WDW Daily News

Any frequent visitor to Walt Disney World has surely had at least 1 quintessential Disney “magical moment” . It’s that moment when an unexpected experience, sight, or kindness sprinkles the vacation with an extra dose of pixie dust that becomes an incredibly special lasting memory. It may be an amazing character greeting, a free waffle given away at the very end of a long night, or a rainbow over Cinderella Castle. For me, I am always blessed with at least one special Disney moment per visit. More times than not, it is the dedication and spirit of a Walt Disney World cast member who is responsible for this moment of spontaneous happiness.

I have heard a few people recently say that the Disney magic seems to be dying; they felt as if the cast members seem disinterested and not willing to go to the extra effort to make a visit magical for the guest. I am so happy to say that I don’t believe it- not even for a second. I have come across so many amazing cast members on my recent trips to the World, who have gone out of their way to make my day special. Have I run into the occasional grumpy cast member? Sure…but anytime that there is such an enormous group of people working toward a common goal, there is bound to be a bad egg or two. In my experiences, the majority of the dedicated individuals that choose to work for Disney hold the spirit of Walt in their hearts. They believe that it is their primary goal to make each guest’s experience magical. They have a smile on their face and are always looking to make that magic, even through the blistering heat and torrential rain.

Never was this more apparent to me than on my recent trip in July. It was the day before I was to depart from Walt Disney World, and I was determined to catch the Festival of Fantasy parade. The parade was elusive to me; over my past 2 trips, the weather had caused the parade’s cancellation the 5 times I had been in the park to see it. Since I was flying solo and didn’t have my kids to complain and really wanted a good viewing location to take some pictures, I found a shady spot in Frontierland (on a raised planter near the bathrooms) about 90 minutes before the start time. I settled in, figuring I could catch up on email and twitter while I relaxed under the tree. Soon I was joined by 2 lovely young ladies, and we struck up a conversation. They introduced themselves as off-duty Magic Kingdom cast members. Over the next hour, these women showed that they exemplified what a Disney cast member should be. Not only did they spend time talking with this middle-aged mom about everything under the sun, but they showed kindness to all those around them, both adults and children. They asked me all about my trip and what magical experiences I had encountered. They shared their experiences working at Disney and their hopes for a continued career with the company. The love for both their work and for the magic of the parks was clearly evident. Most importantly, they both interacted marvelously with the children around us, bringing smiles and giggles to all. As new cast member friends joined them, they introduced me and included me in their conversations. When the parade finally began (I had a few very nervous moments with some ominous clouds heading our way), the young women made certain that I had the best view for picture taking, telling their friends that I had been trying (unsuccessfully) to see this parade for so long! When the parade ended, we said goodbye and headed our separate ways.

It was certainly not necessary for these young ladies to befriend me, yet they went out of their way to make my parade experience special. Their kindness and obvious love for this magical place that means so much to me was touching and made my time waiting for the 3 o’clock parade a highlight of my whole trip. The most impressing quality of these beautiful young ladies is that it was not outwardly obvious that they were cast members, but they still went out of their way to enhance the vacation of all those around them. They continued to deliver that special Disney magic even though they did not have to. Unfortunately, I did not get their names, so I am unable to give them the formal compliment that they so deserve. To the 2 lovely fairy godmothers sitting with this middle-aged mom on that hot July day in Frontierland- I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You, and those like you, are the heart and soul of my beloved Walt Disney World.

Take a look around Wizard World Chicago Comic Con this weekend.

Take a look at WDW Daily News’ Morgan Turner with a few of her favorite Villains from last nights event.

Hello all! My words have appeared on your computer screen once again! This time I am going to give you my review of Disney’s new Guest Assistance Card. As many of you know, this is a new system put in place earlier this year after the old guest assistance program was being taken advantage of.

Let me start off by saying why I need to use the GAC. I have a rare bladder disease known as Interstitial Cystitis. It causes frequent urination (sometimes every 20 minutes), it also causes abdominal and pelvic pain. I often get scolded by other park goers because I “don’t look sick”. Bottom line is, I need this card because I can’t wait in line standing for long periods of time because I will need to pee and I will experience severe pain.
I went to Disney World in June 2013 when the old system was still in place. Keep in mind, the whole scandal with the New York moms had just happened where they were paying disabled people to get them to the front of the lines. When I went to guest services to get my card, the cast member was hesitant about giving it to me. Although it was not necessary, I showed the cast member a letter from my doctor and I received my card. Using the card was so easy; I can see why people took advantage of it. All I had to do was show it to the cast member at the front of a ride or attraction and I was placed in the FastPass lane. It was great; the longest wait I had was about fifteen minutes. They let me keep hoping back in line too if I wanted to go on the ride again. There were barely any restrictions.

