WDW Daily News

If you are heading to the 2014 San Diego Comic Con today, here is a listing of some of the Disney related panels that will be taking place.

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MARVEL: WOMEN OF MARVEL – Sunday July 27, 2014 11:15am – 12:15pm

Okay, so I promise that I won’t make ALL of my newsletters about food but I couldn’t help myself because I didn’t have enough time to talk about it all in my first article. I will make this short and sweet!

1. Dole Whip

I know EVERYONE talks about dole whip and everyone knows that they should get it when visiting the Magic Kingdoms’ Adventureland or the Polynesian Resort. I seriously never even heard of it before last year and nor did I ever really notice Aloha Isle on my trips to Disney World. This one is for all you not so recent Disney goers who have not been graced by the presence of Dole Whip. The pineapple soft serve is so simple but I am a pure pineapple lover and can’t help the temptation! Also, while you’re there try the pineapple float aka Dole Whip in pineapple juice. They also offer vanilla soft serve and orange soft serve which can be done in a variety of twists as well. Just try it. You will not regret it!

2. Yak and Yeti- Quick Service

Let’s say you’re in the Animal Kingdom and you’re getting pretty hungry but you don’t want to spend a lot of money and you aren’t TOO adventurous in your food tastes. Well, you cannot go wrong with Yak and Yeti quick service because it’s kind of like chinese cuisine but BETTER. I was never fond of chinese/japanese food it just wasn’t my first choice of food for dinner. Yak and Yeti offers honey chicken, sweet and sour chicken and beef lo mein all served with rice and veggies. These huge portions are served in a chinese take out box and cost around $10.00. Not only convenient and mess free but big enough for 2 or maybe 3 people which is around $5 a person. You cannot beat that especially at Disney! While you’re over at the Animal Kingdom be sure to grab some Jungle Juice over in Africa. Made with guava, passion fruit and mango flavors it comes in a slushie form and is amazingly refreshing on those 100 degree days.

3. Be Our Guest- Quick Service

We were all super excited when the beasts castle was open for business and to this day gets super booked for dinner reservations. Well, fret no more! Be Our Guest quick service meals are absolutely DIVINE. They took quick service to a whole new level and incorporated technology to make ordering a lot easier. Do not be intimidated when you see the long line spiraling out of the castle. They make the line move rather quickly and will sometimes even bring a pitcher of lemon-water out for their guests along with borrowing an umbrella to block the sun. Now that’s service! Once you get into the castle you get separated into lines and you say whether you’re using a magic band or borrowing their magic rose. They use these to track where you sit so when your food is ready they can bring it to the table of your choice. You use a touch screen to choose your beverage, entre, and dessert. They offer self serve beverages and amazing cupcakes/cream puffs. They definitely have a way of making you feel like you’re at a fancy dinner by only spending a small chunk of change. Check out all of the rooms in the castle as well. The portrait room, the ballroom and the west wing are perfectly portrayed and look like they’re right out of the movie.

Well, that’s all I have for this article and I hope you were able to get a few tips and tricks for your next Walt Disney World vacation! I promise I’ll switch it up next time!

Have a Magical Day!

-Laura 🙂

If you are heading to the 2014 San Diego Comic Con today, here is a listing of some of the Disney related panels that will be taking place.

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PHINEAS & FERB – Saturday July 26, 2014 10:00am – 11:00am

   Staying in a Disney Vacation Club Villa at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge just became more appealing to many DVC owners after a much needed hard goods refurbishment. Renovations were completed this spring, and include new bedding and fabrics, a kitchen redo and even the addition of increased sleeping accommodations in the Deluxe Studio Villas.

The previous decor featured dark greens and reds, stenciling, and use of multiple dark patterned fabrics. Designers took inspiration from Disney’s classic “Bambi”, and have successfully incorporated small details from the film into the refurbishment. The new colors are lighter and fresher than before, and while greens and reds still dominate, they follow a lighter and more neutral palate that brightens the rooms, and reflects current trends in interior design.

The dark carpeting in the living areas and studios has been replaced with vinyl wood plank flooring, accented with area rugs. The heavily patterned sofas are now a neutral color, and have one of the nicest touches, Bambi inspired throw pillows!

