D23: The Official Disney Fan Club is thrilled to confirm the fourth annual D23 Expo. As Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said during today’s Disney Legend’s ceremony, “I look forward to seeing you here again for the next D23 Expo in 2015.” Exact dates will be announced in the near future on D23.com.
Maybe one day I will be able to attend! Is anyone planning on going in 2015?
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
People are being duped by a scam on Facebook, which promises free tickets to Disney World. Sadly this has become a common occurrence.
A fake Delta Air Lines page was set up on Facebook on Monday under the name ‘Delta Airlines.’, which had just under 800 likes. The real ‘Delta’ Facebook page has more the 820,000 likes.
Chips Tips: If a big company that has been around forever, has a few a Facebook likes than it’s probably not the real page!
The fake page states: “We’re giving away a trip to Disney World for 5 people to 15 lucky winners, all paid for with $2,000 spending money. Want to win? Just Share and Like this photo! 15 random shares will be chosen tomorrow night where them 15 people will win 5 tickets each. Winners will be messaged VIA Facebook. Good luck!”
The photos in its various forms had been shared over 12,000 times, including at least ten from Bermuda residents the Bermuda Sun was able to count.
A Delta spokesperson told the Bermuda Sun: “This is not an official Delta Air Lines page.”
The spokesperson then gave a list a of official Delta pages, which only included two for Facebook: www.facebook.com/delta and www.facebook.com/deltaairlinesbrasil.
The Delta.com website adds: “We have received reports of customers of fraudulent emails, social media sites, postcards and promotional websites claiming to be from Delta Air Lines.
Delta said if you receive one of these messages you should be advised:
1) Change your SkyMiles account PIN/password immediately and monitor your account for misuse;
2) Delta did not send those messages;
3) You should not click on links in an e-mail message, unofficial page or open any attachments;
4) You should delete the e-mail from your inbox or disregard the website promotional claims.
Be Careful out there and remember if it seems to good to be true than it probably is!!
Wishing you Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
We all know about Disney World’s dining discount program (Tables in Wonderland) offered to Florida residents, Annual Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club members, is a great way to save money if you dine frequently at Disney World.
F.Y.I. The program offers 20% savings on food and drinks, including alcohol, at more than 100 Disney World restaurants.
Sadly there are restaurants that will either stop offering the Tables in Wonderland discount shortly, or there will be more blackout dates when using the card.
First up Victoria and Albert’s discontinued the discount August 1, 2013. Currently, Tables in Wonderland members may still book a reservation there, but are restricted to using their discount for the Chef’s Table or the Queen Victoria Room only.
There are a few other restaurants across DisneyWorld that will continue to participate in the program, but guests who use Tables in Wonderland will be subject to additional blackout dates this began August 1.2013.
These restaurants include: Le Cellier Steakhouse, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, 1900 Park Fare, ‘Ohana (for dinner only), Chef Mickey’s, and Cinderella’s Royal Table.
The additional blackout dates are: November 23-29, 2014; December 21-27, 2014; March 8-April 4, 2015; and May 31-June 20, 2015.
In addition to the dates above, the blackout dates for all Tables in Wonderland restaurants will continue to apply. These include Mother’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
How do the Tables in Wonderland members feel about this?
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
If you’re stopping at Italy on your Drink Around the World Showcase excursion it’s all about the wine and gelato. A perfect combination for anyone and especially perfect for Drinking Around the World Showcase. To get your fix, head over to the Gelato Stand situated near the Germany Pavilion. Not only can you get scoops of your favorite gelato flavors ($5.95 for a cup & $6.25 for a cone) but you can also get some really unique gelato creations. Coffee lovers will love the Espresso Gelato “Affogato” which is fresh Italian espresso poured over Fior Di Latte Gelato and topped with coffee beans. For something classic, go for the Coppa Del Nonno (Fior Di Latte gelato, chocolate, cookies and cream, chocolate Sauce, whipped cream, and amaretto cookies). Both will set you back $9.75. Other classic Italian desserts include tiramisu & cannoli. The drinks at this stand are just as delicious. Wine drinkers will rejoice in several varieties and those who enjoy sparkling wine will enjoy the Bellini, made with peach puree and Prosecco (prices vary from $8 – $10). Looking for something cool? Try the Italian Margarita ($10). It packs a punch! If you love lemon, you’ll appreciate the limoncello included in this drink.
