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Disney World Closures and Refurbishments for July 2013 and beyond

July 15, 2013

Disney World Closures and Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disney World Website.

Current

The Spa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort closed through 7/24/13 for complete redo, becoming Senses Spa. Until that date, guests can use Senses – A Disney Spa at the Grand Floridian.
California Grill (Contemporary Resort) closed through 8/24/13 for refurbishment.
Fountain View (Epcot) closed until early September for conversion to a Starbucks location.
Palm Golf Course closed through 11/16/13 for a major redesign.

Upcoming

Pirates of the Caribbean (Magic Kingdom) closed 7/27/13-7/30/13 for refurbishment.
Enchanted Tiki Room (Magic Kingdom) closed 7/31/13-8/28/13 for refurbishment.
All-Star Sports’ End Zone Food Court (All Start Sports Resort) closed for refurbishment8/4/13-12/20/13. There will be no hot/made-to-order food available at the resort. There will be “grab and go” (cold, premade) food items available at the Game Point Arcade, which will not operate as an arcade from 7/29/13-12/20/13. For hot food and/or access to arcades, buses will be offered to All-Star Music and All-Star Movies.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (Magic Kingdom) closed 8/1/13-8/21/13 for refurbishment.
Liberty Belle Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) closed 8/5/13-8/9/13 for refurbishment.
Muppet Vision 3D (Hollywood Studios) closed 8/6/13-9/2/13 for refurbishment.
Osprey Ridge Golf Course closed 8/15/13 through June 2014 as part of transition to the Four Seasons resort.
Spaceship Earth (Epcot) closed 8/18/13-8/24/13 for refurbishment.
Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom) closed 8/19/13-9/30/13 for refurbishment.
Grandstand Pool (Saratoga Springs) closed 8/25/13-9/14/13 for refurbishment.
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground (Hollywood Studios) closed 9/3/13-11/19/13 for refurbishment.
Volcano Feature Pool (Polynesian) closed 9/9/13-9/20/13 for refurbishment.
Walt Disney World Railroad (Magic Kingdom) closed 9/30/13-10/20/13 for refurbishment.
Peter Pan (Magic Kingdom) closed 9/30/13-11/13/13 for refurbishment.
Typhoon Lagoon water park closed 10/27/13-1/4/14 for annual refurbishment.

Is Disney Free Dining coming for Fall 2013

Anonymouse

July 15, 2013

Hey there kiddies it is I Anonymouse your friendly neighborhood Gossip Columnist. Today’s Disney Gossip it a very popular subject in the Disney Blog o Sphere and one that I have a pretty solid track record on. You might remember the last time Disney Free Dining was discussed I was one of the first out of the gate with the gossip.

Today I follow that high level of standards that ~~Chimp~~ I mean Chip holds me to. I have the Holy Grail of Disney Gossip. Disney Free Dining for the rest of the 2013 year…

What I hear with Free Fall Dining is this fall special you will have book by November 15, and will cover arrival dates of

September 29 to October 2, 2013
October 18 to November 2, 2013
November 11 to November 23, 2013
December 12 to December 22, 2013

I also hear that at or around the same time Disney will break out the Room Only Specials! No word yet on when the Disney Visa Discounts are coming since that is usually what precedes this news. I do know Daniel is releasing Disneyland Disney Visa Discounts around 9pm tonight on the website, so come back then for the news.

Chip wanted me to tell everyone to signup for the Free Dining Email list at the top of the page that way he can email you when the deal goes live. Doesn’t get much easier than that… </advertisement> Just kidding.

Well as soon as the bossman gets the Official Word he will have it on the site ASAP.

Any who, that is all the Disney Gossip I have right now. For my past Gossip articles be sure to check them out here.

Got any good gossip/rumors? Please email me at [email protected] or on my Facebook Page.

Is Pop Century The Right Resort For You?

