Downtown Disney is undergoing a transformation into ‘Disney Springs’ and there are artist renderings up providing guests what the new area will look like once completed in 2016.
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Archive for Scott
Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition): Merida & Maleficent – Trailer
Bring on the Brave. Bring on the Wicked. Two new characters are coming to Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 — Princess Merida from Disney/Pixar’s Brave and the evil Maleficent from this Spring’s new movie of the same name. Each Disney Infinity figure is sold separately and has unique abilities only playable in the 2.0 edition of Disney Infinity. Be a hero, the villain, or both with Merida and Maleficent.
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‘Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back’ Voted Greatest Movie of All Time
Empire magazine polled more than 250,000 film fans and came up with their definitive list of the 301 greatest movies of all time.
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Vacation Planning Tips for the Disneyland Resort
With the expansion of Disney California Adventure Park and enhancements at Disneyland Park, there’s no better time for guests to enjoy special moments with their friends and families at the Disneyland Resort, making the most of their vacation and making memories that last a lifetime. There are plenty of tips for guests as they plan to stay and play at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, the three on-site hotels and Downtown Disney.
PLAN
Disney Vacation Planning DVD – Guests are invited to preview the magical experiences that await their next Disneyland Resort Vacation with a library of informative videos. To order a Disney Vacation Planning DVD, go to Disneyland.com.
Disney Account – Guests may create a personalized Disney account to access unique Disneyland Resort content, including vacation planning and reservation tools. Registered guests may also receive the latest resort news and Disney Insider Newsletter. To sign up, go to Disneyland.com and click on “Create Account” on the top right.
Disneyland Express – Just 30 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and just 15 miles from John Wayne Airport (SNA), Disneyland Resort offers the Disneyland Express for easy bus transfer to the resort. Disneyland Resort Express also provides convenient transportation to Anaheim area hotels.
Dining Reservations – To make the most of vacation time, guests can make dining reservations in advance at the resort’s award-winning restaurants. Guests have several options: call 714-781-DINE, send an email with date, time and contact information to dine@Disneyland.com, or use the Check Availability tool on Disneyland.com.
Social Media – Keep up with the latest official information about the Disneyland Resort at DisneyParksBlog.com, where guests may also get behind-the-scenes looks at the parks, resort hotels and Downtown Disney. For planning tips and fun facts, follow @Disneyland on Twitter. The official Facebook Page of the Disneyland Resort includes park updates, news and special backstage info at Facebook.com/Disneyland.
In-Park Social Media – When you’re at the resort, follow @DisneylandToday on Twitter for in-park information about Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Downtown Disney and the resort hotels with live updates and answers.
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May the Force Be with You! by Jennifer Romano
Star Wars Weekends are now underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and if you want to enjoy all of the events that are offered, I have a few tips for you and your younglings. First, if you want to get signatures from the celebrities who are visiting for the weekend, it is vital that you arrive very early in the morning in order to get a fastpass. Some people actually sleep at the entrance to Hollywood Studios in order to snag a coveted autograph time. Each weekend plays host to a different group of Star Wars celebrities, but James Arnold Taylor of Clone Wars fame will be present for all five weekends as well as Ashley Eckstein. The fourth weekend is going to be extremely crowded because Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, will be visiting. As far as Disney has announced, he will not be signing autographs, but he will be present for the Stars of the Saga Talk Show and the Motorcade. Regardless, if you want to see Luke, you would do well to arrive very early for this weekend.
Arriving early does not only apply to getting signatures. If you want to see the talk show or any of the entertainment offerings, you must give yourself plenty of time to wait in line, and prepare for disappointment if you do not make it into the show that you want. I was at DHS for the first weekend, and the entire park was super crowded. So, if you are not interested in Star Wars, avoid DHS during the next few weekends. In addition to celebrity visitors, many characters from Star Wars populate DHS during Star Wars Weekends. If you are excited about meeting some of these fantastic characters, then consult the special edition Star Wars park map for DHS, which will give you information about when and where these characters will be meeting throughout the park. These are awesome character encounters because this is the only time during the year that you really have the opportunity to meet these characters. If you are traveling with a young padawan, then you need to make a visit to the Jedi Training Academy, where your younglings can learn the power of the Force. Again, if you want to participate in this experience, you should make it a priority when you enter the park in the morning. If getting into Jedi Training Academy is super important to your family, then you should go there immediately upon entering DHS. Remember that this experience is offered year round, not just during Star Wars Weekends, so you can still do this during the week.
