Just in time for summer and Independence Day Disney has brought back the Minnie Mouse Sparkling Star Sequin Ear Headband and our friend Courtney from Mouse to your House was able to pick up a few for our fans.
At $29.95 this would be a cute addition for those Minnie Mouse Ear Collectors.
To learn more and to order your just click here or any of he links above.
Disney Store’s Twice Upon a Year Sale 40% off is Online Now.
Save on clothing, Toys, Sleepwear and more. Just click the link above to start saving!
Please remember this is on online sale, In store savings starts June 5th.
Disney-Pixar pals are some of my kids’ favorite Disney characters and Walt Disney World isn’t just for the classic films and Princesses anymore. They have successfully incorporated many Pixar films and characters into the rides and resorts.
My Disney Addict daughter, Jasmine, is so excited to see the newest Disney-Pixar film “Inside-Out” so she made a list of the Top 10 best ways to have a Pixar Character filled Disney trip:
10. Toy Story Midway Mania 3D is one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios! The line queue shrinks you down to “toy size” with a huge Etch-a-Sketch, blocks and Tinker Toys… it’s a great place for photo-ops. This ride is a game too! You can’t miss it — get a Fastpass if you can!
9. Meet Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear at Pixar Place in Hollywood Studios when you get off TSM3D. There are hilarious props to take pics with in line too, such as Buzz’s cardboard spaceship! You can also meet Toy Story Pals in Magic Kingdom. Buzz Lightyear meets to the left of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin Ride in Tomorrowland. Jessie and Woody meet when you exit Splash Mountain in Frontierland.
8. The Seas with Nemo and Friends is a wonderful building at Epcot that houses a huge salt water aquarium filled with tropical fish, coral reefs, rays, sea turtles, manatees and dolphins! The Finding Nemo ride is adorable too! Kids love Turtle Talk with Crush. It’s interesting and interactive show, Dude!
7. Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is a hilarious “comedy club” where you can text in your own jokes to help Mike Wazowski get enough laughs to power up the laugh canister! Your sides will hurt when you leave!
6. Meet Mike and Sulley from Monsters Inc. in Hollywood Studios on NY street. It’s hard to locate, so ask a Cast Member to direct you.
5. Meet Merida from Brave in Magic Kingdom, to the left of the castle in the garden. You have to pass Cheshire Cafe and walk across the bridge between Liberty Square and the Castle. She occasionally lets you shoot her bow and arrow too!
4. It’s Tough to Be A Bug inside the giant Tree of Life is a funny, interactive 4D show at Animal Kingdom. A Bug’s Life characters, Princess Ada and Flik, meet near the entrance to the show too!
3. The Incredibles are some of the most FUN characters to interact with! At night, in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom, a DJ throws a dance party and the Incredible dance in the crowd with everyone. It’s a GREAT time! Don’t miss it. Even Frozone gets down!
2. Meet the characters from Up – There aren’t many references to one of my favorite Pixar movies, UP, at Disney World but you CAN meet Dug and Russell in Animal Kingdom on Discovery Island. They offer a free scavenger hunt for children called the Wilderness Explorers Club. They can earn badges and learn the pledge like in the movie.
1. The #1 way to have a Pixar Pals Filled Disney Trip is to stay at the best resort for kids, Disney’s Art of Animation! AoA Resort offers 2 amazing Pixar themed areas: Finding Nemo and the Big Blue Pool, and Cars with the Cozy Cone Pool! These areas feature life-sized Cars figures from the movies, and huge Nemo displays. The Resort Rooms are also decked out in these themes too, from the beds to the wall art.
Honorable mentions: Finding Nemo the Musical, Toy Story hotel rooms at All-Star Movies Resort, Festival of Fantasy parade featuring Merida.
I’d love to see Wall-E incorporated into Future World at Epcot or Ratatouille get a restaurant in the France Pavillion, maybe a “Gusteaus”!
If you are ready to plan your Perfectly Pixar filled vacation to Disney World, I can definitely help you get there and fit this entire list into it! My services are always free, so email me at [email protected] today to get some price quotes and planning tips! My Facebook Page is another great way to reach me. Mention that you love Pixar Characters and your child will get a free Disney t-shirt when you book a vacation with me! Remember… Adventure is out there!
