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Lady and the Tramp add to the magnificent topiary displays during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Lady and the Tramp add to the magnificent topiary displays during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Lady and the Tramp add to the magnificent topiary displays during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV. The festival, which runs 75 days March 2 – May 15 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., features dozens of character topiaries, stunning floral displays, workshops, the Flower Power concert series and presentations by HGTV personalities – all included in regular Epcot admission.

Gene Duncan, photographer

  • Epcot Topiaries Go To Infinity and Beyond (chipandco.com)
  • Step into Spring at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (chipandco.com)
Lady and the Tramp add to the magnificent topiary displays during the 18th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Star Wars in 3D Gets an Official Release Date

Lucasfilm Ltd. announced today that the live-action Star Wars Saga will be converted to 3D! There are few movies that lend themselves more perfectly to 3D; from the Death Star trench run to the Tatooine Podrace, the Star Wars Saga has always delivered an entertainment experience that is completely immersive. Presented by Twentieth Century Fox and Lucasfilm Ltd., the cutting edge conversion will take that immersion to the next thrilling level, with Industrial Light & Magic supervising the project. Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is expected to be released theatrically in 2012. A release date has not yet been determined.

“Getting good results on a stereo conversion is a matter of taking the time and getting it right,” said John Knoll, Visual Effects Supervisor for Industrial Light & Magic. “It takes a critical and artistic eye along with an incredible attention to detail to be successful. It is not something that you can rush if you want to expect good results. For Star Wars we will take our time, applying everything we know both aesthetically and technically to bring audiences a fantastic new Star Wars experience.”

Star Wars in 3D Gets an Official Release Date

Coming Soon: Disney Short ‘The Ballad of Nessie’

Coming Soon: Disney Short 'The Ballad of Nessie'

The Ballad of Nessie is a (tentatively) 2009 theatrical cartoon produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, written by Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Regina Conroy and directed by Stevie Wermers-Skelton and Kevin Deters. The two previously collaborated on the 2007 Goofy short How to Hook Up Your Home Theater.

The short’s plot is essentially a Disney adaptation of the origin of the Loch Ness Monster, named Nessie.[1] The short has the same crew that worked on How To Hook Up Your Home Theater and will be traditionally-animated.

The short is apparently nearly complete in terms of production, but so far, it is currently unknown what film it will be played with. A book adaptation of the short will be published in May 2011, thus it is possible the short will accompany the theatrical release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides or Winnie the Pooh.

The short was shown as a world première at Anima 2011, the International Animation Film Festival of Brussels, on march 5th of 2011.

Coming Soon: Disney Short 'The Ballad of Nessie'

How Detailed Should Your Park Touring Plans Be?

How Detailed Should Your Park Touring Plans Be?

Touring plans are a very personal thing and vary from group to group. Even if you don’t have a plan, that’s your planyou don’t have a formal plan. People vary in their approach from the “wing its” to the “plan every moment of the day” types. Many people use spreadsheets to keep track of scheduled items like ADR’s and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments and some folks just carry a little card in their pockets with that type of information. If it works for you that’s all that counts.

There are a few precautions to take when planning and the most glaring thing I see is that people try to plan everything so that nothing will be missed. My friends – it can’t be done. I read a lot of Disney Q&A forums and when I see someone ask how long it takes to walk from this attraction to that attraction so that they can schedule to ride something like Toy Story Midway Mania and be through in time to walk to  Indiana Jones for the next show I think to myself – you will be disappointed. Experienced Disney visitors know that things happen that can’t be planned for and if you schedule things too tightly your plan will likely fall apart.

At the other end of the spectrum are the folks mentioned above who plan nothing – I did that but JUST ONCE! You must at least have an idea of where things are in the park and what you might like to do before you start touring. If you don’t put together a plan ahead of time at least make the first thing you do is to pick up a park map and one of the show time sheets and get some idea about what you want to do that day. You won’t be sorry.

