Hello again Mousekateers!
First off, I wanted to thank everyone for all of the fantastic support and feedback about my previous post and about the blog in general. I'm really enjoying having a fun place to come and post about the things I love and I'm really happy to hear that you're enjoying it, too. Please keep the suggestions and comments coming!
Second, I wanted to give a brief recap in the amazing past week that Disney had! On January 18th, Disney Parks CEO Eric Jacobson held a press conference to announce the new and exciting changes to much anticipated Fantasyland expansion. In this awesome video posted by the great people at Inside the Magic, we hear a little more about some of the changes that have been made as well as seeing some of the stunning new concept art. Take a look!
What do you think? Personally, I almost jumping out of my skin with excitement for the Be Our Guest dining experience. I was first sucked into the Disney magic when I was sitting in the movie theater in 1991 with my parents seeing Beauty and the Beast for the first time. I remember the specific scene that did it. It's the ballroom scene where Belle and the Beast are dancing. He spins her around to reveal the large, beautiful windows with the stars twinkling in the navy blue sky. It took my breath away. I specifically remember thinking it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in a movie. Every single time I see that scene, I cry. I'm still filled with all of the wonder and excitement that I was back in 1991. To me, that IS Disney magic. I'm so excited to get to sit in that ballroom with my husband and see what new magic will be coming our way!
This week also saw the maiden voyage of the brand new Disney Dream cruise ship. The inaugural trip took special guests from Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay for a 2-Night cruise to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida. I think one of my favorite things Disney did with this, is allowing families served by the Boys and Girls Clubs to be the ship's main guests. Sure, stars and members of the media were invited along, but the cruise was really centered around the families. It's great to see!
Speaking of "sea" (wink, wink), check out this on-board video of the interior of the new Disney Dream.
Finally, the newest incarnation of Cinderella's Castle for the Magic Kingdom's 40th Anniversary was unveiled this week. Guest photos will be projected onto the castle each night. Here's just a taste of what's coming our way in 2011!
It's been a busy week. What's your favorite? What new changes are you looking forward to seeing in 2011? Share yours here!
PS- GO PACK GO!!!
Showing posts with label Fantasyland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantasyland. Show all posts
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Target Mickey Collection!
Good morning Mousekateers!
I hope everyone enjoyed a fantastic holiday season! I know we did!
Depending on where you are, the weather may still be a bit frightful, but the weather at the Polynesian Resort is certainly delightful! Anyone in need of a mental vacation should check out the Polynesian cams on Eyes on Ears. This is a fantastic beach-view location where you can catch the Electrical Water Pageant at 9PM EST and catch Wishes at 10 PM EST. It's the perfect bit of Pixie Dust to end your day!
I also wanted to share some super fun products one of my friends tipped me off about. Target is now carrying a new line of Disney dinnerware!
I bought 2 of the Mickey sketch glasses (seen above) as well as the matching water bottle (I need to drink more water and who wouldn't want to with this adorable bottle!?) and I've been pleased. Bear in mind though that if you're looking for true glass and ceramic plates, you'll need to check out DisneyStore.com instead. These are made from a firm plastic, but it's plastic nonetheless. For parents with small children though, this may be a good thing!
Target also has some additional designs including the vintage Mickey comics (LOVE those) as well as villains. They also have an adorable Mickey serving bowl as well as Mickey's gloves as appetizer plates. In short: adorable. They're pretty darn affordable too, so if you need some Disney magic infused into your kitchen, check out this new line!
In other news, Phase 2 of the Fantasyland expansion will be underway in February. If you've been looking forward to catching Mickey in his home at ToonTown, you'll be out of luck. He'll be moved to City Hall to sign autographs and snap some photos with the family, but his home will be gone permanently by the end of February. While I'm incredibly sad to see that go (I always loved seeing where the Fab 5 lived as a child) I'm looking forward to seeing what the new expansion (which has been re-imagined many times since it's announcement at the D23 convention in 2009) will bring us. I'm really hoping to see Belle's Library like the one in Disneyland. THAT was magical!
Tune in tomorrow for a review on Epic Mickey- the Wii game released by Disney Interactive Studios! See ya real soon!
I hope everyone enjoyed a fantastic holiday season! I know we did!
Depending on where you are, the weather may still be a bit frightful, but the weather at the Polynesian Resort is certainly delightful! Anyone in need of a mental vacation should check out the Polynesian cams on Eyes on Ears. This is a fantastic beach-view location where you can catch the Electrical Water Pageant at 9PM EST and catch Wishes at 10 PM EST. It's the perfect bit of Pixie Dust to end your day!