It wouldn’t be Star Wars Weekends without fantastic limited edition merchandise! This year, Darth’s Mall has been relocated to Soundstage 1, which is right next to Toy Story Midway Mania. The line to enter this store can get quite lengthy, so it is important to spend your time wisely. If you have already seen the motorcade or the Talk Show, then you should head to the store while everyone else is lining up for those shows. Also, some of the merchandise will sell out, so if you see something that you want, buy it the first time you see it because it may not be available later in the day. Some of the most popular merchandise selections are the Star Wars nametags that are custom made while you wait. It usually takes about 15 minutes for the nametag to be made, so order it first, then walk around the rest of the store while you wait. In addition, the Darth Vader popcorn buckets are quite popular as are the Stormtrooper mugs.
Finally, to cap off your awesome day, you have to make an effort to attend the Symphony in the Stars fireworks that can be viewed from many locations on Hollywood Blvd. You might be tempted to stand right next to the stage near the Sorcerer’s Hat to view the fireworks, but don’t do it. You will be too close to see the fireworks. You should stand farther back down Hollywood Blvd for a better view. Now if your goal is to see the characters that appear on the stage right before the fireworks, then definitely stand close to the stage and come back another night for fireworks viewing.
I hope these tips aid you in visiting DHS during Star Wars Weekends, and I hope that the force is strong with you this summer! Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!
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Harambe Nights Evening Spectacular at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of “The Lion King”
Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom presents the sights, sounds and flavors of Africa during a dazzling new theatrical production and energetic street party celebrating the 20th anniversary of “The Lion King” classic film.
Each Saturday from June 7 through August 9 during this special-ticket, after-hours event, Harambe Nights treats guests to a magical evening. Venturing to the Africa section of the park, guests start the evening with a welcome reception featuring refreshing sips and savory bites of African-inspired appetizers. As they head to the Harambe Theatre, guests receive a special package of chef-created “Lion Chow” perfect for the 55-minute theatrical extravaganza, “The Lion King Concert in the Wild.” This original show comprises celebrity narrators, a live orchestra, choir and special effects to present the moving story of Simba’s coming of age like never before.
After the show, guests head back into Harambe Village for a lively street party rocking with Afro-pop rhythms, street performers and an abundant selection of buffet stations with perfectly seasoned dishes for pairing with beers, wines and specialty beverages, all included in the event admission. When the stars come out, an array of desserts adds a sweet touch to the fun.
Guests can enjoy food and beverages selections that include:
Reception Tastes
Durban spiced chicken tenders
Moroccan beef kefta with tamarind glaze
Safari cheeseburger roll with tomato curry aioli
Pickled fennel paneer cheese with tomato
During the Show
“Lion Chow” – Sea salted pretzel chips, benne crumbles, cardamom candied pecans, golden raisins, dried cherries and candied ginger
Fresh Cooked Breads, Salads and More
Watercress, melon, feta and berry balsamic onion salad
Kachumbari salad with tomato, paneer, carrot and cilantro
Roasted beetroot salad with sunflower seeds
Spicy vegetable samosa with mango chutney
Slow-roasted chicken legs
Traditional naan, onion kucha and pappadum breads
Roasted pepper hummus, raita and garlic-ginger pickle
Creamy mac ‘n cheese
Surf and Turf Station
Line-caught corvina filet with goan curry sauce
On-stage-seared lamb chops with tamarind pomegranate sauce
Mango, radish, lime and mustard seed salad
Watermelon, cucumber and fennel salad
Coriander chutney roasted potatoes
Slow-cook Action Stations
Fork-tender peri barbecued pork
Vegetarian eggplant tikka masala curry served over creamy goat cheese pap
Butter chicken thighs and vegetarian legume wat served over basmati rice
Sweets
Golden pineapple with toasted coconut
Apple slices with Amarula caramel sauce
Ripe melon with minted lime yogurt dip
Rice pudding, dried fruit compote and pistachio gremolata
Caramel salted Tanzania chocolate Kenya coffee bite
Chai cream with zebra stripes
Novelty ice cream bars
Wine
Spice Route Chenin Blanc
Fairview Goats do Roam Viognier Blend
The WolfTrap Syrah blend
Fairview Pinotage
Beer
Tusker Lager
St. George Ethopian
Bud Light
Corona
Specialty Drink
Jungle Juice (Passion fruit, orange and guava juices mixed with rum)
Simba juice mix (non-alcoholic)
Also on hand for all guests: Soft drinks and water
Harambe Nights takes place every Saturday from June 7 through August 9. The event’s welcome reception begins at 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., it’s show time. Tickets are $119 for adults, $79 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Capacity is limited.