The more you visit Walt Disney World, the easier it becomes because you are familiar with the park layouts, the transportation system, and crowd impact. Then it’s just a matter of deciding what you want to do and going for it relying on your level of experience and of course, the park maps (for details you may need) and the showtime schedule. If you enjoy table service restaurants, don’t forget those ADR’s because without them it’s very likely you will be eating at the counter service locations. That’s not a bad thing but it’s nice to sit down and relax for a meal rather than standing in line with a tray. After all, we all stand in enough lines at Walt Disney World as it is. The simplest way of saying what I want you to take away from this is – Plan but don’t over plan!! As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

How Detailed Should Your Park Touring Plans Be?

Anytime is a good time to eat at Chef Mickey’s

chefmickey1
chefmickey1

Anytime is a good time to eat at Chef Mickey's
On our most recent DisneyWorld vacation we had the opportunity to experience Chef Mickey’s not once but twice. We ate here for Breakfast and ventured in for Dinner as well. While the food is as different as night and day the experience was not. Like a cool breeze from an ice old AC unit on a hot summers day both meals were quite refreshing and extraordinary in their own individual way. Come with me as we journey to the Contemporary Resort and a little restaurant called Chef Mickey’s.

Chef Mickey’s is a buffet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner flavors—and your favorite Disney Characters!—at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. All the Disney Elite are there. Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Donald and Daisy. They make their way around the dining room and stop at every table for autographs and photographs for you and your loved ones. The characters are dressed differently that you would see them in the parks which is very cool and as an added bonus you don’t have to wait in line to see them!

Anytime is a good time to eat at Chef Mickey's

The star of the meals by far is the food.

Breakfast includes a premium fruit bar, cereal selections, American classics like pancakes, Mickey Mouse waffles, eggs, omelets, bacon, sausage, and pastries.

Quick Tip – Eating a big breakfast on a Disney Meal plan will help keep you fueled throughout the day..we always grab a few bananas and apples to take with us to snack on during the day till dinner.

Dinner is a delectable affair with roasted chicken, carved beef, savory sides and kids’ favorites. The make your own sundae bar was a highlight for me and I am not even a big Ice Cream person.

Quick Tip – The same characters are there for both breakfast & dinner so no worries if you are not a big breakfast eater, you can still meat Mickey & Friends.

Anytime is a good time to eat at Chef Mickey's

The Contemporary Resort is one of my favorite resorts it is so huge and very open. Chef Mickey’s takes up a lot of real estate on the main floor. Whenever you get off the tram you can hear a buzzing from the diners and the food service people alike. Depending on the time of day before you even step foot into the open air restaurant you can smell those delectable dishes.

Quick Tip – If you have little children there is a sitting area with a TV running the Disney Channel for your little ones. We had to use this area for a time out and to settle our little one down. It’s off to the left of the enterance.

If you have never been here before of if you are a regular like us this is one Disney Restaurant that will remain a fan favorite for generations. We have never had a bad meal here or bad service so be sure to make an Advanced Dining Reservation as you will need it, and don’t forget to bring your appetite!

Enjoy!

Anytime is a good time to eat at Chef Mickey's

2011 Beyond the Attractions: Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers Giveaway

2011 Beyond the Attractions: Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers Giveaway

Planning your trip to Walt Disney World with preschoolers has never been easier.

Beyond the Attractions: A Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers has all the information parents need to plan an unforgettable Walt Disney World vacation with kids, ages 2-5. Written by a mom and Disney veteran who regularly visits Walt Disney World with her young family, this Walt Disney World travel guide is packed with child-focused information, tips, and insights from a parent’s perspective. Its focus on the unique needs of preschoolers and their parents sets Beyond the Attractions apart from other guides.

Author Lisa M. Battista includes all the up-to-date details on toddler- and preschooler-friendly attractions, recreation, lodging, and dining in Beyond the Attractions, but goes well beyond the shows, rides, resorts, and food to consider the logistical challenges that are part of traveling with small kids. Learn about family-friendly services at Walt Disney World such as stroller rentals, Baby Care Centers, and child-care options that will enhance your visit and the memories of your Walt Disney World vacation.

