Ice is Nice! 5 Helpful Hints to make the most of a Frozen-filled day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

1. Enjoy Summer Fun with Olaf

Guests who snag a take-along Olaf at the park entrance and throughout the park can snap photos of themselves with the silly, summer-loving snowman and use the hashtag #OlafSummerFun for a chance to have their photos featured in the evening’s grand finale. Olaf also appears throughout the day on screen at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage, where he will share updates from his summer adventures.

2. Join in “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebrations

Melt away the heat of summer with laughter and singing during For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Guests can make their way to Premiere Theater once the park opens to receive a return-time for one of the fun-filled showings of the sing-along which runs from 12:30 to 7 p.m. daily and features Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and the newly-appointed royal historians of Arendelle. There also is a standby queue line for the sing-along.

3. Don’t Miss the “Big Summer Blowout”

Choose from treasures and treats, flurries and ice, or both! Guests visiting Soundstage One have two choices: one for “Frozen” merchandise inside Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post, and one to visit Oaken’s Frozen Funland where guests can ice skate, play in the snow, grab a sweet treat and take photos in front of snowy backdrops. Or, visit both areas, one right after the other.

4. Dance & Dazzle the Night Away

Guests can rock out to a medley of “Frozen” hits each evening starting at 5:30 p.m. with a dance party, DJ and live band at the Sorcerer’s Hat Icon Stage. Then, guests can find a prime spot along Hollywood Blvd. to wrap up the evening with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Olaf during a grand finale fireworks display high above the Sorcerer’s Hat, set to the music of the acclaimed hit movie.

5. Frame Up Warm Memories

Using new augmented reality technology, guests can take part in “virtual” character experiences, get access to added information in the guide maps and more. Before arriving at the park, guests can download the free mobile app, Aurasma, from the App Store or Android Market to their smartphone or tablet and snap photos at special “Frozen” backdrops throughout the park.

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Main Street Window: Roy Disney – by Kim Lawton

One of my favorite details in Walt Disney World is the windows on Mail Street in the Magic Kingdom. I enjoy walking down Main reading the windows, paying attention to the names and the details. Each one is a tribute to an Imaginear and the imaginations of those who work so hard to ensure each Guest has a magical experience. Some of the names are familiar and others are not. Many times a name will stick with me after I am home, prompting me to look it up to see what the individuals contribution was, a visible history lesson! Each ‘window’ is a tribute to the past so to say, paying homage to a person from different parts of the organization, from corporate officers to operators. All have one thing in common, they all made a significant impact on the legacy of Disney Parks.

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Each trip I notice different windows with the names of individuals that helped to create the magic I love so much. On a recent trip I found a window with Roy Disney’s name. I may have seen it before but this time it really caught my eye. Would there be a Walt Disney World or any Disney Park without Roy E Disney? Maybe……maybe not!!!! He was Walt’s support, Walt’s voice of reason….Walt’s support!!!
Walt and Roy were brothers as well as business partners. Walt was the creative genius while Roy was the financial wizard. They founded Disney Studios together and when Walt passed away before his dream was realized in Florida, Roy saw it through. He was there when Walt Disney World opened in 1971. It was his labor of brotherly love, seeing his brother’s dream come alive!

His statue with Minnie Mouse is one of my favorites as is his window. I located it on my last trip and was able to get this picture. Roy Disney gentleman, specializing in sea racing! Gentleman, yes, visionary, yes!! Great brother YES!!!!

His support allowed Walt’s dream of a family friendly park as well as many other visions to come to life. Thank you, Roy!!!!!

So the next time you stroll down Main Street, look and see the stories that unfold before your eyes. The story of those who helped make the magic. Walt’s window is there as are many other visionaries that helped create the magic we share!

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Eat to the Beat Concerts Are ‘All For You’ throughout 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Five new Eat to the Beat musical acts join 17 fan-favorite bands to complete a genre-spanning lineup of pop hit greats during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 19-Nov. 10 at Walt Disney World Resort.

New-to-the-festival bands Jo Dee Messina, Fuel, Jim Brickman, Los Lonely Boys and David Cook — and 17 returning acts including Sister Hazel, Hanson and Boyz II Men — will rock the America Gardens Theatre stage during concerts at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. daily. The lineup (subject to change and included in Epcot admission) includes:

Sept. 19-21 – Jo Dee Messina NEW! ”Lesson in Leavin’”
Sept. 22-23 — The Pointer Sisters “I’m So Excited”
Sept. 24-25 — Rick Springfield “Jessie’s Girl”
Sept. 26-27 — Christopher Cross “Sailing
Sept. 28-29 — Hanson “I Will Come to You”
Sept. 30-Oct. 2 — Air Supply “All Out of Love”
Oct. 3-5 — STARSHIP starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
Oct. 6-8 — Sugar Ray “Fly”
Oct. 9-10 – Fuel NEW! ”Shimmer”
Oct. 11-12 — Sister Hazel “All For You”
Oct. 13-14 — Richard Marx “Hold On to the Night”
Oct. 15-16 — Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen”
Oct. 17-19 — Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
Oct. 20-22 — Smash Mouth “Walkin’ On the Sun”
Oct. 23-24 – Jim Brickman NEW! “Valentine”
Oct. 25-26 – Los Lonely Boys NEW! “Heaven”
Oct. 27-28 — Wilson Phillips “Hold On”
Oct. 29-31 — Dennis DeYoung, original member of the group STYX “Come Sail Away”
Nov. 1-2 — 38 Special “Caught Up in You”
Nov. 3-5 — Boyz II Men “End of the Road”
Nov. 6-7 – David Cook NEW! “The Time of My Life”
Nov. 8-10 — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy “Go Daddy-O”
(Songs listed are for artist recognition only and may not be included in the concert play list)