In the Deluxe Studios, DVC has added an additional sleeping area. Like the Grand Floridian Villas, the television console in the studio is now a Murphy bed, and pulls down into a twin size sleeper. When the sleeper is pulled down, it reveals a hidden mural of Bambi tenderly nestled with his mother. The addition of the Murphy bed now allows these Deluxe Studios to sleep five. This adds to the flexibility of DVC accommodations, and for a family of five, means they can now stay in a studio rather than requiring a 1 bedroom villa. When not being used as a sleeper, the console can also become a side table suitable for enjoying morning coffee. The kitchen’s once dark green cabinets are now a creamy white on the exterior, with new faucets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances completing the look.

The traditional hotel bedspreads have been removed and replaced with new and more comfortable and luxurious triple sheeting. The bathrooms have also received new faucets and a lighter coat of paint. Overall, the look is beautiful and gives the villas a fresh new look and feel.

As one of the smaller DVC resorts, The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge does tend to book up. With this beautiful new renovation, the villas are sure to be in greater demand.

Every visit to Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World begins the same way. You press you brightly colored magic band to a glowing Mickey head, it turns green and the kind cast member wishes you a magical day. As you pass under the Train Station your day begins in what are some of Walt’s fondest memories of his childhood. Main Street USA is a living, turn of the century town complete with all the shops and fun places Walt recalled from growing up in Missouri. But, what most guest don’t notice, as they barrel down Main Street to rocket to the stars on Space Mountain or sail the world on The Jungle Cruise are the fine details and little elements which make up the theming on Main Street. This, the undiscovered Main Street, is part of what makes this one of my favorite places at Walt Disney World.

As you make your way into this first themed land of the park, take a look at the ground around you. Although the street is dark, the sidewalks are red. Now we are pretty sure the sidewalks in Marciline were not paved red in the early 1900. So you may ask yourself, “Why are the sidewalks red here then?” During the construction of the Magic Kingdom, Kodak, the former official photo sponsor for the Walt Disney World Resort, was consulted regarding paint colors for the all parts of the park. When it came to the sidewalks, the folks from Kodak suggested a warm red tone, as it would improve picture quality when the bright Florida sun bounced off of it. Hesitant at first, those in charge finally found fun in the idea of “rolling out the red carpet” for their guests. So the red stuck, and over 40 years later is still one of the first colors to greet guests today.

One of the first things that draws you attention on Main Street, beside the towering castle of course, is Town Square. Home to the flag pole and some park benches. But of all the park benches, one in particular is unique. Seated on the bench closet to Cinderella Castle is a statue of Roy Disney, Walt’s brother, and Minnie Mouse. Most people are familiar with the Partners statue of Walt and Mickey at the hub just in front of the castle, but that is what makes this statue of Roy and Minnie so special. The statue by Blain Gibson is titled “Sharing the Magic” and was placed in the Magic Kingdom in 1999. Gibson created the statue of Minnie sitting next to Roy to show Roy as more approachable as he tended to fade into the background while Walt was the face of the company. Also, take note that Roy is supporting Minnie’s hand from the bottom. This was Gibson’s way of of showing Roy’s support for Walt in his new business venture. It has been said that while Walt and Mickey will always steal the show, just down the street, will forever be, their biggest supporters.

Before you get to far away from Town Square, wander toward the Fire Station. Nestled between the Emporium and the horse stalls is one of the best kept secrets of Walt Disney World. When Main Street opened at Disneyland in 1955 you could find just about any shop along the path. Yes, people could even buy their groceries or ladies undergarments, just before taking a spin on Dumbo. One of the shops was however, was a barber shop, complete with a barber shop quartet. Most everyone knows of the quartet, but did you know, the barber shop still exists on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. The cast members inside are happy to offer cool dos to all the cool guys and gals in your group. They will even help you celebrate your little one’s first hair cut, complete with a clipping and a special certificate. Oh and of course a sucker for the brave little kiddo.

