Walt Disney World Resort concluded a 4-day exclusive weekend for a group of select students at the Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE Magazine. A high-impact graduation ceremony deemed the students official Dreamers, making them one of only 700 students nationwide to hold the honor.
The students were among 100 teens selected from more than 10,000 applicants to participate in a once-in-lifetime mentoring program this weekend at the Walt Disney World Resort. The teens, along with a parent or guardian, received an all-expense-paid trip to participate in an innovative, outside-the-classroom, educational experience and learn tips from noted professionals and celebrities including: Magic Johnson, E! News’ Terrence J, Entertainment Tonight’s Rocsi Diaz and 15-year old CEO, Jaylen Bledsoe, Bledsoe Technologies.
On a Disney World vacation, it is incredibly easy to get caught up in a “let’s hurry up and get to the next attraction” mindset, and that approach can be crucial if you want to experience some of the most popular attractions without long waits. However, I have found that an excellent way to enhance my enjoyment of the headliners is to take a few moments to experience a walk through attraction. By their very nature, these attractions invite you to slow down, take a break, and appreciate the details that make Disney World such a special place.
In our previous issue, I focused on walk through attractions in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. This time, we turn to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom parks and my favorite attractions there that will leave you refreshed and ready for some more Disney excitement.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
To me, Hollywood Studios always feels like a busy park, second to the Magic Kingdom only because there are fewer major attractions. There is the heart-pounding thrill of the Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as well as the vibrant colors and energetic games of Toy Story Midway Mania. Like the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios does not have a lot of walk through attractions. So, where is my favorite place to find some respite after my family’s traditional multiple rides on Star Tours?
That answer is easy — Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream. Talk about slowing down to appreciate the details of Disney! In addition to all sorts of Disney artifacts, photos, art, and displays about Walt’s history and family life, the gallery has models of Main Street in Disneyland, the Jungle Cruise, and Spaceship Earth. It also features a replica of Sleeping Beauty Castle and the original Audio-Animatronic Abraham Lincoln.
You can end your tour relaxing in a nice dark theater watching an inspirational film tribute to Walt. Every time I go into One Man’s Dream, I am newly energized from learning about Walt Disney the man and his parks!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
It is no accident that I have saved the Animal Kingdom for last when considering the joy of walk through attractions. Indeed, much of this park can be seen as one great big walk through attraction, with its winding pathways, animal exhibits, and hidden quiet spots. Taking a slower pace can be a bit of a conscious effort during a Disney World vacation, but the Animal Kingdom is the park where I feel most invited to do so.
That invitation starts with the shaded paths of the Oasis Exhibits as you enter the park and continues through the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail, through the Discovery Island Trails, and in the intricate carvings on the Tree of Life.
My personal favorite is the Maharajah Jungle Trek, especially when walked in the quieter hours at twilight. The sights and smells of lush tropical plants, exotic animals including gibbons, flying foxes, and majestic tigers, waterfalls, the sounds of bird singing, and the mystique of ancient ruins all transport me to another world. Sitting on a quiet bench absorbing this place is exactly what I need while I look forward to another exciting day in the parks.
Registration opens today for the fifth anniversary Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort, and runners who sign up will have the chance to earn a one-time-only fifth anniversary medal.
The all-new commemorative medal will be distinctive and unique, a collectors’ item for anyone who completes the 13.1-mile nighttime race on Nov. 9 through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. The race weekend will also include Mickey’s Jingle Jungle 5K and runDisney Kids races on Nov. 8.
Immediately after the half marathon, runners and their families have the opportunity to celebrate at the popular Finish Line Party during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival inside Epcot until 4 am (friends and family must purchase a party ticket for entry). The Finish Line Party features more than 25 kiosks offering fine cuisine and wine from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, plus Disney characters, musical performances and the opportunity to ride signature Epcot attractions.
There will also be a Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste on Nov. 7, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This special ticketed evening event offers runners and fans a private reception on the set of Lights, Motor, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, featuring food and beverages from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, music and meet & greets with Disney characters.
The race weekend kicks off with the Disney Health and Fitness Expo on Nov. 7-8, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. The expo, which is free and open to the public, offers the latest in running apparel, technology and a speaker series featuring running experts such as runDisney official training consultant Jeff Galloway and runDisney nutritionist Tara Gidus.