Hey Disney World peeps! You know who this is! I know you only read this blog to read my gossip so here is some more for you! I have been hearing a lot about a price change coming to the Resort Refillable Mugs, so of course Chiperoo, the slave-driver, made me go around and see what I could find.
I am sure you know that the mugs are priced by days or you can purchase one for your entire length of stay. Well it appears as though in some resorts the pay by the day option has gone bye-bye and they are testing just a set price, which seems to be $16.49 plus tax across the board no matter how long you stay (this is how it used to be).
That is cheaper then the $17.99 length of stay option but more expensive then the pay by the day option if you are there for only a day or two.
So far this has been tested a few resorts from each level. Some people have said this started over a month ago at certain resorts.
What do you think about this? Is it a value or not worth it? Let me know in the comment box below.
Of course, nothing is official until Disney gives the final word!
Any who this all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.
A global culinary journey celebrating 20 delicious years of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will excite your taste buds from Sept. 25-Nov. 16, at Epcot in the Disney World Resort. The 2015 festival will have celebrity chefs and debut new marketplace tastes from around the world and celebrate guests’ favorite dining traditions.
Disney chefs and festival programmers are whipping up a feast of surprises to celebrate the 20th annual event in style. New wine tastings, rockin’ parties and culinary experiences built around the 20-year milestone will bring together loyal festival fans and first-timers. As part of the celebration, Chef Remy of the Disney animated film “Ratatouille” will invite guests to join a culinary scavenger hunt.
Growing in scope each year since 1996 and lauded by the Travel Channel as one of America’s top food festivals, the 53-day Epcot event features inspired bites and sips from around the world at more than 25 outdoor marketplaces, nightly Eat to the Beat concerts of many musical genres, signature dinners and featured tasting events.
This fall, the 20th festival will debut dishes like Pepper Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese at the Farm Fresh Marketplace and refreshing sips like the Scottish Citrus Thistle at the Scotland Marketplace. Culinary icons like Cat Cora, Jamie Deen and John Ash will entertain foodies and inspire their palates at new and returning premium events that include weekly Party for the Senses grand tastings in October.
Festival guests can pair wines and beers with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the World Showcase Promenade and earn stamps on their complimentary festival passports. Champagne, cocktails and “mocktails” also will bubble up on festival menus. In Future World, the popular Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog returns for a fourth year so that families can discover the cranberry’s rich agricultural heritage and learn fun facts about the tart fruits.
Whether guests’ taste buds prefer savory, spicy, sweet (or all of the above), there are plenty of delectable surprises at every stop along the way. Here’s a sneak peek:
New marketplace menus debut and chefs celebrate festival favorites – Among many dishes set to debut are Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Ragout and Kumara Dumpling at the New Zealand Marketplace and Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Peppers, Onions and Snap Peas at the Australia Marketplace. For many, there’s nothing like a yearly dip into classic favorites like the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup.
Four new Eat to the Beat concert acts debut; fan favorites return to festival stage –Rock singer-songwriter David Cook opens the Eat to the Beat concert series Sept. 25-27. Four new acts in the concert series lineup — Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest and Chaka Khan – will belt out chart-topping tunes. Other popular acts, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, will return to rock the America Gardens Theatre stage this fall.
Celebrity chefs dazzle – Renowned chef and cookbook author John Ash, who participated in the inaugural Epcot International Food & Wine Festival in 1996, will return to celebrate the 20th milestone year. Other notable chefs including Cat Cora, Robert Irvine, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Kenny Gilbert and Buddy Valastro will cook for Epcot guests and share their culinary know-how during demos and premium events.
Ratatouille rocks — Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak invites kids of all ages to join a World Showcase scavenger hunt for little Remy statuettes hidden around the park’s World Showcase. Maps, stickers and prizes are involved.
Festival Center gets cookin’ – Guests can join culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars and mixology seminars daily for a nominal fee. More festival fun will include the complimentary Back to Basics weekend series featuring epicurean tips and tricks from the pros.
