While there are obviously countless places to buy LEGO bricks and playsets around the world, “The LEGO Store” at Disney Springs is worth a visit for LEGO and Disney fans alike for both its wide selection and its displays of Disney-inspired statues built out of the popular building toy. While the LEGO representations of Snow White, Maleficent, and The Incredible Hulk are certainly impressive, who better to welcome you into this toy store than a toy? Standing watch at the shop’s recently completed back entrance facing the new Town Center is a pair of human-sized LEGO sculptures depicting Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Pixar’s “Toy Story” films.
Archive for WDW Daily News
HOW ALADAR ENDED THE COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION BY SAM ALLEN
While Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers many shows and character meet and greets featuring Disney’s stable of cartoon characters, only one of the park’s rides is tied to an animated film. However, many of the guests who experience it might not realize it has anything to do with a movie at all. Fans of Disney’s ambitious CGI feature “Dinosaur,” on the other hand, should immediately recognize the iguanodon standing in front of its entrance.
DONALD DUCK THE AUTOGRAPH HOUND BY SAM ALLEN
Throughout the Hollywood streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Imagineers have included a wide variety of details that works together transport guests to the time of Tinsletown’s Golden Age. One of these details is the use of billboards featuring vintage or vintage-inspired artwork on the roof of several of the area’s buildings. There’s even a billboard located above “Mickey’s of Hollywood” advertising a classic Donald Duck cartoon: “The Autograph Hound.”
Tea Time at Cheshire Cafe by Sam Allen
The “Mad Tea Party” has been a favorite of Magic Kingdom guests (or at least those guests not prone to motion sickness) since the park opened in 1971. However, in spite of its name, there is actually no tea anywhere to be found at this party, just plenty of oversized teacups spinning. For those looking to get something to drink, there is another option not far away.
Video – Magic Moments – An Epic Time-lapse Journey Through the Magic of Walt Disney World
All we can say is this is amazing!! Check out what Filmmaker, Anthony Cortese, created in this look at Walt Disney World through time-lapse photography and sweeping video.
Magic Moments – An Epic Time-lapse Journey Through the Magic of Walt Disney World from Anthony Cortese on Vimeo.
Review: Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois by Sean Pollock
Going into my relationship with my girlfriend, I could tell that there were many differences in the ways we were brought up. Most notably of which was the issue of Disney Parks versus Six Flags. She was surprised that it had been about 11 years since my last trip to Disneyworld, and I was surprised that she had never been to a Six Flags park. We each did the right thing and helped the other experience an integral part of our childhood enjoyment.
However, it wasn’t just the difference of which theme parks we went to as kids that set us apart, but also the methodology of which we took the trip. Her family had a very leisurely way of doing Disney, which involved staying at one of the many resorts in Orlando and getting Park Hopper passes for the whole trip. My trips were taken over the course of one day, taking every precaution to minimize cost and jam pack as much activity into the time frame as humanly possible. This was the approach that I tried to implement in our recent adventure to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois.
To start, I thought I would quickly list off some tips I have for a Six Flags daytrip. We had the fortune of planning our visit on a Monday in the hopes of beating any large crowds that often gather on weekends. We left at 7:00 am to make the 3 and a half hour drive to the park that opens at 10:30. We showed up early so as to secure a parking spot close to the entrance. We packed our own food and snacks to leave in the car. By doing this, we could exit, eat and reenter without spending money on food inside. Simple things like fresh fruits, peanut butter sandwiches and chips work perfectly. We carefully scoped out lines all over the park and picked the ones that would have a reasonable wait time. We picked the overcast parts of the day to wait in lines with less shade. All these actions helped to optimize our time, and I’m sure they will do the same for you.
That being said, it’s time to talk about the park itself. Without a doubt the biggest attraction there right now is Goliath. This new wooden roller coaster recently set 3 different records, including for longest and steepest drop. This was our first coaster of the day, and the line was stretching even out of the front gate of the ride. We were surprised at how quickly the line progressed, so much that we only waited about 20 minutes for what we thought would be a 45 minute wait. It was an insane experience that actually turned out to be her favorite of the day. This thriller is a must try for everybody this summer, but only if you have what it takes to conquer the giant.
