Here is the complete collection of Cars 2 Movie Posters. They are all high resolution for your saving and printing pleasure.
Remember Cars 2 is in theaters on June 24th 2011!
How did I miss this among the many “Best Things” articles I have written. Not only is it one of my favorite attractions it is a true Walt Disney World Classic. It has been around for more than thirty years pleasing park visitors of all ages. There are some attractions that can be a bit rough on the older and younger folks but this one is truly a family friendly coaster. Personally I enjoy this one as much for the theme as I do the ride itself and never miss a chance to take multiple rides every visit.
One thing that keeps folks from enjoying the theme that the Imagineers have worked so hard to put together is a nervous anticipation of riding a real roller coaster. Sure it has some curves and just a little bit of speed (not a lot) but it’s smooth and doesn’t bounce you around very much at all. Compared to Space Mountain it’s the “smoothest ride in the west’.
So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the detail that surrounds you. The very best time to check out the scenery is as the mine car train climbs many of the hills and then you can hold on as you start down those same hills. Another way to learn to appreciate the theme is to just ride the attraction and you will see just how tame this coaster really is and then on your next ride you will feel relaxed enough to do some looking around.
Don’t pass up Big Thunder Mountain Railroad because it is truly one of the fun attractions at WDW. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!
Yesterday, Disney announced that they’re extending military discounts through the end of September 2012. If you are an active-duty or retired military member, you qualify for discounts up to 40% off rooms and for deeply discounted tickets. See your travel agent or call Disney directly.
Be careful with this discount–you’ll need to ask for it, as with all discounts. In my experience, it’s the one that often falls through the cracks because it’s not all that well publicized. Make sure you tell your travel agent or the cast member you speak to at Disney reservations that you qualify.
Next, summer rates for annual passholders were announced this morning:
Tiered Resort Savings: (June 3 – 14, 2011):
* Save 15% on Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campsites
* Save 20% at Disney’s Value and Moderate Resorts
* Save 25% at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort
* Save 30% at Deluxe (excluding Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort)
* Save 35% at Disney Deluxe Villa Resort
Tiered Resort Savings: (June 15 – August 13, 2011):
* Save 15% on Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campsites
* Save 20% at Disney’s Value and Moderate Resorts
* Save 30% at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort
* Save 35% at Deluxe (excluding Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Polynesian Resort)
* Save 35% at Disney Deluxe Villa Resort
Email me for blackout dates and book-by dates. If you have an existing reservation, you can have this rate applied to it, generally without penalty.
Chris writes here and at Everything Walt Disney World. She’s also a member of the Mouse Chat Podcast and a travel agent. Email her at ChrisW@pixievacations for information on how you can get a free $50 gift card when you book your next Disney vacation, in addition to posted discounts.
One of my absolute favorite places to visit at the Walt Disney World Resort is Disney’s BoardWalk. The Boardwalk Inn and Villas hosts both an hotel and Disney’s Vacation Club Property. Also, the BoardWalk offers an adorable lake front area with restaurants, shops, and more, reminiscent of turn of the century Atlantic City and Coney Island.
Though I have yet to stay at the Boardwalk Inn, a Deluxe Resort, I love spending an evening strolling the Boardwalk, perusing the stores, and having dinner. Home to one of my personal favorite restaurants, Kouzzina by Cat Cora (Iron Chef!), other dining options include the ESPN Club, Big River Grille and Brewery, Flying Fish Cafe, and a Pizza Window, among others. If you’re looking for sweets, there is the BoardWalk Bakery for baked goods, though they also have dinner options as well. Also, Seashore Sweets offers candies from Goofy’s Candy Company and ice cream as well.
The BoardWalk also offers Jellyrolls and the Atlantic Dance Hall offer entertainment such as dancing, dueling pianos, and more for the 21 and up crowd looking for a good time. There’s also an art gallery that I’ve been lucky enough to see shows of beautiful creations, Disney and otherwise inspired. If you’re not looking for something so intense, there are often street performers on the BoardWalk, performing magic, juggling, or just about anything you can imagine!
Disney’s BoardWalk can be reached by Friendship boat and walkway, to DHS and EPCOT, or by bus. No matter how you get here you will enjoy strolling the Boardwalk and just being at Walt Disney World.
