DisneyWorld Event Calendar “In the Spotlight” – June 4th – June 11th

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May 27, 2010

June 6- Aug. 14

KICK OFF! Summer Nightastic! “Summer Nightastic!” lights up the after-dark entertainment experience at the Walt Disney World Resort June 6 – Aug. 14. with a megawatt parade, fireworks extravaganza, rockin’ dance party, concerts and other surprises. More info: disneyworld.com

At Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy the return of the “Main Street Electrical Parade,” and see the new “Summer Nightastic! Fireworks Spectacular.”
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can experience new effects and a summer-only drop sequence at The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror, and dance the night away at the “Rock n’ Glow Dance Party,” where a DJ and live rock band keep popular tunes coming every Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday.

June 4-6

Star Wars Weekends: The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 13 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. More info: starwars.com or disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends
This weekend’s celebrity appearances (subject to change):

Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian in “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi”)
Ray Park (Darth Maul in “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”)
Dave Filoni (director of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

June 11

Star Wars Weekends: The power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 13 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Weekends. More info: starwars.com or disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends

This weekend’s celebrity appearances (subject to change):

Ray Park (Darth Maul in “Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace”)
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca, in four of the live-action films)
James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – June 4-11

MAGIC KINGDOM

Daily – “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” Street Party: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 5:40 p.m.
Daily – Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade: 3 p.m.
Special Presentation – Wishes Fireworks: June 4-5: 10 p.m.
Special Presentation – Summer Nightastic Fireworks Spectacular: June 6-11: 10 p.m.
Special Presentation – SpectroMagic: June 4: 9 p.m.
Special Presentation – Main Street Electrical Parade: June 6-8: 9 p.m. & 11 p.m.; June 9-10: 9 p.m.June 11: 9 p.m. 11 p.m.
Park Hours – June 4-8: 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; June 9-10: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; June 11: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Daily – Block Party Bash: 3 p.m.
Special Presentation – Fantasmic!: June 6, 10&11: 9 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.
Park Hours – June 4-5: 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; June 6: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; June 7-9: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; June 10-11: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

EPCOT

Daily – IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth: 9 p.m.
Park Hours – Future World: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; World Showcase: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

Daily – Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade: 3:45 p.m.
Park Hours – June 4-5: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; June 6-11: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Downtown Disney West Side
House of Blues presents . . .

June 4 Cheap Trick (rock): House of Blues; $36 adv/$39 day of; 8 p.m.
June 5 “Girls in Wonderland 2010” with DJ Lisa Pittman and Pat Pat (dance): House of Blues; $26 adv/$31 day of; 9 p.m.
June 6 TBD (gospel brunch): House of Blues; $32.50 ages 10+/$16.25 ages 3-9; 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Paul Mitchell Hair Show 2010 Party: House of Blues; $23; 9 p.m.
June 9 Cobra Starship and 3oh!3 with Travis McCoy and I Fight Dragons (pop/rock): House of Blues; $24.25 adv/$27.25 day of; 7 p.m.
June 11 Gilberto Santa Rosa (salsa): House of Blues; $40 adv/$43 day of; 9 p.m. Ruth King Blues Band (blues): The Blues Kitchen at House of Blues; free; 10:30 p.m.

Discovering the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin: Two Cool Buildings with Some Heavenly Benefits

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Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 27, 2010

I wanted to talk today about the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin resort hotels, certainly a couple of the neatest looking hotels around. If you have ever visited Disney World, you have surely seen these fantastic-looking landmarks, not far from Epcot’s Spaceship Earth icon.

They are definitely distinctive, to say the least. I have always thought that Michael Graves, the award-winning architect who designed the Swan and Dolphin, took his mission to design buildings that fit the “Disney magic” very seriously. These buildings are way cool. And pretty hard to miss!

I will admit that interesting design fascinates me, so I find the architecture of the Swan and Dolphin extremely appealing. And the interiors and grounds are lovely as well: in fact they rival any of the deluxe Disney properties when it comes to elegance and attention to detail. But, how they look is, frankly, the least of the benefits of being a guest here.

Owned by Starwood (the parent company of the Sheraton and Westin hotels) the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin resort is actually located on Disney property, and is a short walk or boat ride from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. It is an extremely convenient location. And as a guest, you also get access to Disney’s bus service to the other theme parks as well.

One of the nicest benefits of staying at the Swan and Dolphin is that guests, while not officially Disney resort guests, still enjoy many great Disney resort perks: in addition to the transportation and location, guests of the Swan and Dolphin can participate in the Extra Magic Hours program, get free parking at the theme parks, and can get package delivery from the parks to the hotel.

And then there are the beds. Oh my gosh…

If you have ever stayed at a Westin property, you may be familiar with their “Heavenly Beds”: pillow top mattress, triple sheets, down blanket and comforter, and goose down/feather pillows….Let me just say that after a long day at the Disney parks….the Heavenly Bed is an extremely accurate name!!