Wandering down Main Street may make you feel like you have stepped back in time, to turn of the century America. The Victorian style of the shops, the old timey music, even the cast members costumes will make you feel like you’ve made it back to a simpler time. But did you know that each step you take towards the castle is taking you into the future. Don’t believe me? Just take a look at the lamps on either side of the street. As you start your journey down Main Street the lamps look like they might have someone come by and light the gas inside just before night fall. These old style gas lamps would have been the means for lighting the streets at the the beginning of the 20th century. Closer to Cinderella Castle, the lamps make a change. With the popularity of electricity during this time, the lamps would change from gas lamps to electric ones. Those at the end of Main Street are just that. Replicas of turn of the century electric street lamps. Only at Disney World can you walk down the street and end up in a totally different time.

Ever wonder who all those names belong to on the windows in Main Street. Or maybe you just thought they were faked to make the street look more realistic. Truth is, the windows of Main Street are labeled with the names of those who have helped the company and the Magic Kingdom become all that it is today. There is even a window dedicated to all the cast member of the Magic Kingdom. One man, and I’m sure you can guess who, has 2 windows in very special places on Main Street. Walt Disney passed away before he could see the completion of the “Florida Project” which became Walt Disney World. As a special honor 2 windows were given Walt’s name. The first appears just above the train station facing Bay Lake. The window reads “Walt Disney World Railroad Office – Keeping Dreams on Track – Walter E. Disney, Chief Engineer”. The window here serves as Walt greeting to all his guests as they enter the Magic Kingdom. The 2nd window sits just above the Plaza Restaurant at the end of Main Street facing the castle. This window reads “Walter E. Disney – Graduate School of Design & Master Planning – Instructors, Howard Brummitt, Marvin Davis, Fred Hope – Headmaster, Richard Irvine – Dean of Design, John Hench – Instructors, Vic Greene, Bill Martin, Chuck Myall”. This window is said to forever leave a place for Walt to look out over all that he, and his amazing team of imagineers, have done to bring joy and happiness to all who come to their Magic Kingdom.

So as you can see, Main Street USA is full of secrets hidden all around you. Some may be in plane sight and you’ve never noticed them before. Other may be waiting for you to discover. Thanks for taking a trip through Walt’s home town with me. Until next time, remember, there’s a great, big beautiful tomorrow, just a dream away!

If you are heading to the 2014 San Diego Comic Con today, here is a listing of some of the Disney related panels that will be taking place.

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MARVEL: SPIDER- VERSE – Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am – 11:00am

Living a good 2 days drive from Disney means our trip this December, is a one shot deal. Saving for a year for every single little detail: dining plan, hotel, tickets, gas money, and the last thing on our mind right now- souvenirs. Saving for them will always be in the back of your mind when planning to go somewhere like Disney World. The only thing is, you don’t know exactly what you’ll be saving for.

Of course there’s standard Disney novelties you have to have: ears, dole whips, pictures. But as much as merchandise changes, there is no predicting what can be there whenever you’re visiting. Therefore finding ways to stretch your money in the parks is a must for people like me. (I know I’m going to want to buy everything!)
First thing I’ve decided to do, is get some Disney items way before our trip. T-shirts I can wear, coloring books I can use to keep myself busy, books from second hand bookstores, figurines from garage sales; anything that will keep me from urges of buying those things that most likely will be over priced in the parks.

This is going to help me focus on buying souvenirs that are truly meant to help me remember my visit to the parks. And things that taste good. (I’m so looking forward to tasting a dole whip.) I cannot wait for my trip. And all the inexpensive Disney things I’ve gotten over the last few week make me even more excited!

When it comes to the rides at Disney World I am an A-class chicken! I do not care for the big rides…some of the small rides…rides just aren’t really float my boat. So my Disney Days are filled with…you guessed it CHARACTER STALKING! I love love LOVE meeting the characters when I’m in the parks. When I was younger I was terrified of all of them, but as I’ve grown up I’ve gotten a little less scared and a little less shy (with some help from my friends); and I’ve gone on many a character stalking adventure with great success! So today I’m writing and sharing a few tips for an amazing character stalking adventure!!