Find more preschooler-focused information in this guidebook including must-do attractions for toddlers and preschoolers; attraction elements that may scare small kids; best attractions for the little daredevils in your family; attractions the whole family can enjoy together; hidden activities when your kids need a break; ideas to keep the kids entertained while waiting in line; descriptions of each Walt Disney World resort; safety tips for your vacation; preschooler packing list and vacation planning timeline; maps showing the locations of preschooler-friendly attractions in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Save hours of research planning a Walt Disney World vacation that is perfect for your family with this easy-to-read, concise, yet complete Disney World travel guide.

Beyond the Attractions is now available for the Barnes and Noble Nook & on Paperback on Amazon.com

2011 Beyond the Attractions: Guide to Walt Disney World with Preschoolers Giveaway

Races Around The World- an Intro to runDisney

Races Around The World- an Intro to runDisney

Already in 2011, over 70,000 people have participated in runDisney events.  But, what is runDisney and what are these events?  RunDisney is the official “brand” for all of Disney’s endurance events.

Throughout the year, runDisney hosts many different endurance weekends and events.

Starting in January with the annual Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, you can find yourself, or loved ones, participating in:

  • Mickey’s Marathon Kids’ Fest
  • Buzz and Woody’s Best Friends 5k
  • Half Marathon
  • Marathon Relay (new in 2012)
  • Full Marathon
  • Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge

Or you can visit in February for Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend, a weekend of endurance events celebrating  the women  that prove that anything is possible.  During February’s race weekend, the race options are:

  • Disney’s Royal Family Kids’ Races
  • Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5k
  • Disney’s Princess Half Marathon

As a part of ESPN the Weekend, held annually in March, there are:

  • Disney Kids’ Races
  • Champion® 5k

Next, in May, comes the Expedition Everest Challenge, including:

  • Expedition Everest Challenge – a 5k that is designed for teams as a race and scavenger hunt, all in one.
  • Disney Kids’ Races

Disneyland hosts their own set of races in September, hosting:

  • Disneyland Half Marathon
  • Disneyland Family Fun Run 5k
  • Disneyland Kids’ Races

And, Walt Disney World finishes up the year in October with:

  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay
  • Family Fun Run 5k
  • Disney Kids’ Races

Each weekend has their own perks, such as after parties at both the Expedition Everest Challenge and the Wine & Dine Half Marathon.  Most of the weekends offer special race tickets.  Marathon Weekend offers all who complete the full marathon a single entry day into the parks on “Marathon Monday,” the day after the race.

Each finisher is awarded a medal and race shirt, designed for specific events.  For more information on dates, registration, fees, check out runDisney’s official website.

Race Glossary:

Kids’ Fest Races – races designed for crawlers on up, starting with 100 meter dash (with parental help allowed!) through a 1 mile run for older kids.

5k – 3.1 miles

Half Marathon- 13.1 miles

Marathon – 26.2 Miles

Goofy’s Race and a Half – Half Marathon plus Full Marathon – 39.3 miles over 2 days

Relay– Race total divided by 2 (or more, depending on total distance)

Races Around The World- an Intro to runDisney

Pick YOUR Best Time Of Year To Visit Walt Disney World

Pick YOUR Best Time Of Year To Visit Walt Disney World

Picking your “best” time to visit Walt Disney World is, for many, less a choice or a “pick” than it is a time frame dictated by your family/travel group situation. Families with children in traditional schools nearly always must visit during vacation periods while folks like us, married with no children, pretty much have their pick of travel times.

For families with children who are home schooled your freedom of choice is greatly opened. Those with children who are in year round school have a broader selection of travel times even though they are still restricted by school commitments. Even adults have commitments that may restrict travel dates, for example, those working in the retail sector often find vacation time blacked out during the Christmas holiday season. Once you have determined the time frames you are able to go to Walt Disney World then it’s time to “pick” the best of the times available to you. Let’s take a look at the best and most difficult times to be at Walt Disney World based primarily on crowds.