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 15, 2013

With so many wonderful resorts to choose from at Walt Disney World, it can be difficult to make sure you choose the one that is right for your family. For many families, a value resort is a great option. But which one do you choose? While All-Star Music and Art of Animation do offer suites, all of the value resort have the same standard rooms and amenities. So, what makes Pop Century a great choice for your family vacation?

With nightly rates of $85 – $190 depending on the time of year, Pop Century offers one of the best values in places to stay on property at Walt Disney World. The standard rooms sleep 4; while some say the rooms are small, I have stayed at Pop Century many times with a party of 3 and never once felt crowded in the rooms.

Adults and children alike will love the theme of Pop Century. Classic Hall, the lobby of the resort is decorated with memorabilia from the 1950’s through the 1990’s. Step outside and you will find larger than life toys from your childhood including a Rubik’s Cube, Pac-Man, yo-yo’s, and more. The buildings are also decorated with popular sayings from that decade.

The Everything POP! Food Court, is another great reason to stay at Pop Century. Here you will find options such as “Mom’s Night Out” TV dinners. This dinner changes nightly but can include entrees such as meatloaf, fried chicken, and turkey dinners. The food court also offers Asian cuisine, pizza, salads, flatbreads, and more. The tye-die cheesecake is another popular item at Pop Century. It features several different colors of cheesecake on top of red velvet cake. While you’re dining at the food court, be sure to keep an eye on the cast members. They have been known to stop what they’re doing to Do The Hustle!

Pop Century also offers three themed swimming pools. The Bowling Pin Pool is located in the 1950’s section of the resort and is, as you may have guessed, shaped like a bowling pin. The Computer Pool is located in the 1990’s section and features a giant computer keyboard on the ground next to the pool. The Hippy Dippy Pool is located in the 1960’s section near Classic Hall. Each evening, you can watch a Disney movie at The Hippy Dippy Pool.

Have you ever stayed at Pop Century? Let us know what you thought of it in the comments below!

Drink Around the World Showcase – China Pavilion

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 14, 2013

China is a surprisingly great choice on any “Drink Around the World Showcase” (DAWS) excursion. Not only can you find unique and delicious drinks, but you can also enjoy some authentic meals and snacks. If you’re keeping score, you’ll be able to quickly rack up DAWS points in this pavilion. If your DAWS experience is being done geographically through the World Showcase, you’ll find it a welcome spot after visiting the Norway pavilion which somewhat lacks in food and beverage choices. Don’t forget to read up on Mexico too.

The best choice for both drinks and snacks is the Joy of Tea. Surprisingly, it carries not just tea but also a variety of specialty drinks. Non-alcoholic beverages are as plentiful as the alcoholic ones, so if you need to take a drink break, check out the iced tea slushes. They are excellent on a hot summer day and with snacks. Try the mango green tea slush ($4.65) for something different. Speaking of different, Joy of Tea offers some really unique and interesting alcoholic beverages. If your DAWS excursion is strictly beer, you can check out the Tsing Tao beer ($6.25). Wine drinkers will enjoy the subtle sweetness of the plum wine ($4.99) but will be disappointed in small portion size. The real stars of this pavilion are the mixed drinks. Joy of Tea serves up several cold mixed drinks including: Canto Loopy (with vodka and cantaloupe juice), Peach Snap! (with schnapps), a frozen Green Tea with Plum Wine Slush, and the Mango Gingerita (with vodka and rum). Prices are $7.50 for each of these beverages. The Mango Gingerita packs a strong ginger punch. In fact, when I ordered mine, the cast member asked me if I was OK with strong ginger flavor. She was not kidding! It’s a really unique and different kind of drink though, and certainly well worth trying. In terms of the alcohol to drink ratio, these are quite weak. In fact, it’s difficult to detect in most of the drinks.