I also wanted to share some super fun products one of my friends tipped me off about. Target is now carrying a new line of Disney dinnerware!
I bought 2 of the Mickey sketch glasses (seen above) as well as the matching water bottle (I need to drink more water and who wouldn't want to with this adorable bottle!?) and I've been pleased. Bear in mind though that if you're looking for true glass and ceramic plates, you'll need to check out DisneyStore.com instead. These are made from a firm plastic, but it's plastic nonetheless. For parents with small children though, this may be a good thing!
Target also has some additional designs including the vintage Mickey comics (LOVE those) as well as villains. They also have an adorable Mickey serving bowl as well as Mickey's gloves as appetizer plates. In short: adorable. They're pretty darn affordable too, so if you need some Disney magic infused into your kitchen, check out this new line!
In other news, Phase 2 of the Fantasyland expansion will be underway in February. If you've been looking forward to catching Mickey in his home at ToonTown, you'll be out of luck. He'll be moved to City Hall to sign autographs and snap some photos with the family, but his home will be gone permanently by the end of February. While I'm incredibly sad to see that go (I always loved seeing where the Fab 5 lived as a child) I'm looking forward to seeing what the new expansion (which has been re-imagined many times since it's announcement at the D23 convention in 2009) will bring us. I'm really hoping to see Belle's Library like the one in Disneyland. THAT was magical!
Tune in tomorrow for a review on Epic Mickey- the Wii game released by Disney Interactive Studios! See ya real soon!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
In with the new!
Hello again friends!
I was debating on what to write about today, but as soon as I headed over to the Disney Parks Blog (which you should really subscribe to if you haven't already. You can do it here.) it hit me. There's so many new, exciting changes coming down the pike for us Disney fans, so why not take a peek!
For anyone who isn't already in the know, there will soon be more resort options available to guests. In 2012 Disney's Art of Animation Resort will open where the "Classic Years" of the Pop Century resort not sit. The resort will feature 1,120 family suites (heck yeah!) themed after the Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo and 864 rooms in the Little Mermaid wings. That's almost 2,000 new rooms! What is a family suite you ask? They will feature both a bedroom and living room, proving more space to accommodate families or guests with special needs. All rooms will be open by the end of 2012.
For those with a more delicate palette, never fear! Plans are under way for a Four Seasons resort to be opened on Disney Property where the Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Courses currently stand. The new Four Seasons resort will be listed as a Luxury Resort and Golf Community. While early conceptual art is available online, no work has begun. Hopefully we'll see something from them soon!
For exotic travelers looking for an exotic locale and the signature Disney touch, you'll be happy to know that plans are unfolding nicely on Aulani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. It's really taking shape and is slated to be open in the first part of 2011. You can check out more details here.
For the seafaring folk, the newest ship to join the Disney fleet, the Disney Magic, is quickly taking shape! Guests will get to set sail in early 2011 to exciting cruises in Eastern and Western Caribbean as well as Transatlantic and Mediterranean itineraries. The ship will be able to accommodate up to 2,400 guests and boasts 10 decks with shopping, dining, and the Aqua Duck; the first water coaster at sea! You can book your cruise at www.disneycruise.com, but space is filling up VERY fast. We'll be excited to see it all unveiled.
Expansion is also in the air at my personal favorite park: the Magic Kingdom. Here is a video from Disney Parks and Resort president Jay Rasulo about all of the amazing things we'll be seeing in the next 2 years.
It's exciting to see all of the exciting new changes coming, but it's important to really take a step back and look at the attractions that have been there for a long time. I ask guests to please take a few moments and go through the older attractions like the Carousel of Progress and TTA People Mover. Even if you're not aware of it, the Disney execs are watching. I happen to be a huge fan of the older attractions and anything that Walt had any kind of hand in. I don't want to lose those. I can't go through that pain again- I'm still not over Toad!
Another aspect of the magic happening is refurbishments. While they're most definitely needed, they can greatly impact your vacation, so be sure to check here for a list of current and upcoming refurbs.
So, rejoice with me in all of the exciting changes coming to our favorite place on Earth, but be sure to stop and smell the roses. Not all of the best attractions are the ones with the newest gadgets. Sometimes the best ones may surprise you!
I was debating on what to write about today, but as soon as I headed over to the Disney Parks Blog (which you should really subscribe to if you haven't already. You can do it here.) it hit me. There's so many new, exciting changes coming down the pike for us Disney fans, so why not take a peek!