You see them everywhere at Disney: all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, designs, and patterns. They commemorate events, parks, hotels, rides and attractions, characters and holidays. They come in sets and individually, and can range from inexpensive little fun ones to very expensive collectors’ sets. They are, of course, Disney pins…and if you haven’t yet gotten involved in pin trading, be warned: it is very fun…and more than a little addictive.
Pin collecting can all be a little overwhelming at first though, so if all those brightly colored little pieces of metal are calling your name, here are a few things to know so that you can have fun with pin trading…but not spend a fortune in the process.
First of all, pin collecting can provide some wonderful and fairly inexpensive souvenirs(if you don’t get carried away), and if you decide to do some trading, it is a great activity for kids! But, it doesn’t have to involve trading if you don’t want to trade! For our family of 3 adults, it is more of a collection thing now: we typically choose 2-3 per trip that are especially meaningful, and we hold on to them…no trading them away!
But if you want to trade, jump right in and have fun! Pin trading is especially popular with children and I always love seeing kids bravely ask castmembers to trade a pin with them….and then be delighted when they do!
Now you do want to be careful if you are on a budget, because yes, this CAN be an expensive hobby if you are not careful! While the cost of pins can start as low as maybe $6-8 each, they can go up to $20+ for some very elaborate limited editions. And Disney sells pin sets too, so if you like that idea, you can spend even more.
So if this all sounds like a fun and rewarding hobby and activity, well it is! To get started then, keep in mind the following:
If you have kids, arrive at Disney with a dozen or so cheap pins for your kids to trade with. You can find some on eBay, at DisneyStore.com, and even Amazon. The idea here is to trade these for others your kids will like more.
Set a limit of so many per day, or per trip, or a cost limit…and then stick to it. It is easy once you start looking at them, to get carried away!
It is easier, in my opinion, to do this if you are collecting with a theme in mind…..which can be just about anything. Maybe the resorts, or characters, or villains, or princesses. You name it, Disney’s got a pin for it. For us, we tend to now buy our pins around dated events, as they are a great reminder of when we went and when we got the pin: for example New Years Eve 2005.
Make a conscious decision: collect for fun, collect to trade, or collect seriously. If you have kids who are going to trade everything away, you won’t spend a lot on them, or especially care about what they look like. But if you want to make this a serious collection, you can purchase only Limited Editions, for example, to increase the value of your collection. If this appeals to you, there are some great books out there that can give you more information.
Think about how you are going to keep them when you get home! Don’t go to all this trouble to buy all these pins and just keep them in a shoebox! Some people frame the lanyards and pins. Some put their pins in a shadow box. We were given the suggestion, to create binders with foam sheets in between to protect the pins, and that is what we do. And I have to say, it is fun to go back and look at the binders years later and relive the fun we had collecting them!
Check out the “Official Disney Pin Trading Site”, a great site filled with all kinds of helpful information for anyone who is interested in pin collecting and trading at the Disney Parks. It even provides some “pin trading etiquette”. For example:
IS IT TRUE DISNEY CAST MEMBERS HAVE TO TRADE THEIR PINS? Yes. Cast Members at our Theme Parks and Resorts have to trade their pins displayed on their Company issued lanyards. Guests can make up to two (2) trades per “lanyard,” per Cast Member, per day. When trading with Cast Members, Guests should offer a pin that is not already displayed on the Cast Member’s lanyard.
WHY ARE SOME CAST MEMBERS WEARING GREEN/TEAL LANYARDS? Disney Pin Trading is fun for people of all ages. However, kids, ages 3-12, get an extra trading treat. Look for Kids Only lanyards – Disneyland® Resort uses “teal” lanyards and Walt Disney World® Resort uses “green” lanyards. This means that Kids are the only Guests allowed to trade from these special lanyards. Kids can also trade from Cast Members wearing blue lanyards.
Pin collecting and trading can be a fun and rewarding hobby and a relatively inexpensive one if you are careful. Have a great time finding your favorites, and watching your collection grow!
Thor, a powerful but arrogant warrior, is sent to Earth as punishment for reigniting a reckless war. But after a dangerous villain from his world sends the darkest forces of Asgard to invade Earth, the hammer-wielding Thor will learn what it takes to be a true hero in order to save mankind.