Best Times:

  • January (after Jan 1) until about President’s Week in February
  • Depending on the date of Easter likely a few weeks in February and March prior to Easter week
  • After Easter until Memorial Day week
  • From mid August until Thanksgiving week with a slight attendance spike over the Columbus Day weekend
  • After Thanksgiving week until just before Christmas week (one huge benefit here the World is in full holiday splendor)

Most Difficult Times:

Depending on your tolerance for crowds and your available travel time you can base your decision on when to visit on the above since it is pretty consistent from year to year. Other things to take into consideration, though, are special events like the Flower and Garden Festival, Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Your desire to experience Walt Disney World around the Christmas Holiday season can also influence your decision and it’s a truly Magical time of year. I hope this helps you out with your decision making process. As always, enjoy your visit to Walt Disney World!!

Ken

PHOTO BY DISNEY

Pick YOUR Best Time Of Year To Visit Walt Disney World

Disney Confidential – Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Book a Jungle Cruise Together

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Disney Confidential - Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Book a Jungle Cruise Together

Hey there guys and gals Anonymouse here delivering to you the best in Disney News and Gossip.

Big news today from Walt Disney Pictures with the Pirates Franchise on its way out the door Disney took a walk around the park to try to find another ride to make into another household name. Here is what they came up with:

The Walt Disney Studios is excited to be in development with Mandeville Films and writer Roger S.H. Schulman on a feature film based on the Jungle Cruise, one of the most iconic attractions in Disney theme park history. The film will pair up Tim Allen and Tom Hanks in their first live-action project, after their previous collaborations in the Toy Story trilogy.‬

Interesting choice guys. Did you walk out of Pirates of the Caribbean hang a right and pick the very next ride? What’s next Aladdin’s Magic Carpet Ride? Wait isn’t that is already a Animated Movie?  How about Swiss Family Robinson? No that won’t work either.. Haunted Mansion? Nope.. Buzz Lightyear?

I could do this all day….

It seems Jungle Cruise is the only logical choice for a movie, although a runaway train movie would be really good and it could have Denzel Washington, and Chris Pine star in it. Instead of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad call it something like, I don’t know.. Unstoppable.

I am kinda up in the air on this movie. Will it be a comedy like the ride? or will be a drama? I know we can make a new category of movie and call it a dramedy.

That’s all I have for today. I want to hear what you think about this movie idea. Let me know in the comment section below.

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

Disney Confidential - Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Book a Jungle Cruise Together

Off to Neverland On Disney Cruise Line

Off to Neverland On Disney Cruise Line

“Off to Neverland, and aaawwaay we go!” When you “think of the happiest things” (vacation planning!) what comes to mind? Running through the parks sun up to sun down, racing to attractions, worrying about advanced dining reservations or would you rather be like the mermaids in the lagoon…relaxing and splashing about all day?

There is nothing as relaxing as a cruise vacation; but even Disney’s faithful fans may be turned off to the idea of a Disney Cruise Line vacation if they assume it’s like a Disney land-based vacation. What you do know is that the “Disney” brand is synonymous with family, quality and unique experiences. What you don’t know may change your opinion of Disney Cruise Line forever!

There is no doubt that if you are traveling with children a Disney vacation is an excellent choice. For adults looking for peace and quiet, a quick weekend getaway or a relaxing week (or more!) at sea, Disney Cruise Line is also for you!

Just as the children’s activities and programs are the best on the seas, the adults-only services offer a quality that only Disney can achieve. For a child, Disney Cruise Line is a wonderland of imagination, activity and technology. For an adult, it’s the ultimate in fine cuisine, pampering and relaxation.

On the Magic and the Wonder deck 10 is where you can find Palo; Northern Italian Cuisine prepared in an open kitchen, offering an elegant dining experience, deliciously inventive dishes and a beautiful view off the back of the ship. Reserved for guests 18 and older, Palo is the perfect place for a quiet romantic dinner for two.