What makes the Swan and Dolphin even more attractive is that although in the “deluxe” category, these two hotels are typically less expensive than similar Disney-owned properties. And even better, they are well known for frequent discounts for AAA members, Florida residents, seniors, government employees, members of the military, nurses, and teachers.

We stayed here several years ago over New Years Eve and the reason we did was that the location could not be beat, plus we got all the benefits of being a Disney resort guest, yet got more value than staying at an official Disney resort. Perfect location, more for your money, and Heavenly Beds: What’s not to love?

Hi, I’m a Marvel… and I’m a DC: The Musical

By

Chip

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May 27, 2010

When Batman and Iron Man get together to discuss sequels, Iron Man reveals a unique way to respond to his critics and explain the bigger picture for his company’s (as well as other company’s) film slate. (Marvel/DC/Mac/PC Parody/Review )

Follow the Randoms at http://www.twitter.com/RandomGuyAndGal

Visit http://www.youtube.com/ItsJustSomeRan… for more!

New Disney Dining Reservation Page Gets an Update

By

Chip

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May 27, 2010

So I was on the Dining and Reservations page this morning helping Chris with an article..I had to do a double take so I backed out and came back in before I realized the main site was changed.

Overall the site seems a lot faster and simpler to use. You can use the Make a Reservation at the top, browse the list of restuarants like before towards the bottom, or search by food types. Very Cool!

Check it out for yourself here.

What do you think of the new layout? Let us know in the comment section below.

Latest from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 27, 2010

Not a lot of news coming out of Universal today about the Wizard World of Harry Potter. The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that employees are testing the attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at this very minute. This attraction was kept tightly under wraps even during the the press/travel industry party held a few days ago. Invitees were shown the queue, but little else. Says the Sentinel:

Multiple sources say that Universal team members — a.k.a. employees — received an email asking them to help test the new ride called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the mysterious attraction based in the Hogwarts castle at Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Tomorrow is the first day that those who booked special packages will visit the attraction, but fans are hoping that today’s tests mean there will be soft openings (perhaps for annual pass holders) prior to the official June 18th opening.

We’re watching a number of websites and Twitter feeds and if anything else comes out, we’ll update.

Sights, Sounds of Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By

Chip

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May 27, 2010

An interesting look at Star Wars Weekends thanks to Disney Parks Blog:

Fans of the Star Wars universe – today, we’re sharing some of the sights and sounds that made last weekend so special at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Weekends launched on the 30th anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and the big-screen debut of Boba Fett. So of course, the bounty hunter had a strong presence. Here’s what celebrity host Jeremy Bulloch and celebrity guest Daniel Logan had to say about the character they played and some favorite fan costumes from the event, including “purple” Darth Vader:

Star Wars Weekends continues every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 13. During that time, be on the lookout for some new faces, including R2-MK, and Asajj Ventress from “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” And please let us know in comments if you spot any unique characters we may have missed.

2010 “American Idol” Lee DeWyze Stars in Iconic Disney Parks Commercial

By

Chip

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May 27, 2010

Lee DeWyze is photographed while taping one of the famous “I’m Going to Disney World!” commercials for Disney Parks at the Nokia Theater, immediately after being crowned the newest “American Idol” May 26, 2010 in the show’s star-studded season finale in Los Angeles.

DeWyze’s appearance in the iconic Disney spot celebrates “The American Idol Experience” theme park attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida. Not only does the newly crowned Idol shout “I’m Going to Disney World!” at the spot’s conclusion, his voice also is featured throughout the ad as he performs the classic Disney song, “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

(Paul Hiffmeyer, photographer)

Disneyland Training: Seasons

By

Chip

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May 27, 2010

There are a few decisions you have to make before you go- when you are going, where you are going to stay and how many days you will stay there and buy tickets for and these things will all affect your budget. Then we can cover what to do when you are there. Hopefully when reading this series, you’ll get some answers to these questions and be ready for your next Disneyland trip.

Seasons:

Disneyland Resort has 2 main seasons: Peak and Off-peak.

Peak season

These are most commonly times when kids are out of school for holidays and breaks- June through Labor day weekend, Spring break (weeks before and after Easter), Thanksgiving, week before Christmas through New Year’s and most 3-day weekends.

Pros- all rides and shows are open
Cons- biggest crowds, longer waits, higher prices for hotels/flights

If your travel period is set and you need to go during peak season, plan to be there on certain days of the week like Tuesdays-Thursdays, so it will be less crowded, because Mondays and Fridays are right after/before the weekend- people only have to take one or two days off of work and usually leave before the middle of the week. This also hits two possible “Magic Morning” days, which will get you in the park an hour earlier than other guests either on Tuesday or Thursday (more about then when we cover if you are staying on-property or have a park-hopper pass) and one time with “Toontown Morning Madness” (special pass only) on Wednesday.