Perhaps the best value for an alcoholic beverage in the World Showcase is served at Joy of Tea. It’s the Tipsy Ducks in Love ($8.50). If you are a Starbucks Frappuccino fan, you will love this drink. It’s a frozen concoction of cold tea and coffee blended with Bourbon whiskey and chocolate. And yes, it packs a punch! Cast members are not shy with the Bourbon, so those who are not whiskey fans should look for another drink or try the non-alcoholic version for $5.50.

Snacks are plentiful at Joy of Tea and include Chinese BBQ Pork Buns, Curry Chicken Pockets, and pork and vegetable egg rolls. All are on the Disney Dining Plan as a snack credit. Looking for a large variety of snacks to share with a group or enjoy as a meal? Try the Lucky Combo ($9.98). It comes with all three snack options, as well as a drink and ice cream. That’s a lucky bargain, indeed.

If you’re looking for something more substantial head over to the Lotus Blossom Cafe for lunch or dinner. Lotus Blossom is the pavilion’s quick service location and serves up some tasty Chinese fare. There you can enjoy potstickers and egg rolls for an appetizer. For entree options, be sure to try the Orange Chicken with Steamed Rice and Hong Kong Style Chicken Curry over Rice both $8.49. If you’re interested in beers, Lotus Blossom also has Yuengling Traditional Draft Beer ($5.50) to add to your DAWS list.

For a table service location, visit Nine Dragons for both lunch and dinner. It makes for a great dinner location for groups and for families. It’s a particularly quite location and is often available to dine at, even when other World Showcase restaurants are booked for the evening. The food varies from Cantonese, Mongolian, Szechuan to Hunan style specialties. For the best value, order the Nine Dragons Family Dinner Set where guests choose one soup, one entree, and one dessert.

If you’re looking for more specialty drinks, this is an excellent location. Nine Dragons offers a wealth of them. Try the Shangri-La Blend frozen daiquiri ($7.50) which is a mix of strawberry, mango and rum. Other winners include the Jade Beauty (Vodka, Honeydew Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Lemon-Lime Soda) and Shanghai Fusion (Light Rum, Cherry Brandy, Plum Wine, Grapefruit and Pineapple Juices). All of the specialty drinks will set you back a reasonable $7.98. The restaurant also carries beer and a variety wines (none particularly authentic). For a nice evening break, stop in for appetizers and cocktails. And don’t forget; if you’re a Tables in Wonderland cardholder, you can get 20% of both food and drink (including alcoholic beverages) at this table service location, making it a good value.

Overall, you’ll find a terrific variety at the China Pavilion—whether you’re embarking on a day long DAWS excursion or a small stop on your Epcot touring day. With all of the drink and food options, you’ll think you’re in Shangri-la!

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.

Paint and Play with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 14, 2013

Grab your paintbrush and meet Mickey Mouse in his Clubhouse for a magical painting session! The new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Paint and Play app allows kids to paint everything they see.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Paint and Play is a 3D coloring book that inspires creativity through learning about color. The app includes unlimited combinations of tools, colors, patterns, and stickers for kids to create their own stories. With numerous animated 3D scenes and characters, kids will learn about color mixing, texture, symmetry, and more.

Additional features include:

A magic wand to transform your paintings into fully-animated 3D characters
Texture creation using your in-app camera
Experiment with color as you make cupcakes for the bake sale
Play music OR create your own with the Mousekemusic Player
Learn about colors, 2D, 3D, line, form, and symmetry

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

“Lights, Camera, Action” at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort

Chip

July 14, 2013

It is “Lights, Camera, Action” at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, which is awash in innovative ESPN and HP technology, giving athletes, coaches and fans the sense they have reached the big time.

Since early 2010, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has utilized the cutting-edge telecast expertise of ESPN – 56 high-definition cameras (42 robotic, 10 handheld and four studio) and 40 high-definition video screens, including 3 jumbo screens, that capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex. The cameras and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through a state-of-the-art Broadcast Center that features eight edit bays and links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles.