If pampering is what you desire, look no farther than the Vista Spa and Salon. The wide array of spa services offer something for everyone, men and women alike. Get an “up-do” or hair cut for formal night, a facial or full body massage, even book sessions with a personal trainer. You may even find a sale on sea or port days, be sure to check your personal navigator for the deal of the day.

If the spa isn’t your style, find a cozy spot in the cove cafe, order a specialty coffee and borrow a book from the cabinet, or bring your own. The Cove is located by the adults only pool and is two stories, offering easy access to other adult only areas, a quick stop coffee spot and a beautiful view on the upper deck. The Cove is the perfect place to find peace and quiet in the early morning, a quick stop in the afternoon or a cozy place to wind down the day.

Nothing says vacation more than an afternoon at the adult’s only pool. Lounge on lush cushioned chairs (with movable neck pillows!) while you soak in the sun. Look for the drink of the day to be brought to you by one of the many servers roaming the decks or order your favorite cocktail and have it delivered right to your chair. After a long day of shore excursions or shopping in port, hop into one of the two hot tubs and soak the day away.

For entertainment in the evening, Beat Street (Magic) and Route 66 (Wonder) offer a variety of adults only entertainment from comedians, variety shows, theme nights, dance parties, live bands and a full bar with ample waitstaff.

If all the solitude on the ship isn’t enough, even Castaway Cay has Serenity Beach; the adults only area on the other side of the island. Rent a bike and snorkeling gear and enjoy the crystal clear waters and white sand beaches with your fellow peers. Take a nap in a hammock, pull a raft in the water, or enjoy a lounge chair-in or out-of the water. Have the drink of the day delivered in a keepsake coconut and enjoy a BBQ feast at Cookies.

(*Tip: it’s a nice ride from the family side of the island to Serenity Beach but it’s not always easy to ride a bike with a bag of snorkeling gear. I like to use a bike with a baby seat to store our gear!)

If you are parents, grandparents, extended and blended families, Disney Cruise Line is the perfect place for you: you can spend as much (or as little) time with your family as you like, there’s something for everyone and it’s not all in the same place!

Peter Pan never wanted to grow up, why should you?!

Off to Neverland On Disney Cruise Line

Adventureland’s El Pirata Y El Perico renamed Tortuga Tavern

Adventureland's Tortuga Tavern sign, Magic Kingdom

El Pirata Y el Perico, the Magic Kingdom quick-service restaurant in Adventureland, has been renamed Tortuga Tavern. The name reflects Disney’s popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” film franchise, and refers to the 17th century pirate stronghold mentioned in the movies. Tortuga Tavern is located across from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, which was the inspiration for the films.

The key elements in El Pirata’s transformation to Tortuga Tavern include a new color scheme and design elements, rather than a significant re-design to the restaurant’s menu. The restaurant is now more fully realized as a pirate’s tavern, helping to present this entire area of Adventureland as a pirate’s hideway. (Also included in the area is The Pirate League makeover and Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial.)

Tortuga Tavern colors include dusky reds, pinks and beiges accented by turquoise blue – similar to the color scheme found at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Tortuga’s exterior sign picks up these colors and features two female figureheads such as those that adorn a ship’s bow. Outside, the tavern also proudly flies its pirate colors (i.e. flags).

Crew roster book found inside Adventurland's Tortuga Tavern, Magic Kingdom
Crew roster book found inside Adventurland's Tortuga Tavern, Magic Kingdom

The restaurant’s interior design and props also suggest the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies. For instance, a stylized mural of Blackbeard has replaced the image of a more generic pirate. And among the many movie-inspired props is a book that lists crew rosters for the Black Pearl and Queen Anne’s Revenge, the film’s fictional ships. Guests who tour the Tortuga Tavern area will see broken railings, empty rum barrels and bullet holes, all indications of a raucous pirate’s life. Yo Ho!

