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Ocean Spray’s Cranberry Bog is Back at The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Cranberry bog Epcot
Cranberry bog Epcot

Cranberry bog Epcot

The Ocean Spray Bog is back at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival during its 20th celebration. From September 25 through November 16, visitors can capture stunning visuals of more than 1,500 pounds of fresh, floating cranberries and speak with fifth-generation cranberry growers. Disney cast members will be there as well to share the story of the harvest throughout the festival.

In addition to the exhibit, visitors will be able to enjoy Craisins Dried Cranberries, the official fruit snack of the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, in featured signature festival dishes at participating global marketplaces and restaurants in Epcot. Craisins Dried Cranberries are also available for purchase throughout the park.

Have you stopped by to get some free Craisins Dried Cranberries? Let us know in the comment box below.

 

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

 

Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens for Oktoberfest

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There are some yummy new seasonal menu items that are now available at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner. Why not celebrate Oktoberfest during your visit to Hollywood Studios. The new smoked sausage wrapped in a pretzel roll and topped with sauerkraut and mustard, served with chips. That goes perfectly with the new seasonal craft beers or if you are looking for something non alcoholic try the Black Forest Milkshake. It all looks good!

Keep in mind these items are only available  for a limited time!

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Keep in mind these items are only available for a limited time!

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Pinnacle Foods Will Have New Products Featuring Disney Characters

Disney character food
Disney character food

Disney character food

Pinnacle Foods is expanding it’s line here in the US. They will have Frozen sides that are shaped like Disney characters. The products are made under a licence from the Walt Disney Co.

They include pastas in the shape of Disney characters including Anna, Elsa, and Olaf from Frozen; Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars; and last but certainly not least Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

The new lineup includes:

  • A whole grain pasta
  • Corn with a butter sauce
  • Pasta and broccoli with a cheese sauce
  • Pasta and peas with a parmesan cheese sauce
  • Pasta and carrots with a tomato sauce.

“Encouraging children to eat vegetables everyday is central to our mission at Birds Eye,” said Mike Barkley, senior vice president and general manager of meals and sides at Pinnacle Foods. “Through our collaboration with Disney, we are helping parents put quick, nutritious, flavourful meals on the table that their children will love.

Have you seen these?

New Shopping and Disney Dining Locations Opening at Disney Springs in 2016

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No longer Downtown Disney, Disney Springs continues to expand and transform as new dining and shopping locations debut at the re-imagined Walt Disney World Resort destination in 2016.

The lively shopping, dining and entertainment district treats guests by day and night to a one-of-a-kind Disney experience amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm. Disney Springs will include four distinct, outdoor neighborhoods with a diverse mix of retailers – including premium, affordable luxury and fast fashion options. Sophisticated restaurants will provide experiences for families and convention-guests alike.

The new offerings are part of an expansion that – when Disney Springs is fully completed in 2016 — will double the number of shopping, dining and entertainment venues from the current 70 to nearly 150.

New dining locations opening in 2016:

  • STK – The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc., known for developing upscale, high-energy restaurants, is opening STK, a modern steakhouse mixed with the ambiance of a sleek lounge and emphasizing a social and fun environment. The vibrant, lively scene will offer guests fine dining, signature cocktails, and a DJ playing eclectic music nightly. It will be one of the largest STK locations in the world, occupying 14,000 square feet in a two-story building, including a main level and the only rooftop-dining venue in Disney Springs. STK is expected to open in The Landing at Disney Springs in 2016.
  • The Edison – A lavish “Industrial Gothic”-style restaurant, bar and nighttime destination that will feature exceptional classic American food, artisanal craft cocktails and unparalleled live entertainment. Similar to its sister location on the west coast, The Edison at Disney Springs will be dedicated to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance. Themed to a 1920s-period electric company, the space will recall an exuberant era of invention and imagination. With 35-foot ceilings and a range of themed areas to explore, The Edison will feature nightly entertainment including contortionists, palm readers, DJs and more.
  • Sprinkles: The world’s first cupcake bakery, as named by Food Network and others, will serve up handcrafted cupcakes, slow churned ice cream and homemade cookies. Their innovative Cupcake ATM will satisfy sweet-toothed epicureans 24/7.
  • Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza: Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza is a modern day “pizza joint” known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s’more pies. The fast-casual restaurant will feature an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize their pizza, choosing from over 40 fresh, artisanal toppings – all for one price. The generously sized, 11-inch pizzas will be “fast-fired” in a blazing hot open-flame oven and ready to enjoy in just 180 seconds.