We then went on to experience all the other roller coasters of the park, including the old mainstays such as American Eagle, Batman, Raging Bull (my personal favorite) and many others. Our focus this trip was trying out every roller coaster, and we definitely managed that in one day. Now trying to fit in all the other rides in that span is a bit of a tall order, so maybe we’ll save that for another time. If you were planning on trying out every ride in one day, it would probably be in your best interest to invest in a Flash Pass, especially if you go on a weekend. It really comes in handy in the afternoon when most lines are longer.
The park closes at 8 pm, but after an eventful day, we decided to beat the rush and left at 7:30. The tradition in my childhood is that the entire group would go to a nice restaurant for dinner before making the drive home. We were fortunate enough to discover Mama K’s Pizza and Grille a mere 3 minute drive from the parking lot and had a tasty and affordable meal in a family friendly environment with a great atmosphere. Thus was a perfect punctuation on a fun and thrill packed day.
To plan your Six Flags experience at any of the 18 locations, go to www.sixflags.com. Season passes and discounts are also available now for the 4th of July weekend. Also coming up in September and October is Fright Fest, where huge scares and deals on admission can be found every weekend. Go online and plan your trip today!
GOOFY OVER NORWAY BY SAM ALLEN
One of two gift shops located in Showcase Plaza, “Port of Entry” offers a wide variety of Disney souvenirs to those entering or exiting World Showcase. In addition to merchandise, the store also contains a series of four posters, one in each of the store’s corners, that illustrate Mickey and friends enjoying a few of the countries represented by Epcot’s international pavilions. Among these posters is one of Goofy dressed as a Viking inviting guests to “Experience Norway,” which can be found hanging over on of the shop’s checkout locations.
PRINCE NAVEEN’S ROYAL VISIT TO TOWN CENTER BY SAM ALLEN
As construction begins to wind down on the expansion of Disney Springs, more and more construction walls are being removed, revealing the results of the years of work Disney’s Imagineers have put into revamping the waterfront complex. Perhaps the biggest milestone so far has been this summer’s opening of the Town Center, the fourth neighborhood of the former Downtown Disney. Filled with new shops and restaurants, the area celebrates the history and architecture of small town Old Florida.
DON’T FORGET! ENJOY SAVINGS AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT THIS SUMMER
Our Clients can save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights June 12-Aug. 25, 2016. This offer is now available to book through July 8, 2016. Plus, our Clients can receive an exclusive “Awaken Summer” graphic MagicBand when they upgrade to a room and Theme Park package with a minimum 2-day Magic Your Way® Ticket.**
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, the wonders of nature come alive with magic at every turn with new nighttime experiences. Disney’s Hollywood Studios® has unleashed the Force for a magical journey that’s out of this world. At Epcot®, Frozen® is arriving with new immersive journeys on Frozen Ever After and the Royal Sommerhus. At Disney Springs™, the new eclectic mix of boutiques, eateries and entertainment is expanding all throughout the summer. With even more new and exciting experiences coming to Magic Kingdom® Park and Disney’s Blizzard Beach® Water Park, this unforgettable summer has something for everyone!
*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Offer excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas, The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, Disney’s Port Orleans-French Quarter. 30% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available for other Resorts.
Contact Travel Agents, Scott and Becky Donahue, of Wish Upon a Star With Us to plan and book your vacation.
A GREMLIN ON SUNSET BOULEVARD BY SAM ALLEN
Part of the “Sunset Ranch Market” food court complex at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Rosie’s All-American Café” serves up American comfort food such as cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets. The establishment takes its name from Rosie the Riveter, an icon inspired by working women on the home front during World War II. The wartime theme caries over into the restaurant’s decoration including a look at one of the ways Walt Disney’s studio helped the war effort during the 1940’s.