Let’s fast forward to the trip I just took in June 2014 with the new Guest Assistance Card (GAC). You can tell that Disney put some major thought into this new system. I went to guest services to get the card. I had to answer a few quick questions and have my picture taken. Boom Done. I had my card. The card has a lot of restrictions on it now. It works a lot like an old fastpass. This is how it works, you go up to an attraction you want to get on. Then a cast member will give you a return wait time which is about the same amount of time as the actual line. You cannot go and get another return time until you have entered the previous attraction and the cast member has crossed it off your card. To me, it seems like a lot more work on the cast member’s end. Disney has drilled them to strictly follow this policy to avoid history repeating itself.

With the new FastPass + system in place, cast members rather that you rely on that than on the GAC. As you can tell from the photo below, I only used my GAC a handful of times. This may also be due to the fact that I had complained to guest services the first day on my trip after a malfunction with our magic bands. Our buddy Nathan at Guest Services hooked us up with three additional fast passes a day. As you could probably assume, as long as you are strategic with planning your fast passes, there is little need for the GAC.

If you have any questions tweet me or Instagram me both have the username @foreverkatastic

The popularity of runDisney events seems to have hit an all time high this year, and runDisney is answering the call with the addition of several new events. Earlier this year came the announcements of both the Avengers Half Marathon Weekend, and the Star Wars Half Marathon Weekend, both at the Disneyland Resort.

The popular Tinkerbell Half Marathon, which had been in January, has been moved to Mother’s Day Weekend in May. This should allow more ladies to participate in both of the runDisney women’s focused events, the Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World, and the Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland. Some runners felt that having the Tinkerbell in January and the Princess in February, did not allow enough time for recovery. Those that complete both women’s focused events in one calendar year receive a special pink edition Coast to Coast Medal. Moving the Tinkerbell Half to May should mean more ladies have the chance to earn that coveted pink bling.

Also growing in popularity is the runDisney “Challenge”. The Goofy Challenge, which premiered in 2006 involves running both a half marathon and a full marathon on back to back days. While a noble goal, the Goofy is a bit intense for more casual runners. Disney has responded with the smaller challenges, which began with the Inaugural Glass Slipper Challenge during Princess Half Marathon Weekend in 2014. By completing a 10K on Saturday and a half marathon on Sunday, runners are awarded a medal for each individual race, plus an additional medal for completing both events. The new Star Wars race weekend includes the Rebel Challenge, and just last week runDisney announced that Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend would have its own, the Pixie Dust Challenge!

This spring I participated in the Princess Half Marathon. While neither speedy nor overly athletic, the allure of running through Cinderella Castle in a princess costume got me off the couch and on the treadmill! Somehow, I actually crossed the finish line upright. We’ve decided to return for this year’s Princess Half Marathon, and since I have a competitive spirit I decided to present myself with a new goal, the Glass Slipper Challenge. Once I decided I could actually do both a 10K and a half marathon on the same weekend, I decided to up it one more notch and go for a pink Coast to Coast medal by doing the Tinkerbell Half. My mom walked the Princess Half last year and is going to join me for both half marathons. While we will have the entire family for our February Princess Half trip, we will celebrate Mother’s Day on a mother-daughter only vacation to run (and walk) the Tinkerbell Half. When runDisney announced the new Pixie Dust Challenge two weeks ago, I’m sure you can guess what happened, “Go big or go home”, right?

While Princess Half Marathon Weekend is sold out, as of Friday August 15th there were still spots left for both the Pixie Dust Challenge and the Tinkerbell Half Marathon. I suspect the timing of the race being on Mother’s Day has deterred a few runners who might want to spend the weekend with their family. It’s good to know that when runDisney races do sell out, spots are usually still available through travel agencies if you purchase a travel package, or through charities. You can race like a Princess while raising money for worthy causes.

I plan to keep our readers updated as the events get closer, and with a race recap afterward. I’m hoping to get in better shape, and maybe my waistline will get as thin as my wallet after those runDisney race fees! If you have ever considered doing a runDisney event I encourage you to sign up and experience the only races where, “Every Mile is Magic!”

It’s time to play the music.  It’s time to light the lights.  If these two sentences bring a smile to your face then have I got the movie for you.  Disney’s MUPPETS MOST WANTED is the sequel to the 2011 THE MUPPETS.  There is even a song about it being a sequel.  This time, however, the gang goes on a worldwide tour.  Ricky Gervais is their new manager, but he has some underhanded motives for working with our beloved Muppets.  Let’s just say that Kermit ends up in jail and the world’s number one criminal, who looks suspiciously like our favorite frog, takes his place on stage.  TIna Fey is the prison warden and Ty Burrell is the Interpol agent on the case.  With those three comedians in the cast you just know this is going to be a hilarious adventure.  There are three versions of the movie-original theatrical, extended, and Statler & Waldorf cut.  There are also bonus extras like bloopers and a music video.  I personally have loved everything about the Muppets since I was little.  I had birthday cakes of Miss Piggy, I made a latch-hook rug of Miss Piggy, I had puppets of Kermit, Animal and Miss Piggy, and I watched the television show religiously.  Disney’s MUPPETS MOST WANTED is one more way for me to share my love for Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo and their pals with my family.  I just know a new generation will be singing the theme song for years to come. Pick up a copy of the Blu-Ray and DVD because It’s time to meet the Muppets on the Muppet Show tonight.