Hey there kiddies. Your friendly neighborhood Disney Gossip columnist Anyonymouse here.
I love a good rumor as much as the next gal. I can’t tell you how many I hear a new country is coming to Epcot’s World Showcase. This weeks rumor is the addition of a Brazil to my favorite Disney World Park.
According to a columnist for Sao Paolo newspaper Folha, Disney approached the Brazilian government this week about adding a Brazil pavilion to Epcot.
This is interesting news especially since Morocco is the only Pavilion in the World Showcase sponsored by a Government.
I am trying to remember last year around this time there was talks of another country coming to Epcot. It is one of those rumors that I will believe it when I see Chip posting an article on the website.
So I want to hear what you think. Let me know if you believe it or if you would like to see another country other than Brazil be added to the World Showcase.
Well back to weekend. I wanted to drop by and share with you some juicy Disney Gossip.
Earlier this month,Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge celebrated its 10th anniversary. This week, the resort has something new to celebrate – achieving prestigious AAA Four-Diamond status for the first time in its history.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is the seventh Walt Disney World resort to achieve this honor, which recognizes hotels around the globe that offer world-class amenities, service and attention to detail. Only 4 percent of AAA-rated hotels receive this prestigious status.
One of Disney’s deluxe resorts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge includes three African-inspired restaurants, a thatch-roofed lobby with a massive mud fireplace and flowing stream inside. The resort also features an elevated “kopje,” or rock outcropping, which allows guests to observe animals – including zebra and giraffe – from just yards away.
According to General Manager Kim Marinaccio, the resort’s biggest asset is its team of cast members, who continually strive for “jamala” (the Swahili word for “courtesy and refinement”). In her opinion, it’s their drive for superior service that makes Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge an unforgettable place.
“What helps our resort is that our cast members and leaders embrace the African culture, which is very warm and sharing,” Kim explained. “Our cast members have a passion for African culture and conservation, and they’re excited to share this knowledge with guests.”
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Earns Four-Diamond Status by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
If I had a nickel for the hours I spent as a child playing with my Star Wars toys, I would be living on a beach in Maui right now. Luckily, my parents saved those toys (thanks Mom and Dad), and my son now spends hours pretending he is in a galaxy far, far away. Soon, he will have a few more toys (among several awesome things) to add to his Star Wars collection, especially with the launch of “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” on May 20. But wait! I get to photograph and write about merchandise created for Star Tours? Sign me up! After reviewing the more than 40 items we’ve created, I have selected a few of my favorites to share with you.
First up is the incredibly detailed Starspeeder 1000 Spaceliner Collection. This boxed set features die-cast metal vehicles representing six spaceliners that are involved with the new Star Tours story. I spoke with Brad Schoeneberg, Product Developer for Toys and Games, to learn more about the toys.
“We’ve been working on the Star Tours toys for about two years now,” explained Brad. “During the past two years, we have had a great relationship with Walt Disney Imagineering. They provided us with tons of reference material for the Starspeeders and other new characters. That partnership helped us capture wonderful details including the tiny droids seen on top of each of [the Starspeeders].”
This set will retail for $22.95. Brad also shared with me the packaging for the “Ambush at Star Tours” and the “Star Tours Travel Agency” action figure sets (both will retail for $39.95 each). Favorite figures include the Sky Troopers who were created specifically for the attraction. I also loved how the droid who is “fluent in over six million forms of communication,” C-3PO, turned out.
But toys aren’t the only thing I loved seeing (or should I say “playing with?”). We are releasing a variety of shirts for launch. I particularly liked the stylized travel posters shirt, as there is no better way to say “I love space travel” than with that one. How I wish I could visit Bespin and hang out with Lando Calrissian!
There are a few items, however, that neither my son nor I can get – we are not Passholders (unlike many of you and I’m bummed). These Passholder Exclusive items will include a commemorative coin, a limited edition pen (not to be confused with a “pin,” which will also be released), a Darth Vader T-shirt and, what I consider the most awesome drinkware in the galaxy, a 20 oz. tumbler featuring Darth Vader.
I don’t think I can make time pass fast enough until the opening! As mentioned, there are many other items we created for the launch, so keep watching ArtofDisneyParks.com for release dates and additional information.