A great place to stop for wine is the Enoteca Wine Shop. Not only can you take bottles of wine home with you, you can also sample some of the best Italian wines. Many times you can get information about the wines themselves from cast members at these locations, so they are a terrific place to do a wine tour. Is beer more your speed? They also serve Peroni Beer here for $5.50. Most of the Peroni beers are 5% or less alcohol, so you’ll only be mildly nutty if you drink these.
Looking for substantial snacks to nosh on with your drinks? You’ll want to head to Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. It’s a welcome spot on a hot day. Though it doesn’t take reservations, you’ll easily be able to get in mid-afternoon. While they carry Paninis and small plates of pasta, go for the Gusto Plates for two or more. Prices are a bit steep ($24 – $29) per plate but are great to share as a group. The best part of the wine cellar is the drinks. Beer drinkers will be excited to find an impressive line-up of Italian beers, many of which are not available anywhere else in the U.S. The beer that packs the highest alcohol percentage is the Birra Moretti La Rossa which comes in at 7.2%. This is a darker beer which may not appeal to all drinkers, but sampled in a beer flight ($18), it’s perfect. Plus, you don’t want to be roasted and toasted straight out of the gate! The real stars of the show here are the wines. Get the wine flights which range from $14 – $18. These are worth every penny. If you want to experience as many Italian wines as possible, get the Best of Italy wine flight for a whopping $25. You’ll be glad you did. Just make sure to order some snacks in between those 2 oz. pours! If you’re looking to rack up DAWS points in this pavilion, this is the hands down best place to do it.
For a meal, grab some food DAWS points at the table service locations: Tutto Italia and Via Napoli. Tutto Italia is terrific for families, groups and get-togethers. This is a classic Italian restaurant that serves up traditional pastas and grilled entrees. Check out some of the appetizers like the Calamari Fritti ($16) and Prosciutto di Parma ($18). Pasta is a must here. The Lasagna alla Bolognese is a hands down favorite and Italian classic ($26). Many of the same beverages are served at Tutto Italia as the wine cellar. Try the Frizzante made with Campari, mandarin juice and Prosecco ($12). Even non-alcoholic drinks are refreshing here, especially the Melongrano Splash made with pomegranate juice, ice and soda ($4.50).
Via Napoli is all about the wood fired pizza. Of course, you can get pasta and antipasti but really the pizza is the star of the show. Grab a pitcher of Moretti, a lager, for $22 and share with your table. That’s a proper pizza dinner! Of course, you can also enjoy some of the various signature drinks, but with pizza beer is definitely the way to go. Some things just go together! Margherita is the classic pizza choice but this location has tons of unique options. Carciofi is a white pizza with artichoke, fontina, mozzarella, and truffle oil or why not try the Prosciutto e Melone with fontina, mozzarella, prosciutto, and cantaloupe? It’s the Italian version of Hawaiian pizza! And don’t forget; if you’re a Tables in Wonderland cardholder, you can get 20% off both food and drink (including alcoholic beverages) at both of these table service locations, making them a little more affordable.
Overall, Italy provides any DAWS experience with tons of food and beverage choices. Whether you imbibe in wine or beer or enjoy pizza and gelato, you’re sure to find tasty treats and exotic drinks to suit your fancy. It’s a terrific spot to indulgently indulge in desserts, drinks, and more. When you rack up your DAWS points, you’ll find that Italy is a high hitter in the points department! Go visit yourself and experience the Italian Renaissance DAWS style!
When Sarah isn’t sharing planning tips about the Walt Disney World Resort, you can find her at the Gluten Free & Dairy Free at WDW where she writes dining reviews and shares tips and tricks about dining at Disney with a special diet.