Combat Carl says you should buy the TOY STORY OF TERROR  Blu-Ray.  Combat Carl says it’s a great addition to your Toy Story Blu-Ray collection. If you have no idea who Combat Carl is then you definitely should check out this tale by Disney-Pixar.  Woody, Jesse, Buzz and the gang take a detour during a road trip and end up having an adventure like they never have had before.  There is mystery, suspense, and of course the humor we expect from Disney-Pixar.  The film is great, but be sure to check out the bonus features.  There are three Toy Story Toons: Small Fry, Hawaiian Vacation, and Partysaurus Rex. I watched these with the director commentary.  I was especially entertained by the backstory of each meal toy in Small Fry. Hilarious!  The Vintage Toy Commercials are a riot.  Combat Carl says cover your mouth.  Combat Carl says cough into your arm.  So funny that there was probably a public service announcement as silly as this.  There is also a segment called Team of Specialists  that takes you into the Pixar headquarters.  Oh how I would love to work there….or even visit for a day!  The amount of creative energy in the workplace would be fantastic to witness.  The Blu-Ray and Digital HD copy of TOY STORY OF TERROR is a must for fans of all thingsDisney and Pixar.  You might be terrorized a bit, but you won’t be disappointed.

At Disney World and Disney Land, literally everything has been thought of.

The “imagineers” have been tasked with creating a perfect little world for everyone who visits, and they actually gave a lot more thought to the food served there than you might realize.

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Marvel has been known for surprises when it comes to casting its lead actors. There was the fallen ’80s idol (Robert Downey Jr.), the virtually unknown Australian (Chris Hemsworth), and the guy who’d already played another superhero (Chris Evans). But they all seem like safe choices compared to the decision to give the main role in this week’s Guardians Of the Galaxy to Chris Pratt.

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When planning vacations, my friends always ask me what my favorite attractions are in each park, so I figured I could start making some top five lists of things that I enjoy! First, I must begin with Magic Kingdom because it is my favorite park at WDW. One of my favorite attractions at this park is Pirates of the Caribbean. A trip to the World is not complete without riding this attraction many, many times. I just love the ambiance of the area as well as the fantastic music that fills the queue. The attention to detail on this ride is unbelievable, and the smell of the water reminds me that I have come home to WDW. Pirates of the Caribbean is everything that a Disney ride should be. It has laughs, thrills, a catchy song, and it fully immerses the guests in a whole other world.
I would be remiss if I did not list the Haunted Mansion as another must-see attraction at the Magic Kingdom. Again, this ride is a classic; it also immerses guests in an experience that can only be had at a Disney park. There is no one storyline for the Haunted Mansion but rather little vignettes that draw the guests further and further into the experience of really feeling like they are becoming part of a ghostly jamboree. Again, this ride does not have to be terrifying; it does a wonderful job of walking the line between the comedic and the slightly frightening. The ghosts are very playful and friendly for the most part, and they just want to enjoy themselves. Haunted Mansion, like Pirates, is timeless and doesn’t have to worry about staying contemporary with any type of trend. Both of these attractions withstand the test of time.

Next, a trip to the Magic Kingdom would not be complete without taking the grand circle tour on the Walt Disney World steam train. This ride is not just a means of transportation; it is a relaxing journey through the entire park. You are able to get just a taste of all of the lands and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park. Guests can actually sit down and enjoy all of the themed entertainment that is surrounding them.
Another means of transportation that is a must-do is the Wedway Peoplemover in Tomorrowland. We ride the Peoplemover multiple times throughout the day when we visit the Magic Kingdom. This attraction is the height of relaxation, and like the steam train, gives you an overview of a part of Magic Kingdom. In this case, you are able to explore Tomorrowland and experience some beautiful views of Cinderella Castle as well as see the inside of Space Mountain. If you are very lucky, the lights will be on, and then you can actually see the track for this roller coaster.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not add a true thrill attraction to this list. I have a hard time narrowing all of my favorite rides down to five, but I really do love Splash Mountain. This thrill ride combines a dark ride with animatronics as well as some thrilling drops in order to be a truly exciting experience. Just seeing Splash Mountain from a distance adds a certain kinetic energy to Frontierland. It is usually hot in Florida, so a little splash is definitely welcome, so I do not mind getting wet on this ride. I remember when I was younger, we were able to participate in an early version of extra magic hours called E-Ride Night. My brother and I rode Splash Mountain at least six times in a row. We just could not get enough!

I could honestly list every attraction in Magic Kingdom as my favorite, but I always recommend the aforementioned five rides to other folks, just because I think they represent some of the best that WDW has to offer. I am a huge fan of animatronics because I think that they really represent the origins of the Disney theme parks. So, what are some of your favorite attractions at MK? Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!