For anyone who isn't already in the know, there will soon be more resort options available to guests. In 2012 Disney's Art of Animation Resort will open where the "Classic Years" of the Pop Century resort not sit. The resort will feature 1,120 family suites (heck yeah!) themed after the Lion King, Cars and Finding Nemo and 864 rooms in the Little Mermaid wings. That's almost 2,000 new rooms! What is a family suite you ask? They will feature both a bedroom and living room, proving more space to accommodate families or guests with special needs. All rooms will be open by the end of 2012.
For those with a more delicate palette, never fear! Plans are under way for a Four Seasons resort to be opened on Disney Property where the Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Courses currently stand. The new Four Seasons resort will be listed as a Luxury Resort and Golf Community. While early conceptual art is available online, no work has begun. Hopefully we'll see something from them soon!
For exotic travelers looking for an exotic locale and the signature Disney touch, you'll be happy to know that plans are unfolding nicely on Aulani Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii. It's really taking shape and is slated to be open in the first part of 2011. You can check out more details here.
For the seafaring folk, the newest ship to join the Disney fleet, the Disney Magic, is quickly taking shape! Guests will get to set sail in early 2011 to exciting cruises in Eastern and Western Caribbean as well as Transatlantic and Mediterranean itineraries. The ship will be able to accommodate up to 2,400 guests and boasts 10 decks with shopping, dining, and the Aqua Duck; the first water coaster at sea! You can book your cruise at www.disneycruise.com, but space is filling up VERY fast. We'll be excited to see it all unveiled.
Expansion is also in the air at my personal favorite park: the Magic Kingdom. Here is a video from Disney Parks and Resort president Jay Rasulo about all of the amazing things we'll be seeing in the next 2 years.
It's exciting to see all of the exciting new changes coming, but it's important to really take a step back and look at the attractions that have been there for a long time. I ask guests to please take a few moments and go through the older attractions like the Carousel of Progress and TTA People Mover. Even if you're not aware of it, the Disney execs are watching. I happen to be a huge fan of the older attractions and anything that Walt had any kind of hand in. I don't want to lose those. I can't go through that pain again- I'm still not over Toad!
Another aspect of the magic happening is refurbishments. While they're most definitely needed, they can greatly impact your vacation, so be sure to check here for a list of current and upcoming refurbs.
So, rejoice with me in all of the exciting changes coming to our favorite place on Earth, but be sure to stop and smell the roses. Not all of the best attractions are the ones with the newest gadgets. Sometimes the best ones may surprise you!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Ch Ch Ch Changes....
Phew! It's been a busy past few days at the Happiest Place on Earth! I have much to share with everyone, so get comfy and get ready for the latest dish on Disney!
First, we go to our friends on the west coast at the original park: Disneyland. If you haven't already, be SURE to check out their amazing show (it's actually at California Adventure) World of Color. It's stunning. They've combined the Disney music we all love with our favorite scenes and projected it on these MASSIVE water screens. It's absolutely amazing- I'll post a video here for you to check out.
The original World of Color:
ANYWAY- This week, the Imagineers reworked their already brand spanking new show to include scenes from the upcoming film Tron: Legacy. I'll be honest with you friends. I know virtually nothing about Tron other than it being a video game that involved "the blue guy" and "the red guy." To be completely honest with you- it's not very likely that I'm going to check it out. But, Disney is sinking big money into promoting this film. Monorails have been changed (see blow), they've added this new ending to World of Color and the Disney Channel is all but plastered with Tron Behind the Scenes interviews and such. It just doesn't seem right to me. It feels like they're trying to catch the same lightning in a bottle that they managed to catch during the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (beware- there be rough waters ahead! Pirates 4 is filming soon!). I just don't think it's going to happen. Either way, I enjoy seeing change (with the hope that things will be changed back after the movie leaves theaters, of course) and will happily watch it all unfold. Check out the new Tron ending at World of Color below.
The Tron Monorail
Disneyland has also released more information about the expansion that's underway at California Adventure! For anyone who loved the Pixar movie, Cars, and wished they could drive through scenic Radiator Springs- I have excellent news for you! The expansion has already begun and it's beginning to look a lot like Cars out there! They're soft testing the vehicles (think of WDW Test Track. Remember that insane driving at the end? Yep. That'll be the entire ride. Awesome? Yes.) and is gathering technical data before they pull the cars off the track and go back to the Imagineering Drawing Board.
So- congrats to our friends at the Disneyland Resort! I look forward to seeing all the progress in the coming months!
But now, pumpkins are coming down, and you guessed it, garland is going up at my personal favorite place in the entire world- Walt Disney World Resort. The Haunted Mansion will soon get it's Holiday makeover and the famous gingerbread house will be going up at the Grand Floridian.