Chase Lounge offers perks – Anyone who owns or wants to own a Chase debit or credit card will find complimentary refreshments and interactive fun at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure.
Get ready for . . .
It all sounds so good! Are you going?
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Maria
With temps going up why not stay cool with these SET of 4 Popsicle Molds with Mickey Mouse Ears
Mickey melts with you! Create colorful frozen treats with our set of Mickey Mouse Popsicle Molds. The easy-to-use set includes four different color Mickey handles so you know whose popsicle is whose or which flavor you choose!
Comes in a set of 4 for under $15. Not bad right?
To learn more or to order just click here
Aloha! More juicy Disney Gossip is floating around. I posted earlier this week about some big changes to the Disney Dining Plan on the horizon. Well, there may be even bigger changes coming and I doubt they will be popular.
It seems as though Disney will be cutting back a huge amount on snacks and locations. Quite a few snack only spots might not accept the Dining Plan at all anymore. A few people have told me that the changes are already showing up on the website (see below). Sometimes the Disney site goes a little crazy so not sure how much stock I can put into that. Even Doctor Disney Questioned the management at the Magic Kingdom.
If this is true than some very popular snack spots at all the parks might be a thing of the past. No more Dole Whips at Aloha Isle? Say it isn’t so!
I really hope this does not come to fruition! Remember nothing is official until Disney gives the final word.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment box below.
Any who this all the Disney gossip I have for now. For my past gossip articles be sure to check them out here. Got any good gossip/rumors please email me at anonymouse@chipandco.com or on my Facebook page.
Growing up I always wanted to see a dinosaur up close, and with the added experience that Universal Orlando have recently come up with I will have my chance. However, I would have rather met a “nicer” dinosaur! Like maybe a plant eating one…..not one that would like to eat me.
This new encounter is located between Camp Jurassic and the Jurassic Park Discovery Center. You will now have a chance to meet a Velociraptor! Yes, this man-eating dinosaur has arrived at Jurassic Park in Universal’s Islands of Adventure!
Of course with the release of the upcoming movie “Jurassic World” in theaters June 12th will only make this amazing encounter at Universal Orlando even more terrifying! I’ve seen the previews, and oh my.
Check out the video below that Universal released, and let me tell you these people are crazy getting that close!
For more information about planning a magical Universal Orlando vacation with an On-Site Hotel + Ticket Packages contact me anytime. I would love to help you plan the best summer vacation ever! I take no responsibility if you get eaten by the RAPTOR while on vacation! I warned ya!
My name is Leigh Saleh. I’m a Travel Agent with World of Magic Travel. I’m a Universal OrlandoSpecialist, SeaWorld Parks Specialist, Legoland Florida Specialist and a Disney Destination Specialist as well as many more destinations including cruise lines. Email me today at [email protected] to book your next “Magical” family vacation to your favorite destination.
You can also visit my Facebook page, click here for more details, and updates on special offers to your favorite travel destinations. You will also find a ton of pictures from Walt Disney World, DisneyCruise Line, SeaWorld, Universal Orlando, and Legoland Florida.
**Photographs and YouTube video provided by Universal Orlando**
Lions, and Monkeys, and Elephants! Oh my! Animal Kingdom is a park where you can have an adventure, climb Everest, and visit Asia and Africa all in one day. All that adventuring can get tiresome, but don’t worry, there are plenty of places to take a nice mid-day break!
Here are my top mid-day break spots at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Flame Tree BBQ: One of the most popular restaurants at Animal Kingdom, Flame Tree BBQ offers up some great food and a relaxing atmosphere. You can dine while overlooking the Discovery River. For extra peace, quiet, and relaxation – head to the very back of the seating area and you will find some secluded tables. It’s the perfect place to take a mid-day break and fill your stomach at the same time.
Finding Nemo Musical: This 40 minute show brings all the characters of Finding Nemo to life with skilled puppetry. Enjoy the show in the cool, dark theatre while you give your feet a break and cool down for the break. You’ll leave the show feel refreshed, but you won’t feel like you missed out on anything while taking your break!