A 60 feet wide and 15 feet deep sinkhole has opened up under Summer Bay Resort on U.S. Highway 192 in the Four Corners area of Clermont, 10 miles west of Disney World and 17 miles southeast of the Citrus Tower in Clermont.
About 30 percent of the three-story structure collapsed around 3 a.m. Monday. Thirty-six people were evacuated from buildings 104 and 105.
Security officer Richard Shanley said guests flagged him down five minutes into his shift as he was driving by building 104 just after 11 p.m. He is a former volunteer firefighter said his training kicked in as he went into the building. People are calling him a hero because he started pounding on doors, telling people they had to get out. He evacuated the building floor by floor, running through the center elevator building, which eventually completely collapsed.
Of course people were very upset. He and a co-worker did their best to keep people calm. A guest at the resort, Maggie Ghamry, said the area where she was staying is gone. “Those two buildings have concaved into one another the archway is gone,” Ghamry said. “Our floor is 50 feet underground. The whole side of the building we stayed in is gone, in chunks and pieces.”
The Red Cross is on the scene working to help the displaced guests.
Great Orlando Vacation Homes is offering to help guests by donating a few nights those who are displaced. Those affected are asked to call (407) 398-9840.
Unfortunately Sinkholes are really common here in Florida. However most don’t get this big.
Photo Credit: Channel 13 news
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
In the spirit of Disney’s Planes, which soared into theaters on August 9, guests at the Walt Disney World Resort can embark on high-flying adventures at beloved attractions. Voyage to deep space, sail high above Never Land or take a ride on a Starspeeder, all without having to print a boarding pass.
Become a frequent flyer by visiting these airborne Walt Disney World attractions:
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Downtown Disney
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney World Cast Members are sharing their “monstrous” spirit by donating millions of school supplies for Central Florida students heading back to school.
Encouraged by Mike and Sully from the Disney-Pixar animated movie “Monsters University,” along with three Shining Stars from Disney Dreamers and Doers program, Cast Members showed their support for education in Central Florida by donating nearly 80,000 pens, approximately 100,000 pencils, more than one million sheets of paper and other items that will help kids get needed supplies so they can focus on learning.
Since 2003, donation of school supplies has been part of Disney’s tradition of supporting school children from early learning through college.
As part of this year’s “Monstrous Back-to-School Supply drive, Disney VoluntEARS are also giving more than 2,000 hours of service to sort and pack the school supplies that will be distributed to students in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake and Polk counties in coordination with the superintendents’ offices in all five school districts.
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
At the D23 Expo, Disney Interactive unveiled the latest additions to its lineup of Disney Infinity, the company’s largest gaming initiative to date, set to hit stores on August 18. The newly announced Toy Story in Space Play Set, featuring Buzz, Jessie and Woody, will become the sixth play set for Disney Infinity and is scheduled to be released in October. The company also announced the next wave of playable characters for the Disney Infinity Toy Box mode, including Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey, and characters from Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen and Phineas and Ferb.
These new character figures will be rolled out beginning this October, through 2014.
Toy Story in Space Play Set:
Toy Story in Space will be the sixth play set to be released in October and features Buzz and Jessie in the play set pack, with Woody sold separately. Players can go on a space adventure with the Toy Story gang as they help to relocate the Pizza Planet Aliens to a new world. The Toy Story in Space play set introduces hoverpacks, jetpacks, laser blasters, goo blasters, new mounts and more into the Toy Box mode.
Toy Box Characters:
The newest character figures will be playable in the Toy Box mode and will also come with their own “Adventure.” Players can invite friends to play through Adventures with them, with two players on split-screen or four players online.
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
We can all probably name a time that unwanted sunburn ruined a perfectly good vacation day. Protecting yourself from the hot sun is important to your family’s health and comfort during your Disney vacation. Be sure to pack a sunscreen with a high SPF; preferably 30 or greater and bring enough for multiple daily applications.
