

BB-8 Life Size Floor Lamp

The Force is with this BB-8 Life Size Floor LampBB-8 Life-Size Floor Lamp Awakens the Force with Light from Think Geek! Allow BB-8 to provide your enlightenment as a lighting fixture that is out of this galaxy.

This BB-8 Life-Size LED Floor Lamp stands 28 1/2″ tall and casts light on your subject of choice, whether that’s astronavigation or algebra. It has strings of LED lights inside the head, which shine downwards through a diffuser. A gentle tap on BB-8’s head switches between three different lighting modes: cold white, amber, and warm white. And off. Also a good mode when you need to go to sleep.

Star Wars BB-8 Life-Size LED Floor Lamp by ThinkGeek
BB-8 Life-Size Floor Lamp Awakens the Force with Light
Star Wars BB-8 Life-Size LED Floor Lamp by ThinkGeekBB-8 Life-Size Floor Lamp Awakens the Force with Light

  • Officially-licensed Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise
  • A ThinkGeek exclusive
  • Comes with stand so it doesn’t go off adventuring
  • Three different lighting modes: cold white, amber, and warm white
  • Tap BB-8’s head to switch lighting modes (or turn off)
  • Materials: Metal with decals & LEDs
  • Dimensions: 28 1/2″ tall x 20″ diameter
  • Includes lamp and switching power supply (6 ft. white cable)
  • Power supply input: 110-240V ~ 50-60Hz .8A
  • Power supply output: DC 12v 2.5A

Best of all the BB-8 Life-Size LED Floor Lamp is 50% off right now! May the Force be with You!

Mickey Mouse Countdown to Christmas Disney Hallmark Ornament

Countdown to Christmas Disney Hallmark Ornament

Have you been counting down the days till Christmas? I know I have! One of our favorite Holiday items is our Mickey Mouse Countdown to Christmas Hallmark OrnamentMickey Mouse Countdown to Christmas Disney Hallmark Ornament!

countdown

Christmas is a lot closer with Mickey’s Countdown to Christmas Ornament. It’s the perfect way to build excitement and make the magic of the season last longer! Mickey is poised over a red gift box that contains the countdown, ready to open for Christmas! A simple but cute Christmas Tree stands behind Mickey, wearing a fun Santa hat. When you press the small button on the front, the screen lights up green, so you can read the countdown even in the dark. Each year it’s one of the first ornaments to adorn our Christmas tree. It’s simple to use, and has become a fun and anticipated family Christmas tradition.

Would you use a Countdown to Christmas Disney Hallmark Ornament for your Holiday traditions?

Christmas Tree Trail at Disney Springs Now Open

Christmas Tree Trail

christmas-tree-trail

Disney Springs is definitely the place to be this Holiday Season.  From drones that form giant Christmas trees in the night sky to meet and greets with Santa Claus, Disney’s shopping district is brimming with Yuletide charm.  In keeping with the Christmas festivities, today marks the official opening Disney Springs’ Christmas Tree Trail.

Fifteen Christmas Trees are on display in this walk-through with  each inspired by a different Disney character or story. Guests can stroll through a Winter Wonderland complete with gently falling snow, Christmas Carolers, toy soldiers and plenty of photo ops.

Here is a list of the themed trees on offer:

  • Mickey and Minnie Mouse
  • Disney Villains
  • Lilo and Stitch
  • Beauty and the Beast
  • The Little Mermaid
  • Cinderella
  • The Princess and the Frog
  • Alice in Wonderland
  • Frozen
  • The Jungle Book
  • Mulan
  • 101 Dalmations (pictured)
  • Tangled
  • Mary Poppins
  • The Muppets

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Disney Springs and decide which of these magical Christmas creations is your favorite.

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