As a result, athletes, coaches and fans can see live action, ESPN-style game highlights and players/coaches interviews throughout the complex and beyond. And some of that footage may find its way onto one or more of ESPN’s many media platforms, such as ESPN’s SportsCenter or ESPN3.com.

HP technology throughout the complex allows athletes, coaches and fans to have a “hands-on” sports experience and completely customize their visit in ways previously unseen in youth sports. The innovative technology inside the HP Creation Center also offers guests the ability to create, download and enhance commemorative photos and images from their events, then immediately produce and print them onsite.

Beyond the HP Field House, HP kiosks utilizing the latest HP TouchSmart technology are setup throughout the complex to provide users with access to video highlights, field assignments, schedule updates and game day photos, as well as general complex information including maps, weather and dining options.

Here’s a breakdown of the technology elements throughout the complex:

COMPLEX VIDEO SCREENS
With more than 40 video screens, including 3 jumbo screens, positioned at 17 locations around the complex, the athletes, coaches and fans at the complex can see themselves during live action as well as in ESPN-style highlights and post-game interviews. The video screens also regularly display player interviews from the rest of the sports world, plus welcome messages from popular ESPN personalities, ESPN programs, breaking news and a custom ESPN-style ticker (‘the bottom line”).

ESPN3.COM
Fans who can’t attend sports events at the complex can still see many of their favorite pro and youth players and teams compete on ESPN3.com, the network’s broadband channel (formerly ESPN360.com) that allows online viewers to see up to 20 different sports events in a single video player. Reaching more than 50 million homes nationwide, ESPN3.com is expected to feature more than 100 hours of sports complex programming this year involving a wide range of sports events.

IN-ROOM TV
Athletes, coaches and fans staying at Walt Disney World Resort during their competitions can view many ESPN-style highlights, scores and interviews from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the resort’s 27,000 rooms through a new in-room sports complex channel.

HP
The centrepiece of the re-imagined HP Field House is the HP Creation Zone which provides an immersive guest experience utilizing innovative HP technology.

HP kiosks featuring the latest HP TouchSmart technology also provide fans field assignments and schedule updates. These kiosks give guests the opportunity to create personalized avatars which users can then enjoy one-click access to print, e-mail or share their designs with a personalized message or upload directly to Facebook.

ESPN INNOVATION LAB
The more than 2 million athletes, coaches and fans at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex may play an integral role in the research and development of innovative new ESPN telecast technologies at the complex’s ESPN Innovation Lab.

The lab, which is being guided by the ESPN Emerging Technology group, will be used to develop and test a variety of cutting-edge on-air telecast applications by utilizing the wide variety of sports events and athletes – more than 300 events involving 250,000 athletes on average annually- that take place at the complex year-round. Many of the new technologies developed by the ESPN Emerging Technology group have already been used on air, such as the EA Virtual Playbook application that ESPN used during its NFL and NBA coverage in 2009.

ESPN 3D DEVELOPMENT
ESPN is utilizing the more than 300 amateur and pro sports events taking place at the complex annually to test and develop its new ESPN 3D channel. In addition, technology companies are using the complex for emerging technology research and enhancements focused on 3D television.

ESPNWWOS.COM
In an effort to better serve athletes, coaches and fans, the sports complex’s web site has the look and feel of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The web site features expanded video capabilities, Google 3D maps and more up-to-the-minute information. The site’s web address is www.espnwwos.com.

About ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which hosts more than 300 events a year, is the leading multi-sport venue for amateur and professional sports in the United States, accommodating 70 different sports and athletes from more than 70 countries. Designed to take youth sports to the next level, the 230-acre facility features the ESPN Innovation Lab, a real-world testing ground for the ESPN Emerging Technology Group to develop ground-breaking on-air products like Ball Track and ESPN Snap Zoom, as well as development of its new 3-D television channel. In addition, the complex features 56 high-definition cameras (42 robotic, 10 hand-held and four studio) and 40 high-definition video screens, including three jumbo screens, that can capture and display footage from any event taking place at the complex. The camera and video screens, as well as a 20-zone audio system, are controlled through the state-of-the-art HD and 3-D Broadcast Center that features eight edit bays and links to ESPN facilities in Bristol, Conn., New York and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.wdwnews.com for press releases, photos and videos. Follow us on Twitter at @DisneySports.