New retail locations opening in 2016:

  • Zara– Owned by the Inditex Group, Zara is one of the world’s largest fashion retail groups. The retailer is known for its men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories, and how it expertly interprets current fashion and style trends of the season, delivering original designs to the consumer in a matter of weeks.
  • Tommy Bahama– Iconic island lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama embodies relaxed sophistication. The hallmarks of this casual collection include island-inspired sportswear, denim, and swimwear for men and women in luxuriously soft silks and cottons, richly woven textures and eclectic prints.
  • Lilly Pulitzer –The authentic American resort wear brand, Lilly Pulitzer, is landing in the heart of Disney and will be offering their clothing and accessories, optimistic outlook, and happy prints to those who’ve loved the brand for years and new Lilly Girls out there. 
  • UNIQLO –Leading global retailer UNIQLO designs, manufactures, and sells casual apparel that comes from the company’s Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity. The simplest design hides the most thoughtful details in clothing that is constantly being innovated to bring more warmth and lightness, better design and comfort to people’s lives.
  • PANDORA –Building on its existing relationship with Disney Parks, the popular jewelry brand will offer classic yet modern charm bracelets, along with necklaces, rings and earrings, as well as a line of exclusive Disney-themed jewelry.
  • UGG –The UGG® brand is recognized as a premium lifestyle brand offering men’s, women’s and kid’s footwear as well as loungewear, outerwear, home products, cold weather accessories and handbags.
  • L’Occitane en Provence –L’Occitane en Provence is an international skincare and beauty line celebrating the culture and beauty of Provence, France.
  • Edward Beiner: A leading eyewear designer, purveyor and retailer, Edward Beiner offers today’s aspiring lifestyle-oriented customer the world’s most original, authentic and innovative designer, fashion and high performance eyewear.

Re-imagined dining coming in 2016:

  • Planet Hollywood –Transforming its flagship venue, Planet Hollywood will become a star-themed Planet Hollywood Observatory to match the look and feel of Disney Springs. As part of the makeover, the venue will add a new outdoor terrace and bar space called Stargazers and feature live entertainment.

 

Disney Finds – Handmade Disney Earrings and Necklaces

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I won’t lie what caught my eye on today’s Disney Find was the Dole Whip earrings! How cute are they? I always have Dole Whips on my mind which is also the idea for my newest Disney T-Shirt “Watch me Whip, What me Nom Nom” on sale now. Etsy designer MigotoChou has a bunch of other fun Disney Jewelry available all of which is handmade and very unique. Like with all of my posts I have links to their product but please check them out, you won’t be disappointed.

Here they are:

and many more fun Disney Designs! Just drop by MigotoChou store to see more. 

As always Happy Shopping!

Best FastPass+ Options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

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Okay, so we’ve covered Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot and now it’s time to put on our safari hats and explore the wilds of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Animal Kingdom is often referred to as a “half day” park. Considered the park currently closes each around at 5pm, this is not an unfair assessment. However, with my FastPass+ tips, you will have no problem fitting in all the attractions you don’t want to miss before leaving the park for the day.

Animal Kingdom

Book It

  • DINOSAUR
    • Even though I scream like a baby everytime I ride this attraction, it is still one of my favorites. If you are travelling with young children (or whimpy adults), this may be one to avoid. However, if you are seeking Jurassic sized thrills, definitely add DINOSAUR to your FastPass+ reservations
  • Expedition Everest
    • This is probably the most popular attraction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom so you better believe that it has some long wait times. Also, most of the queue is outside, so if you are vacationing the summer, this can be a really hot wait. Book a FastPass+ and get to the Yeti a lot sooner!
  • Kilimanjaro Safari
    • I love this attraction. I really enjoy that it’s a little different each time depending on where the animals are during your safari experience. If you race to the safari first thing in the morning, you have a good chance of a short stand-by time. But if you want to enjoy a breakfast at Tusker House, or wander around a little bit, definitely get a FastPass for this one.

Skip It

  • Finding Nemo – The Musical
    • Okay, don’t skip this show, but do skip the FastPass. You really don’t need one. Just be sure to check your Times Guide and plan accordingly. You don’t want to get there right as a show is beginning and have to wait until the next show time.
  • Primeval Whirl
    • First, in my experiences, this attraction is usually closed. I have only been able to ride it once. Second, the time I was able to ride it, there was only a 10 minute wait. I would say this is an attraction where you can risk not getting a FastPass and still have a good opportunity to almost walk right on.
  • Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventurers Outpost
    • Animal Kingdom is not the most popular park for meeting characters, so generally the line to meet Mickey and Minnie are shorter here. Plan to meet characters when everyone else is eating lunch and you’ll have a much shorter wait time.

When it comes to Animal Kingdom, you can definitely do everything in one day as long as you put in a little bit of planning before your trip. With these FastPass+ suggestions, you’ll be sure to check all the must-do attractions and still have time to everything else as well.

What is your favorite Animal Kingdom attraction? Let me know what it is and why in the comments!