As of this writing, Tortuga Tavern is serving most of the same menu items as El Pirata, focusing on standard Mexican food options. The menu offers burritos (including a vegetarian option), taco salads and nachos, plus quesadillas and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for kids. The triple chocolate cake is still available for dessert, and  the “toppin’s bar” remains intact. However, El Pirata’s tacos are not currently on the Tortuga menu, which may be disappointing to some El Pirata fans.

Also disappointing is that the menu has not changed or expanded to provide more food more appropriate to the theme, perhaps those which can be found at a Caribbean restaurant: jerk chicken, curry dishes, plantains, even a banana bread pudding.

Walt Disney World has not offered an official statement as to whether Tortuga Tavern’s menu is undergoing changes or whether the restaurant will continue to operate seasonally, as it did when it was El Pirata. Tortuga Tavern is currently open 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily.

Tortuga Tavern, like El Pirata Y el Perico, is on the Disney Dining Plan as a quick-service restaurant option.

Photo Credit: Jimmy Suarez, Tortuga Tavern Sign. Thanks, Jimmy!

Adventureland’s El Pirata Y El Perico renamed Tortuga Tavern

Review: Nausicaa’s return to the Valley of the Wind.

Review: Nausicaa's return to the Valley of the Wind.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is the highly acclaimed masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki that launched his animation career into global success.  This wonderful tale of Princess Nausicaa is lovingly digitally remastered to give the movie a whole new dimension of detail.  This Japanese animation is one of the cornerstones of the industry and helped to solidify Studio Ghibli as a major household name for wholesome family animation.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a beautifully woven story about a princess who lives in one of the last hospitable valleys in a far future Earth destroyed by war.  In this world the land has been taken over by a toxic jungle created by spores and there are very few places where humanity can survive.  Princess Nausicaa must courageously find a way to help bring both mankind and nature back together and save what is left of humanity.

The clarity of the video re-master is so great that even some errors within the original film film reel are apparent.  As this movie was released in 1984, it is already in a proper widescreen format and there is no screen filling technology used.  The full 1080p version of this film is essentially the highest quality format this film will ever need to be, so there is no hesitation in recommending this version of the film.

One thing to note that has changed with the film is the default audio track.  The default audio track is a completely re-done recording that takes the remastered music and effects tracks and pairs them with new voice acting from the likes of Shia LaBeouf, Alison Lohman, Edward James Olmos, Patrick Stewart, and Uma Thurman.  If you prefer to watch the movie in it’s original Japanese language version with subtitles, that option is available as well.

The enjoyment of Miyazaki’s epic masterpiece is further enhanced by the exclusive bonus features included with the blu-ray.  The World of Ghibli bonus allows you to have a unique interactive experience.  A behind the studio feature allows you to walk through the film’s origin and even has an interview with creator Hayao Miyazaki.  The “Enter The Lands” feature lets you interactively explore a map that includes many of the different worlds that have been imagined by the great minds at Studio Ghibli.  You can also view the original Japanese storyboards for the film, and test your knowledge of Studio Ghibli with a trivia challenge.  The bonuses add just that extra touch to complete the experience of this Blu-ray debut of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind.

Keep in mind that some elements this film may not be appropriate for some of our youngest Disney / Studio Ghibli fans.  There are brief moments of violence and minimal bloodshed that are the reasons for it’s PG rating.  If you are a fan of Studio Ghibli films such as Spirited Away and Ponyo, you will absolutely love watching this beautiful rendition of one of Miyazaki’s original films.

Movie Details:
Length: 117 Minutes
Rating: PG
Format: 1080p Blu-ray / 480p DVD
Audio: English, French, Japanese
Subtitles: English, ESL, SDH, French
Package Contents: Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack

Disclosure: This review is based off of my own opinion of this movie. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment furnished a copy of this title for review. All copyright images, and content belong to Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Reviewed by Jon & Anne`

Review: Nausicaa's return to the Valley of the Wind.