To register for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend races and to purchase tickets for the Disney Wine & Dine Pre-Race Taste and Finish Line Party at Epcot, visit www.runDisney.com. Runners can access specially priced theme park tickets and accommodations after registering for the event by calling 407-939-iRUN.
Set among millions of blossoms, classic topiaries and live entertainment, garden-themed food and beverage offerings are returning for the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March 5-May 18, 2014 at Walt Disney World Resort.
Back for a second festival year, the 11 food and beverage marketplaces have been dubbed Outdoor Kitchens, where chefs will be cooking a variety of new and popular returning menu items, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. At The Smokehouse: Barbecue and Brews Outdoor Kitchen, Piggylicious Bacon Cupcakes and Smoked Turkey Ribs are on tap with a lineup of great brews. Last year’s top menu picks like the Watermelon Salad with local baby arugula, feta cheese, pickled red onions and balsamic reduction will return for an encore at the Florida Fresh Outdoor Kitchen.
Urban Farm Eats will be the new Outdoor Kitchen on the promenade with a sustainable garden featuring tilapia, eggplant and other farm-raised treats. Guests can try new menu items including The Land pavilion-Grown Eggplant “Scallop” with Romesco Sauce, Ghost Pepper Dusted Tilapia with Winter Melon Salad and Mango Chutney, plus red and white vegan wines and gluten-free beer.
Outdoor Kitchens, including location and food and beverage offerings are below. Menu items noted with ** are part of TRYit, Disney’s campaign that encourages children to try something new.
‘Frozen’ Songwriter Bobby Lopez discusses songwriting at TEDxBroadway.
He discusses ‘Frozen’ around the 22 min. mark and then performs ‘Let it Go’.
There’s a song that says “music is the universal language if you know what I mean”. Well, I have found its first cousin.
I am in sales and marketing and therefore have folks from all sorts of backgrounds coming through my office. One never knows what type of personality you will be working with until you sit down and begin that discovery process. But no matter what “type” they may be…one thing can be a common denominator for sure.
Everyone has their own way of finding “common ground” with prospective clients to develop a rapport and ease into discussions relating to the actual sales process. What is my winning ice breaker? Disney, of course!
I have only two Disney items in my office. A Walt Disney World coffee mug and a large candy dish resembling Mickey’s red shorts and shoes, not to mention Sorcerer Radio is always playing on my desktop.
It never fails that my visitors notice these items and it affords me the opportunity to share a recent experience or personal anecdote. They in turn do the same or if they have never been to the “World” they tend to ask a lot of questions! Maybe I’m marketing for the wrong company!
I could very easily get sidetracked and talk Disney all day, but I have learned to weave my Disney experiences and community offerings throughout the conversation that not only builds a great relationship with my family clients, but can make a difficult decision process less intimidating and more entertaining.
They always take an interest in what I share with them, which in turn lends to them having greater interest in what I’m here to educate them about and ultimately win their trust, their business.
We are all about making a personal connection with our guests, family members and residents here and by me using the universal language of Disney, it’s always a breeze! So, put a Mickey on your mantle, a castle on your credenza or a Dumbo on your desk. See what a little Disney commonality can do for you. The results can be magical!
The Orlando Sentinel takes at detailed look at the brand new Magic Kingdom parade.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is pleased to present MAGIC, COLOR, FLAIR: the world of Mary Blair. On view from March 13 to September 7, 2014, this comprehensive exhibition explores the artistic process and development of one of Walt Disney’s most original, beloved, and influential designer and art directors, Mary Blair (1911–1978). Blair’s joyful creativity―her eye-appealing designs and exuberant color palette―endure in numerous media, including classic Disney animated films, such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, and theme park attractions at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, most notably it’s a small world.
Mary Blair Audio Guide
Enjoy an audio journey through this special exhibition with our exclusive audio tour. Travel through Blair’s early work, the inspiring trip she took with Walt to South America, the vibrant world of Disney feature films, and on to it’s a small world and beyond. Enjoy personal stories, anecdotes, and historical information from contributors John Canemaker, exhibition curator; Ted Thomas, director of Walt and El Grupo; Rolly Crump and Alice Davis, Disney Legends and friends of Mary Blair; and Blair’s nieces Maggie Richardson and Jeanne Chamberlain.
The audio guide is available for $7 or is free for members; find out more at the museum ticket desk.