Guests also can sip and nosh their way around the World Showcase and watch performers from many countries weave music, dance, acrobatics, comedy and other acts into the festivities. A sampling of World Showcase entertainment includes:

High-energy Celtic music of Off Kilter (Canada)
The Arabic rhythms of Mo’Rockin (Morocco)
Perfect harmony of Voices of Liberty (American Adventure rotunda)
Infectious beat of internationally acclaimed Mariachi Cobre (Mexico)
Retro British hits by British Revolution (United Kingdom)
Jaw-dropping stunts by The Jeweled Dragon Acrobats (China)
Hilarious antics of World Showcase Players (United Kingdom)

“IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth,” lights up the World Showcase with lasers, music and fireworks to provide a “wow” ending to each festival evening. Visit EpcotFoodfestival.com and watch for festival updates.
– See more at: http://wdwnews.com/releases/2014/07/08/eat-to-the-beat-concerts-are-all-for-you-throughout-19th-epcot-international-food-wine-festival/#sthash.MqsCVzGy.dpuf

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Videos – ‘Voices of Liberty’ at Epcot – July 4, 2014

Take a listen to the amazing Voices of Liberty at Epcot on July 4, 2014.

God Bless the USA

This Land is Your Land

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Sneak Peek – Glow in the Dark Olaf & Blue “frozen” Anna POP! Vinyl San Diego Comic Con Exclusives by Scott Donahue

Take a look at the Frozen Exclusive POP! Vinyls from Funko for the 2014 San Diego Comic Con.

Featured are a Glow in the Dark Olaf, a “frozen” Anna, and Elsa.

Frozen Glow in the Dark Olaf Pop! Vinyl SDCC Exclusive (1)Frozen Glow in the Dark Olaf Pop! Vinyl SDCC Exclusive (2)Frozen Glow in the Dark Olaf Pop! Vinyl SDCC Exclusive (3)

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Time-Lapse Video of Olaf Sand Sculpture Being Created for Frozen Summer Fun

Take a look at this time-lapse video from Disney Parks showing the Olaf sand sculpture being created for Frozen Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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D23 DISNEY FANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

D23Tickets are now on sale to the general public for the D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration presented by Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection. The live event will bring Disney magic to 11 cities across the U.S., commemorating dozens of milestones celebrating landmark anniversaries this year.

Included in the 105-minute show created by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are tributes to beloved classics such as: Donald Duck’s 80th anniversary, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, The Little Mermaid, the Disney Afternoon, The Lion King, Splash Mountain, and many more. Plus, Walt Disney Records The Legacy Collection will debut never-before-heard songs from the upcoming releases honoring Sleeping Beauty and The Little Mermaid. The show will also feature exclusive video interviews with Disney Legends, luminaries, and celebrities sharing stories about the “Fanniversary” to which they contributed.

In addition, following each show, two rare items from the Walt Disney Archives will be on display for guests to see and photograph: a hat worn by Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins, and a “Duckster” award. Created in 1952, this bronze-colored award in the image of Donald Duck honored those who made significant contributions to Disney over the years. Both Walt Disney and Donald Duck himself were among the recipients of this unique honor.

Tickets for the general public are available now for $40 each. Specially priced tickets are available for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Tickets are available at D23.com/Events. The touring schedule is as follows:

· August 9: Burbank, Calif.

· August 10: San Diego

· August 16 & 17: San Francisco

· September 6: Chicago

· September 13: Seattle

· September 20: Atlanta

· September 21: Philadelphia

· September 26: Washington, D.C.

· September 28: New York City

· October 4: Boston

· October 25: Orlando

For times, locations, and additional details, please visit the event listing page.

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Photos – Frozen Summer Fun Merchandise at Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post

Take a look at some additional Frozen Summer Fun Merchandise at Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Frozen Summer Fun

Frozen dress

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Video – Frozen Fireworks Spectacular – Opening Night

Check out opening night of Frozen Summer Fun. Olaf, Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff cap off the day with this Frozen inspired Fireworks Spectacular.

There were issues with our camera at the start but we got them solved.  Then the fireworks suffered a bit from the smoke.  All-in-all a quality show and something that any Frozen fan will want to put at the top of their list!

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PHOTOS – THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER – DIAGON ALLEY GRAND OPENING

Universal Orlando Resort officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.   Confetti, fireworks and a red carpet lined with dozens of cheering Diagon Alley team members welcomed thousands of excited guests as they entered the all-new spectacularly-themed land for the very first time.   

Universal Orlando Resort officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ð Diagon Alley today, July 8, at Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Resort officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ð Diagon Alley today, July 8, at Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Resort officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ð Diagon Alley today, July 8, at Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Orlando Resort officially opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ð Diagon Alley today, July 8, at Universal Studios Florida.

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