At DHS- The Rockin' Rollercoaster featuring Aerosmith has been closed for the second consecutive day now. Rumors abound that the dreaded refurb is going to be scheduled any time now. I'm sure all fans (regardless of how invested) are praying that those damn Hannah Montana rumors aren't true and that Rockin' Rollercoaster will simply be maintenance and nothing more. Please Disney Gods- do NOT make a tween themed coaster....I just couldn't handle that.
On the upside: One Man's Dream, a sort of walk through museum of the brilliant Walt Disney will be opening up this week! It's been down for the past few months as they clean, switch out exhibits and perform general maintenance. A sigh of relief is coming from all of us Walt fans!
Things are also moving right along with the massive Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom! The forest has arrived for the Fantasy Forest area! Hooray!
Anyway, that's about it for this installment. Now, I need to end with a bit of a plea. I have Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy. It sucks. I wont bore you with the sorted details. I need your help though. On February 5th, I'll be taking part in the MDA Muscle Walk with my team, the Muscle Mafia. I'm in desperate need of donations right now. We have a goal and I'm at about 10% of it right now. All donations are appreciated and are 100% tax deductible. Please consider making a donation and click on the link below. It will help more than you could possibly know!
https://www.joinmda.org/madisonmusclewalk2011/mandybehling
Until tomorrow, this is the Disney Hippy signing off! Have a magical evening!
First, we go to our friends on the west coast at the original park: Disneyland. If you haven't already, be SURE to check out their amazing show (it's actually at California Adventure) World of Color. It's stunning. They've combined the Disney music we all love with our favorite scenes and projected it on these MASSIVE water screens. It's absolutely amazing- I'll post a video here for you to check out.
The original World of Color:
ANYWAY- This week, the Imagineers reworked their already brand spanking new show to include scenes from the upcoming film Tron: Legacy. I'll be honest with you friends. I know virtually nothing about Tron other than it being a video game that involved "the blue guy" and "the red guy." To be completely honest with you- it's not very likely that I'm going to check it out. But, Disney is sinking big money into promoting this film. Monorails have been changed (see blow), they've added this new ending to World of Color and the Disney Channel is all but plastered with Tron Behind the Scenes interviews and such. It just doesn't seem right to me. It feels like they're trying to catch the same lightning in a bottle that they managed to catch during the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy (beware- there be rough waters ahead! Pirates 4 is filming soon!). I just don't think it's going to happen. Either way, I enjoy seeing change (with the hope that things will be changed back after the movie leaves theaters, of course) and will happily watch it all unfold. Check out the new Tron ending at World of Color below.
The Tron Monorail
Disneyland has also released more information about the expansion that's underway at California Adventure! For anyone who loved the Pixar movie, Cars, and wished they could drive through scenic Radiator Springs- I have excellent news for you! The expansion has already begun and it's beginning to look a lot like Cars out there! They're soft testing the vehicles (think of WDW Test Track. Remember that insane driving at the end? Yep. That'll be the entire ride. Awesome? Yes.) and is gathering technical data before they pull the cars off the track and go back to the Imagineering Drawing Board.
So- congrats to our friends at the Disneyland Resort! I look forward to seeing all the progress in the coming months!
But now, pumpkins are coming down, and you guessed it, garland is going up at my personal favorite place in the entire world- Walt Disney World Resort. The Haunted Mansion will soon get it's Holiday makeover and the famous gingerbread house will be going up at the Grand Floridian.
At DHS- The Rockin' Rollercoaster featuring Aerosmith has been closed for the second consecutive day now. Rumors abound that the dreaded refurb is going to be scheduled any time now. I'm sure all fans (regardless of how invested) are praying that those damn Hannah Montana rumors aren't true and that Rockin' Rollercoaster will simply be maintenance and nothing more. Please Disney Gods- do NOT make a tween themed coaster....I just couldn't handle that.
On the upside: One Man's Dream, a sort of walk through museum of the brilliant Walt Disney will be opening up this week! It's been down for the past few months as they clean, switch out exhibits and perform general maintenance. A sigh of relief is coming from all of us Walt fans!
Things are also moving right along with the massive Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom! The forest has arrived for the Fantasy Forest area! Hooray!
Anyway, that's about it for this installment. Now, I need to end with a bit of a plea. I have Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy. It sucks. I wont bore you with the sorted details. I need your help though. On February 5th, I'll be taking part in the MDA Muscle Walk with my team, the Muscle Mafia. I'm in desperate need of donations right now. We have a goal and I'm at about 10% of it right now. All donations are appreciated and are 100% tax deductible. Please consider making a donation and click on the link below. It will help more than you could possibly know!
https://www.joinmda.org/madisonmusclewalk2011/mandybehling
Until tomorrow, this is the Disney Hippy signing off! Have a magical evening!
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