Your Favorite Animated Classics Are Everywhere at WDW!

Catie

July 14, 2013

Everyone has their favorite Animated Disney classic movie, and one of the best parts of a Walt Disney World vacation is getting to see these movies come to life in the rides and attractions!

So you might be wondering….Where can you find your favorite Disney Movie at WDW?

Well, here’s the answer!

Beauty and the Beast – The New Fantasyland features the Beast’s Castle, where you can dine at the Be Our Guest Restaurant, and even meet the Beast himself! You can also check out Enchanted Tales With Belle, where Belle interacts with children and tells them stories. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Beauty and The Beast stage show will wow you with its songs and reenactment of the classic tale

The Little Mermaid – This is another movie that takes center stage in the New Fantasyland, with Prince Eric’s Castle, which houses the “Under The Sea – Journey Of The Little Mermaid” ride, where you board a giant clamshell and head under the sea and into Ariel’s world! There is also an “Ariel’s Grotto” section of this attraction, where you can meet up with Ariel for photos and autographs. The Voyage Of The Little Mermaid over at Hollywood Studios is a multimedia recreation of the movie which is presented in a theater style setting with live actors

Cinderella – She is a pretty big deal over in the Magic Kingdom, as the main focus of the whole Park is Cinderella’s Castle – where you can actually dine with Cinderella and other royalty at Cinderella’s Royal Table

Aladdin – Take ride with Jasmine and Aladdin in the Magic Kingdom on the Magic Carpets Of Aladdin

Dumbo – Fly along with this adorable baby elephant on Dumbo’s Flight which was recently re-done with the New Fantasyland expansion and it now has an interactive queue and two sets of flying elephants (so twice as many people can ride at once!). Head over to Big Top Treats and pick up some delicious circus-y snacks like caramel apples and cotton candy!

The Lion King – Festival Of The Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a live theater show that features classic Lion King scenes and songs – and it’s a great way to watch the movie come to life (which getting to enjoy an enclosed, air conditioned theater on a hot Orlando day!)

Alice In Wonderland – Are you a fan of tea? Even if you’re not, you will love boarding a giant teacup at the Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland, where you spin as fast as your stomach can handle (I do NOT recommend riding this one until your Crystal Palace meal has fully settled!)

Toy Story – Not sure this one could be considered a “classic” Disney Movie quite yet, but it certainly is one of my favorites, and for those of you who agree with me, I suggest you check out Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland, where you can join Buzz in defeating evil! Toy Story Midway Mania over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios lets you try your hand at classic midway games like darts and shooting, and After all that, you’ll probably be hungry, so I suggest you check out Pizza Planet – a restaurant and arcade that serves up – you guessed it – pizza! As well as other options

Peter Pan – Peter Pan’s Flight seats you in a magical flying pirate ship where you fly high above scenes recreated from the original animated classic. You can also meet up with Tinkerbell and her fairy friends over at Tinkerbell’s Magical Nook in Adventureland

Most of these attractions have gift shops or stands near their exits that feature merchandise inspired by the rides – so you can pick up a stuffed animal or t-shirt to match your favorite movie! And if you really want to go all out – you can take your little one for a makeover at the Bippity Boppity Boutique – where they will do their hair, nails, makeup and wardrobe and turn them into their favorite Disney Prince or Princess!

And of course, there are many chances to meet and greet the characters from your favorite movies too! There are tons of character meals that feature many of the characters from these classics, and you can always check out the Park guides/schedules once you arrive for more info – as characters rotate times and appearances daily

No matter what your favorite Disney Animated Classic is, you’re bound to find it somewhere at Walt Disney World! What about you – which one is your favorite?