Mornings on vacation can feel rushed, so you may want to consider making a checklist to leave on the table in your resort room. Your Daily Check List will help to keep track of the essential items your family needs to take into the parks and any tasks you want to complete.
Sunscreen application should be your last chore before you head out that door. Take the bottle with you in your tote bag, because you will need to reapply the sunscreen several times throughout your day. Remember to also bring along those hats and sunglasses!
It is easy to get caught up in the magic of the Disney parks and lose track of time, so make use of the alert feature on your phone to remind you to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. When you are enjoying those water rides and slides or working up a sweat, you may need to reapply more often.
If you forget to pack sunscreen or are running low, some resort hotel shops and several stores in each park carry a small variety. Guest Services or your resort Concierge can direct you to the most accessible location.
Keeping sunscreen application a priority on your vacation will ensure that you won’t get mistaken for Sebastian the Crab on your journey home!
Disney Animated is a new premium app for iPad and is now available in the App Store. For the first time ever, fans can explore the story of Disney animation through interactive illustrations and animation workshops derived from actual Disney technologies. Disney Animated gives fans access to a large amount of content, spanning all eras of Walt Disney Animation Studios history, many previously not seen by the public.
Through Disney Animated, fans can immerse themselves in content from all 53 full-length animated feature films. From the ability to examine treasured artifacts and intricate artwork to an exclusive first look at footage, concept art, animation tests and visual effects from the upcoming film Frozen.
“The world of Disney animation is amazingly rich and deep. The more you look into it, the more surprising and delightful it becomes.” said Theodore Gray, co-author of Disney Animated and Chief Creative Officer of Touch Press. “We rethought from the ground up how this story should be told, now that we can tell it with words, pictures, clips, sounds, and interactive workshops that let you apply what you’ve learned.”
Check out the preview:
Disney Animated features:
Disney Animated is available for $13.99 from the App Store on iPad.
A little pricey, but it seems amazing! What do you think?
Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Sunshine
With plenty of special events happening at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, this fall is a great time to plan a trip to Walt Disney World. You can enjoy great events such as Night of Joy and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which are both returning in just a few weeks. Plus, if you’re a Florida resident who is considering planning a late summer and/or early fall visit, there is a new special offer that you should know about.
Florida residents can enjoy great discounted rates on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays on most nights between August 16 and September 26, 2013. These great rates start as low as $83 per night (plus tax) at some of Disney’s resorts.
This offer does exclude the campsites, three bedroom villas, the Little Mermaid standard rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
I would love to help you plan your vacation so contact me for your free, no obligation quote at [email protected]!
When Siera isn’t helping plan Disney vacations or sharing the latest Disney news, you can find her spreading magic on Facebook and Twitter. Are you thinking about a Disney vacation? Siera, a Disney travel specialist, would love to help you. Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!
August 13th, 2013 when you can book your 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival pre-sale Demonstrations? I have good news for Table in Wonderland members because you will be able to make your food and wine festival reservations early! As a little extra magic,Friday’s Tables in Wonderland pre-sale will now be opening at 8:00 am!
Tables in Wonderland Members are invited to make their reservations for Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars beginning on Friday, August 9th, 2013 at 8:00am. This pre-sale offer will only be available over the phone, so you must call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) for reservations.
All Epcot International Food & Wine Festival events will be available on Tuesday, August 13th at 7:00 am. For reservations, please call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378). Additionally, the following events will be available online, via www.epcotfoodfestival.com
As a “Thank You” for continued membership, Tables in Wonderland Members are eligible for a $2.00 discount off of Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, and Mixology Seminars, Mondays – Thursdays throughout the festival.
For updates and the latest festival happenings, visit www.epcotfoodfestival.com, which is updated regularly as information becomes available.
Remember, when you book your vacation with Destinations in Florida, we can make your reservations for us so you can sleep in while we take care of everything for you! Contact me for your free quote today!
When Siera isn’t helping plan Disney vacations or sharing the latest Disney news, you can find her spreading magic on Facebook and Twitter. Are you thinking about a Disney vacation? Siera, a Disney travel specialist, would love to help you. Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!