For tickets, call 407-939-1319 or visit Disneyworld.com/HarambeNights.
Entertainment, celebrity narrators and menu are subject to change.
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Traveling with Adults to the Disneyland Resort – Video
If you think Disneyland Resort Theme Parks are just for kids, then here’s some news for you: it’s a great place for adults to have fun, too! Here are some magical travel tips to help you plan an adults-only visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.
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Captain America: The Winter Soldier on Blu-ray September 9
MARVEL’S CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLIDER arrives on Disney Movies Anywhere on August 19th and on 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack on September 9th! This release is armed with explosively entertaining bonus features, including Making-of Featurettes, Audio Commentary, Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes, Bloopers and more!
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Red White and Blue by Kim Lawton
Memorial Day marks the official beginning of summer. But its significance is much more than that. It is a day set aside to honor and remember the men and women who have died serving in the United States Armed Forces. Its origins date back to the Civil War where Union and Confederate soldiers were honored. By the 20th century the honor was extended to all Americans who had died in service to our Country. Service to one’s country is a great calling and high honor. To give the ultimate sacrifice for one’s country is bravery exemplified. Let us remember those that have fallen in service and give thanks for their service. At the same time, let’s thank our service men and women that continue to serve so that we can enjoy the freedoms that make our Country great.
For service members planning a summer vacation, there are discounts available for Walt Disney World trips including lodging and tickets. There is even a resort dedicated to US Military members and their families. It is the only Armed Forces Recreation Center in the continental United States, offering resort accommodations and friendly service in the midst of Walt Disney World. They take pride in serving those who serve. Since the resort is a Walt Disney World partner, guests can purchase theme park tickets, take advantage of Extra Magic Hours at the theme parks and use complimentary Shades of Green buses to get around. Check out the Shades of Green web page for more information, http://www.shadesofgreen.org.
Opening in 1994, Shades of Green is designed with service members in mind, providing much needed R&R. There are 586 over sized rooms with many meeting ADA standards. Like other Disney resorts, it is a destination in itself with lush tropical gardens, pools and a variety of restaurants. Affordability, first class accommodations, enthusiasm and enhancing moral are part of the resort mission statement. If you meet the specific eligibility requirements, you and your guests will enjoy sharing the magic at this exclusive resort.
There are other web sites devoted to military discounts and Disney information. Just be sure to double check all the fine print and make sure you know what you are buying. For example http://www.militarydisneytips.com has information on everything from discounts to when to go with an overview of Shades of Green thrown in. Some of the information is free and some is in the form of an information booklet for a fee. The Walt Disney web site also has military discount information and a link to the Shades of Green page.
Patriotism and serving ones country was important to Walt Disney and to the company he founded. He once said: “Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, the American flag is waving in both of them and up my spine is glowing this red, white, and blue stripe.”
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Sneak Peek – Two New Piston Cup Race Cars for the Junior Ride-Along Program at Walt Disney World Speedway
Beginning June 14, two new full-size custom character cars, created by Disney•Pixar “Cars” creative director Jay Ward, will enter the line-up for Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway. The #28 Aiken Axler and #80 Sage VanDerSpin cars will be used in the new Piston Cup Junior Ride-Along program. For $59, the Junior Ride-Along program gives children ages 6 to 13 (and at least 48 inches tall) the chance to experience real-life racing excitement as they ride shotgun with a professional driving instructor for three thrilling laps in a specially equipped Piston Cup race car. Walt Disney World Speedway is located near Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Courtesy Pixar Animation Studios)
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