You will definitely need to take advantage of the Fast-Pass rides to see more (also will go into more detail later) but it will be a time-saver when it comes to big crowds.
This scene always gets me in the Holiday spirit

Off-peak season

Usually runs after New Year’s until President’s day weekend (mid-Feb), week after Easter until Memorial day weekend (end of May), mid-September through mid-October and after Thanksgiving until week before Christmas.

Pros- less crowds, lower prices for hotels/flights
Cons- some rides are down for refurbishment/maintenance, shows aren’t daily

Any periods not listed are average attendance- after President’s day weekend until the week before Easter, Sundays not during Peak season, Memorial day until school is out and mid-October to Thanksgiving. If you can handle a little more crowds and want less cost than peak season- these are the times to go.

We like to go during off-peak season. Even Sundays during off-peak season (average attendance since it’s open to Southern California pass-holders) are too much for us. My favorite time to go is the first of December when the holiday decorations are already up which really gets me in the holiday spirit but without all the peak crowds. The evenings and mornings are about 40 degrees, which is below our Hawaii average, but it gives it an experience that is new for us- bundling up and wearing layers. And we still want to try the Halloween party at California Adventure (mid-September through Halloween). This is the only time an adult can wear Disney costumes around the park. Taking our kids out of school for a week to go on family trips is something we are okay with cause it means we can see more and do more for less cost.

If you can go during off-peak season, staying during part of a weekend, for at least Friday and Saturday is good if you want to view the nightly spectaculars- like Fantasmic or the fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s castle or the new “World of Color” opening in June at California Adventure. These won’t run daily like during peak season. Saturdays and Sundays are also “Magic Morning” early entry days, so you can take advantage of having more than one option to get in before the crowds. Friday would be when you could go to the “Mickey’s Toontown Morning Madness” parade.

This gives you a good idea of what time of year you will want to go to the Disneyland resort or what to be ready for on the dates you’ve chosen.
Next up: where will you stay?

Planning a Disney Vacation? I am a Disney Vacation Planner and can save you time and money on your next Disney trip.

You can contact me at: [email protected]
Phone: 678-3PIXIE9
(678-374-9439)
Website: www.PixieVacations.com

Disneyland Hotel New Makeover

By

Chip

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May 27, 2010

Some interesting news from the Disney Parks Blog:

Big news…Today we’re sharing details and concept art that will give the Disneyland Hotel a fun, fresh makeover. The pool area is getting a whole new look, including a brand-new pool, all-new immersive water play area and a complete redesign of the Never Land Pool. Plans also call for a new restaurant and bar, and re-theming of the hotel’s three guest room towers.

The biggest transformation (and what I’m most looking forward to) are the changes coming to the pool area. With a nod to the iconic original park signage, “Disneyland” will be spelled out in familiar blocks atop a platform supporting two huge water slides (the larger slide will be 26 feet high and will stretch 187 feet before it plunges into a splash pool below). Reminiscent of the original Monorail station at the Disneyland Hotel, at each slide’s entrance will sit a replica Monorail Car that guests will glide through as they twist and turn their way to the pool below. The pool will also feature a third, two-lane mini slide, perfect for little ones, which is just 3 1/2 feet high and is 19 feet long.

The Never Land Pool will receive a complete cosmetic makeover but will retain its unique shape. A new, four-foot deep pool will be built between the Never Land Pool and the water play area. A footbridge will stretch over this new pool, connecting both sides of the courtyard area and giving easy access across the property. Six new cabanas will also be added. To help you visualize all these exciting, new changes, here’s a rendering from an aerial view.

Click here to keep reading and for some more photos.

Main Street Electrical Parade behind the scenes in the Magic Kingdom parade barn

By

Chip

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May 27, 2010

Backstage behind the Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Electrical Parade was lit up for the media today to tour its floats within the parade warehouse.

For a great write up check out this article from Inside the Magic.

If you thought Avengers Day was big…

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 27, 2010

If you thought Avengers Day was big... — X-Men #1

Then mark July 8th on your calendar! It is going to be Marvel’s X-Men day!!! That’s right, a whole new X-Men #1 will start a new chapter in the mainstream X-Men story. This is extremely exciting news for X-Men fans. Some X-Men fans have felt Marvel has given the X-Men a “back-seat” as of late. This new project is meant to be mainstream and up-front, just like the new push for the Avengers!

The project itself is being written by none other than Victor Gischler! With his work on fan favorites like Deadpool, The Punisher, and Wolverine this is going to get a lot of attention. Artwork will be lead by Paco Medina who has been red hot recently with Deadpool. This seems to prove Marvel is putting a lot of weight and effort behind revitalizing their X-Men. Be sure to check out all the variant covers, I know I’m excited about this new push for the X-Men!

Read all about the official announcement HERE!

[Image Credit]

20% off Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited Annual Subscription

By

Chip and Co Past Writers and Friends

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May 27, 2010

Just like the title says, put in the promo code BlkWidow20A and you’ll get 20% off an annual subscription to Marvel Digital Comics! An awesome Deal if you ask me! Here’s a link to the subscription site: LINK

Don’t forget the promo code: BlkWidow20A