Star Tours – These Are The Souvenirs I’m Looking For by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog
Refurbishment information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to visiting. Updated information is available at the Disneyland Website.
Current
Mulholland Madness (DCA) closed through 5/24/11 for conversion to Goofy’s Fly School.
Pizza Oom Mow Mow (DCA) closed through 5/24/11 for conversion to Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta.
Burger Invasion (DCA) closed through 5/24/11 for conversion to Paradise Garden Grill.
Corn Dog Castle (DCA) closed through 5/25/11 due to construction in the area. Corn dogs are currently available at Award Wieners.
Splash Mountain (Disneyland) closed through 5/26/11 for refurbishment.
Star Tours (Disneyland) closed through 6/2/11 for renovation and upgrade to Star Tours 2.0. (Official reopening date is 6/3/11. Annual Passholder previews will be held 5/23/11-6/1/11.)
Upcoming
Stage Door Cafe (Disneyland) closed 5/2/11-5/26/11 for refurbishment.
The Golden Horseshoe (Disneyland) closed 5/9/11-5/26/11 for refurbishment.
Indiana Jones Adventure (Disneyland) closed 5/17/11-5/18/11 for refurbishment.
At “Prom,” every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; “Prom” portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite. For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it’s a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell) who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De’Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school’s most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there’s only one “Prom.” Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, “Prom” hits theaters April 29, 2011.
I’ve always been a member of the Disney online fan community, as least as far back as I can remember. And that’s a pretty long time. I remember the days of dial-up and the heady excitement of joining the rec.arts.disneyparks Usenet group. (In fact, I think I still have my RADP pin somewhere.)
Well, now that I’ve dated myself entirely…
I’d been having a lot of fun in Disney online communities, talking about Disney with others who “stalk the Mouse” closely for fun and the occasional bit of cheese. Someone pointed out to me that my online writing life was much like my professional life, where I am interested in what is broadly called “Disney Studies”: film, theme parks, history, theory.
I thought about starting a blog to combine my working and personal interests. But being more of a writer than a tech person, and not quite sure how much time I could devote to a blog, I went in another direction. I applied for a gig writing about Disney travel for Examiner.com. Examiner concentrates on the technology, I focus on the writing and take pictures. Oh, yeah, and visit Disney…a lot. The column justifies my travel habit. Or so I tell myself.
As the National Disney Travel Examiner, I write mostly newsy stuff. As I’ve told Chip, I like to follow the bright, shiny news. But I also have some Disney Travel 101 stuff – reservations, amenities, discounts, review of resources, tips – for people who search for the basics online.
Desserts at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival.
But my interests in Disney go beyond news of the day. When my schedule allows, I’ll also add some other content. I don’t quite consider myself a Disney foodie (yet) but I am a dedicated Disney snackie. Eat Disney dessert first! So I loved covering the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, and the trick-or-treats for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I’ll be back again for both events this year.
I’m also a Disney runner, one of the people who have happily found the party at “back of the pack,” with pictures and characters. So I try to keep on top of such Disney events. Really, I’m all for the active and interactive Disney vacations, so that’s the kind of stuff I follow in my column.
Disney's Citizens of Hollywood.
Finally, I have two series that speak to my special interests in theming and Cast Members. “Memories of the Magic Kingdom” provides an overview and occasional history piece on attractions at Magic Kingdom, a tribute of sorts to the 40th anniversary. And my “Salute to Disney Cast Members” occasional series points out the people who make the magic happen. I plan to do more of these pieces in connection with “Destination D” in Walt Disney World in May and with Disneyland’s D23 Expo in August.
So far, being the National Disney Travel Examiner has been a fun gig. I’ve had the opportunity meet many members of the Disney writing community, and it was through my work with Examiner.com I got to know Chip and Co. It’s inspired me to pay more attention to the latest Disney news and try new things on my trips. And who knows, a blog could be next; I have too many pictures to share and different kinds of things I’d like to write.
So that’s me, the National Disney Travel Examiner, a much more impressive title than I deserve. I’m more of a Kungaloosh kind of person, the name of my Facebook page. Check them out if you’d like, or just visit to give me a Kungaloosh salute!
You see them everywhere at Disney: all kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, designs, and patterns. They commemorate events, parks, hotels, 