Downtown Disney Manager accused of Stealing

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 13, 2013

Deputies said an Orlando man stole expensive watches and sold them on Craigslist, pocketing tens of thousands of dollars.
The store employees did their own detective work to crack the case.

The suspect allegedly used the same password for his store email and his personal email, and the workers were able to see all the Craigslist transactions for themselves before going to deputies.

And when finally confronted, the manger John Steven Schwetz allegedly confessed.

They’ve been investigating the case for months and said the thefts date back to 2011.

What is up with these not so magical Disney Cast members? We all need money, but in the end is it really worth it? I don’t think so.

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Photo Credit: Channel 9 news

Magicbands Boost Sales for Disney World

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 13, 2013

Magicbands tested at Disney World Resort succeeded in boosting spending by guests, parks division Chairman Thomas Staggs said.

The bands serve as admission tickets, hotel room keys and credit cards. They were tested by 1,000 people at Walt Disney World in Florida, Staggs said in an interview at Allen & Co.’s annual conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. Guests spent more on average in part because they had fun with the technology, he said.

Disney plans additional testing of the technology, called MyMagic+, before expanding throughout Disney World by the end of the year. The wristbands help with crowd control, reducing the time guests spend in lines by allowing them to book rides and restaurants in advance. They can also schedule special meet-and-greets.

The wristbands link to a customer database, allowing guests to purchase items in Disney World’s hotels, four theme parks and water parks by waving the devices past a sensor. The radio technology speeds transactions, helping customers make their trips more efficient.

Disney will also use MyMagic+ to offer special promotions and activities that may interest customers.

MyMagic+ builds on Disney’s current Fast Pass program, which allows guests to schedule attractions during one-hour windows, once they are already in the park.

“It allows them to have a prearranged schedule before they start their day so it’s actually an enhanced Fast Pass,” Staggs said. “Fast Pass is getting better.”

I know I can’t wait to get my Magicband. Has anyone had the pleasure of testing it out yet?

Wishing you Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

Disney VoluntEARS Donate $955,000 to Florida Nonprofits

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

July 13, 2013

Throughout June 2013, the Walt Disney World Resort gave a total of $955,000 to the Central Florida community in recognition of the more than 230,000 hours donated by Walt Disney World VoluntEARS in 2012. Cast Members earned the funds, known as Disney’s EARS to You grants, for approximately 500 local nonprofits and community service groups. The top recipients include Central Florida Film Festival, Give Kids the World, and SPCA of Central Florida.

“Disney VoluntEARS generously give their time and talents, and in doing so, make Central Florida an even better place to live, work and play,” said Nancy Gidusko, director of community relations for Walt Disney World Resort.

The Walt Disney Company, through the Disney VoluntEARS program, gives Cast Members opportunities to donate their time and expertise toward helping their communities. Each year, the Company recognizes VoluntEARS who donate at least 10 hours of service with EARS to You grants, which are financial contributions of up to $1,000 to the non-profit organization of the cast member’s choice.

In 2013 alone, Walt Disney World Resort has awarded 1,238 EARS to You grants. These Disney dollars will help numerous worthy causes including local youth development groups, health and social services programs, environmental causes, community theaters and pet rescue organizations.

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 is an agent with Destinations in Florida, an authorized Disney vacation planner, and can help you. Plus, can receive up to a $50 in-room credit! Contact her at [email protected] or 734-771-1290!

Relax, Meditate, and Smell the Roses at Walt Disney World

Chip

July 13, 2013

You can take a safari ride on the wild side across an African savanna, battle space aliens with a laser gun, “hang glide” over Yosemite National Park and narrowly escape Darth Vader’s wrath — all during action-packed visits to Walt Disney World theme parks. And if you need a place to stop and recharge in the midst of all that high-energy fun, Disney offers a dozen quiet oases where you can chill out, regroup and even meditate if the spirit moves you.