Tip #1- Make a List: There a million characters to meet at Disney parks, and while you can meet a ton, aiming to meet every single one in one day might not be the best idea. So make a plan on who you want to meet based on what park or parks you are in that day. This will help you make sure you don’t miss anybody you are really excited to see. If you are using the My Disney Experience App- often times they will list what characters are in the parks and what time they are supposed to meet, I also like to use kennythepirate.com for lists and times as well as the parks times guides.

Tip #2- Make a Plan: I don’t mean a down to the minute plan of your character day, but try to map out where each character is meeting and head to the nearest in the area. For example, Epcot has many characters meeting in the pavilions. When I’m character meeting there, I go to see the character nearest to me one after the other after the other. It helps a great deal with time and keeping you somewhat energized since you’re not constantly running back and forth across the parks 

Tip #3- Mind the time: The characters tend to meet in about 40 minute blocks. This is awesome! Getting to the character spot right as the character is leaving is at an advantage to you. You’ll be first in line for when they come back and that allows you to run over to the next character with time to spare. On my last trip to Epcot, I managed to be first in line for Aladdin and Jasmine because I arrived when they were leaving. When I left them and ran over to meet with Belle, she was just about to come out and I was 3rd in line. Minding my time helped me out LOADS that day!

Tip #4- Don’t be scared to use something other than an autograph book: This is a fun little trick I’ve recently learned. Be creative in what you have the characters sign! The books of course are awesome, but sometimes characters get excited about something different! A popular option is the create your own vinyalmation figureines. I’ve seen some pretty spectacular poses with those. I personally have a parasol I’m having signed. I got a white one from the shop in liberty square and had them sign with a sharpie. Watching Woody skip around with it while the character attendant sang Chim-Chim-Cheeree was priceless hehe.

Tip #5- TALK TO THEM!!: I know I know another simple sounding tip, but so often do people go up to a characters with their books already stretched out without even saying hello! Make conversation, ask them questions! Characters love to interact with you and if you don’t give them anything to go off of they can’t. I’ll give you an example. The first time I met Prince Naveen I was so excited I could hardly speak. I managed to tell him I’d been waiting a whole year to meet him and was so happy it finally happened! As a result…he fake proposed to me with Tiana standing right next to him! It was AMAZING!

These are just a few of my secrets to a fun day of character stalking! Don’t believe they work check out themainstreetfairy on instagram and see how my photos turned out hehe .

After coming home from a magical Disney vacation, you might be at a loss for what to do next. Even though you have returned to the “real” world, your mind is still in the land of princesses and pirates and mice. You may find yourself feeling depressed, angry, or in denial. Know that you are not alone, and that many of us experience Post-Disney Depression, or PDD, after leaving the parks. Here are some tricks that I have found to be helpful in easing the effects of PDD.

1. Listen to music from the parks. This one is a biggie for me, and I’ve found that if I just close my eyes and concentrate on the music, I can almost imagine that I’m on Main Street or walking through Adventureland, a Dole Whip in hand. Many of the park audios can be found on YouTube by simply searching for “Disney World music” or “Disney World loop.”

2. Listen to ride audios. Similar to the effects of area music, ride audios can put you right in the midst of an attraction. Some of my favorites are the Spaceship Earth narration and Pirates of the Caribbean full ride audio.

3. Look at photos from the trip. This way, you can relieve the memories and happiness of a glittering “Emerald City” holiday while living in a bleak “Kansas” world.

4. Find some way to document the memories. Whether you want to make a scrapbook, write a trip report, or find some other crafty way to remember the trip, it’s good to immerse yourself in the Disney mindset again. Ideally, the project should be time-consuming and something that you’re motivated to do.

5. Have a Disney movie marathon. Engage in singing the movie songs in an obnoxiously loud voice, cheering at the character’s triumphs, and crying at the sad parts.

6. Go Disney shopping! The Disney Store can be a very dangerous place for your wallet, but sometimes a little retail comfort is necessary.

7. If all else fails…. Plan your next trip! It doesn’t matter if it’s going to be in a month or a year; it’s always exciting to have your next trip to look forward to.

It may seem to some as something of a dream job – working alongside childhood heroes such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck.

But in order to get, and keep, a job as a character at a Disney park or resort, employees must abide by a number of strict rules, ranging from the obvious to the bizarre.

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