Monica is an Alumna of the Disney College Program. When she is not walking down the middle of Main Street USA you can find her wandering the World Showcase, or enjoying a Dole Whip while racing to her favorite attractions. When she is forced to endure life outside of Walt Disney World, you can find her in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she lives and works. You can visit her Disney lifestyle blog here.

MahaloWeen Returns to Trader Sam’s at the Disneyland Hotel October 12-13

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Exciting news! Reservations are now open for MahaloWeen at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. This event takes place October 12 and 13, 2015. Along with delicious appetizers and drinks, this Halloween celebration will also feature tribal masks, tiki torches and legends of gods and demons.

Mahaloween attendees will receive:

  • 2 drink tickets, good for either a signature Tiki drink (with or without alcohol), or a selection of beer and wine
  • Commemorative Mahaloween Kukui nut lei
  • Tiki print
  • 1 special edition Tiki glass – available only to Mahaloween attendees – as well as the opportunity to purchase the standard Tiki glass

The artists who created the print and Tiki glass will be on hand to autograph their pieces during the event. Don’t miss the opportunity to get an autograph!

The cost to attend this event is $150.00 per person (tax and gratuity are included). Reservations can be made by visiting Disneyland.com.

Will you be visiting this unique Halloween celebration?

Let me help you plan a spook-tacular fall Disneyland vacation! My services are free and you can email me today for a free quote.

Once Upon A Time’s Mr. Gold’s Pawnbroker Shop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Now on display in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Mr. Gold Pawnbroker & Antiquities Dealer Shop. All your favorite items from ABC’s “Once Upon a Time” are available for your viewing pleasure. This is just a window display so sorry no shopping for now. Maybe one day we will see a Once Upon a Time themed store in Walt Disney World but this is atleast a start.

Here are some more photos from the window display.

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Flamingo Crossings near Walt Disney World is Getting a New Third Hotel

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2014 10 11 09 10 47 Flamingo Crossing Master Plan 2009.pdf

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A third hotel is coming to Disney World’s west side. In an area known as Flaming Crossings. It could possibly be a Hampton Inn. Disney Imagineering Research & Development has recently sold some more land in the Crossings area. It is almost a 5 acre stretch of land that sold for a whopping $4.25 million. The huge patch of land is by State Road 429 and Western Way.

There are already 2 budget friendly Mariott hotels there, that are supposed to open in February. Those 2 hotels are SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott.  This area is aimed at travelers that are looking for more budget friendly options.

Flamingo

Expect the construction to start around June. It is supposed to have 250 rooms. There will be a few amenities at The Crossings, a picnic pavilion with 6 grills, a fitness center, a batting cage etc. There are a total of 7 hotels in the plans for that area.

What do you think?

Returning this year New Wearable Disney Gift Card Design for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

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The wearable Epcot International Food & Wine Festival gift card makes life so much easier, not only because it makes sampling all that yummy food much easier but it also serves as something for the scrapbook.  It is attached to a wristband so no digging in your purse or pocket for your gift card every time you want to try something.

The wearable festival themed gift card can be found at:

  • Epcot
  • The Boardwalk Inn
  • The Yacht Club Resort
  • Beach Club Villas
  • The Swan and Dolphin and more

New to this year’s Festival is a limited-release gift card design to celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary. This card must be activated with $200 and comes with an Epcot International Food & Wine Festival-themed lanyard, medallion and carrying sleeve. These items are only available with this gift card purchase.

Supplies are limited! 

The use of the card is not limited to the festival. You can reload the card and use it on future trips to the parks etc. Please note that the blue gift card from above needs at least $15 to activate while the special 20th Anniversary Gift card needs a minimum of $200 to activate.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Maria

Disney Springs is now open with new website and guide map

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2015 09 29 13 22 47 Disney Springs Shopping Dining Entertainment

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The transformation is now complete. Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World is now Disney Springs. In celebration Disney has released a whole new website to promote the change. DisneySprings.com is now live complete with weather, shopping, dining and entertainment listings.

If that wasn’t excitement enough they also updated the Disney Springs Guide map.

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The all new Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and Morimoto Asia are even listed.

Are you looking forward to visiting Disney Springs? Let us know in the comment box below.

Disney Finds – Matching Mickey Wedding Bands

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I am seriously thinking about getting these matching 2 piece tungsten wedding rings from designer Cloud9Tungsten. This stunning Black Mickey Ear design comes with free custom engraving and I think would be adorable for the couple that loves Disney. You could wear it as your main wedding band or on your opposite ring finger just to show your love for Disney!

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If you don’t like the black Mickey Ears you can always go with this Silver Mickey Ear design.

Both sets will run you $85! You read that right, $85 for the pair. Not bad huh?

To learn more click below or any of the links above.