After the high adventure of a Kilimanjaro Safari tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, families can wind down on the quiet Discovery Island Trails that feature animal habitats surrounding the park’s iconic Tree of Life.

Quick-draw laser shooters who’ve saved the universe at Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom can ease back to Earth by stopping to smell the roses (hundreds of them!) at the All-American Rose Selection Display Garden near Cinderella Castle. Don’t miss the photo op.

At Epcot, after the thrill of flying high on Soarin’, guests can kick back for a leisurely Living with the Land boat ride through the lush greenhouses of The Land pavilion, where produce is grown and fish are farmed for Epcot restaurants.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios may be packed from one end to the other with movie-magic thrills, but a respite beckons inside Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, where guests can set their own leisurely pace for a self-guided walking tour past museum-quality displays. A 15-minute film about Walt Disney in a cozy theater completes your rejuvenation.

Check out these other quiet corners of Walt Disney World theme parks.

At Magic Kingdom:

Tom Sawyer Island– Hop a raft from the splash and thunder of Frontierland. Children can explore the “woods,” dark caves and mystery mines. Adults enjoy going along for the stroll. Huck Finn never had it so good!
Tomorrowland Transit Authority – Board the oh-so-quiet PeopleMover for a long, relaxing ride through Tomorrowland. The high-rail course gently whisks you through a Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear viewing area and offers expansive views of the park.

At Epcot:

United Kingdom courtyard – Discover a garden filled with blooms and dotted with benches along cobblestone walkways where you can sit a spell and take in the calm behind rows of bustling shops. Fans of British rock bands should time their visit to performances of the “British Revolution.” Tykes can’t resist burning up energy in a small hedge maze by the gazebo stage.
China showcase – Enjoy the embrace of a zen-like ambiance in the tranquil garden complete with reflecting pond dotted with water lilies that fronts a 3-tier Temple of Heaven replica. Enjoy the wait for a “Reflections of China” 360-degree film presentation by browsing the House of Whispering Willows gallery exhibit and replica of the famous 1974 terracotta tomb-warrior excavation in Xi’an, China.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage! Be our guest and let the Oscar-winning music lighten your spirit during this long-running stage play based on the 1991 animated Disney film classic, “Beauty and the Beast.” Who doesn’t love a “tale as old as time?”
Echo Lake — Grab a light snack at Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner or an ice-cream cone at Dinosaur Gertie’s ice cream bar by the lake, then chill out on a bench and enjoy the cast of characters strolling by.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

Wildlife Express Train – All aboard for a leisurely ride out of Africa and into the conservation-conscious Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Every 5-7 minutes, a train departs at a laid-back pace offering backstage views of some of the park’s animal facilities. At Conservation Station, enjoy a critter encounter and take time to explore whatever eco-cause inspires.
Oasis, Africa and Asia animal trails – Learn how to relax by watching the sloth that inhabits one of several Oasis habitats. Take in the majesty of Bengal tigers that roam among palace ruins on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in Asia. Grab a gazebo seat along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail to spy comical meerkats standing sentry or a graceful gerenuk (antelope species) balancing on hind legs to munch tasty tree leaves. Breathe the plant-cleansed air and lose yourself in the setting.

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comment box below.

Long-Lost Disney Characters Coming to the Magic Kingdom

Chip

July 13, 2013

During Long-Lost Friends week (July 15-21), rarely seen Disney characters will be stepping out in Town Square on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom. You’ll have the chance to get up-close and enjoy photo opportunities with the friends you selected in our online poll.

Check out who got the most votes:

From “Robin Hood”: Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John
“Chicken Little”: Chicken Little and Abby Mallard
From “Song of the South”: Brer Bear and Brer Fox

There will also be more long-lost Disney characters to see, so be sure to visit Magic Kingdom Park July 15-21 to find out who else will be visiting during “Limited Time Magic” at the Disney World Resort.

Which long lost friends are you looking forward to seeing?

Wishing you Faith,Trust, and Pixie Dust

Sunshine

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