Wildlife Express Train: This 7 minute, 1.2 mile journey takes you on a backstage tour of Animal Kingdom. Use this train as a short mid-day break, and learn about animal conversation along the way. This is a great attraction for those who are interested in animals, nature, conservation efforts, and behind-the-scenes Disney magic.
Flights of Wonder Bird Show: Relax under a canvas canopy while you watch (and sometimes participate in) this 25 minute show. Although in the shade of the canvas, this is an outdoor show, so look elsewhere if you are seeking some air-conditioning. The hosts of this show introduce you to a ton of different birds in an informative and very funny way. I am not the biggest fan of birds, but I love catching this show every time I’m at Animal Kingdom.
Festival of the Lion King: One of Disney’s most popular live action attraction, this 30 minute show will take you right into all the adventure, magic, and beauty of the Lion King. Located in an air-conditioned amphitheater, this is the perfect attraction for when you are looking to get off your feet for a while, but still be thoroughly entertained. Sing along with all your favorite songs from the movie, and enjoy your mid-day break here.
Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: After your Kilimanjaro Safari is over, follow the signs for the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail. This trail is designed to be explored at your own pace, which is the perfect set up when you are looking for a little break in the day without feeling the need to rush. This attraction is entertaining, informative, and relaxing. Take a walk on the wild side and enjoy the afternoon while you re-charge for the rest of your day and many more adventures.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is all about adventure and exploration, but that doesn’t mean that you have to be overwhelmed and exhausted. Enjoy a mid-day break at one of these spots and refuel for moving on to the next adventure. With the beautiful landscaping, theming, and natural elements that fill Animal Kingdom, any spot can make a beautiful place for a mid-day break.
Where do you like to relax at Animal Kingdom? Share your favorite spots with us in the comments!
Be sure to check out all 4 of my Mid Day Break Spot articles; Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios.
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.
Last night, during a special ceremony held at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland park, Disney presented 11 nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving diverse students with funds supporting their scholarship efforts. Organizations included:
The reception culminated with a viewing of the new “Paint the Night” parade.
How awesome is that?
ABC Family has cast Jon Cor (“Dark Matter”) as Hodge Starkweather. It was announced today by the network. Cor will be a recurring guest star on the series.
Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, “Shadowhunters” follows 18-year-old Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters – human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. When her mother, Jocelyn, is kidnapped, Clary is thrown into the world of demon hunting with mysterious Shadowhunter Jace and her best friend, Simon. Now living among faeries, warlocks, vampires and werewolves, Clary begins a journey of self-discovery as she learns more about her past and what her future may hold.
Hodge Starkweather is the weapons trainer at the Shadowhunters New York Institute and a former Circle member.
“Shadowhunters” is produced by Constantin Film and executive produced by Ed Decter and McG. McG will also direct the first episode. The network has previously announced Katherine McNamara as Clary Fray, Dominic Sherwood for the role of Jace Wayland, Alberto Rosende as Simon, Emeraude Toubia as Isabelle Lightwood, Matthew Daddario as Alec Lightwood, Isaiah Mustafa as Luke Garroway Harry Shum Jr. as Magnus Bane and Alan Van Sprang in the recurring guest star role of Valentine.
Duke Energy is building a solar facility near Epcot that will provide Disney World with solar power.
The Reedy Creek Improvement District voted recently to accept a 15-year agreement with Duke Energy. They will lease the land from Disney. The solar facility will take up about 20 acres or so near World Drive and Epcot Center Drive.
Construction is supposed to start in the middle of summer and it should be up and working by the end of the year.
I know what you are wondering, will there be a hidden Mickey in there somewhere? Of course there will be! Well not so hidden, the over 45,000 solar panels will be arranged in Mickey Ears.
Disney World already buys some of its power from Duke Energy. Disney World has used solar energy at a theater at Epcot’s Universe of Energy exhibit, in water-heating systems in a wardrobe facility and at the Animal Nutrition Center. This will be their biggest solar project.
“The price of solar continues to come down and it’s a sound investment for us,” spokesman Sterling Ivey said. “Our customers are wanting more solar options and we’re certainly moving in that direction.”
What do you think?
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Maria
