Tucked into the American Experience at EPCOT is a group of 8 people who will knock your socks off. These 8 people form the Voices of Liberty, and when they belt out "God Bless America" in the amazing acoustics of the rotunda, you'll be sure to wipe a tear from your eye.
Performing at different times throughout the day, the Voices of Liberty bring their vocal stylings to such classics as "Old Man River", "Shenendoah" (which is absolutely amazing, by the way), and "Amazing Grace". Their voices mesh so well that you'll be hard pressed to choose your favorite performer.
I am ashamed to say it, but I have a habit of skipping the American Experience all together. In my mind, I'm IN America. When I have the opportunity to visit pavilions from Japan, Mexico, France and Italy, who wants to see MORE of the country I live in? I'm pretty sure my husband feels the same way, too. However, I purchased a CD of Disney Park music on our last trip and heard a beautiful rendition of "Golden Dream", a sort of signature song of the Voices of Liberty. I was hooked. On top of it all, Chad had actually sung it in high school, so he already knew the song.
And, like I tend to do, I took my new found passion to YouTube. I am so glad I did. Other guests have posted their videos of Voices that are simply amazing. Check some of them out below.
Amazing, right? Did that last soloist give you chills? I've watched that clip over 100 times now and I STILL get chills with that last note. It's just perfection.
So next time you're walking in the World Showcase, be sure to pop in and catch an amazing concert. It's air conditioned, your feet could use a little rest, and most of all, your ears will thank you.
Happy Easter to all you Mousekateers who observe the holiday!
I'm sure many of you are experiencing a sugar high rivaling only Halloween. While we're talking about our sugary-sweet treats, I thought it would be an excellent time to talk about a little corner of the "world" that many guests may not even know exists: Goofy's Candy Company!
Take a trip to Downtown Disney and you'll see a wide array of various shops and restaurants. It's also home to Goofy's Candy Company (or GCC). It's a great little place to pop in and get a delicious dessert, refreshing frozen drink or a handful of your favorite candy to satisfy your sweet tooth.
GCC offers a seemingly endless variety of sweets as well as an opportunity for you to create your own awesome concoction. Just step up to the counter, choose your "base" (choose from rice crispy treats, marshmallow, cookies, pretzel sticks, or apples). Next, your base will be covered with a layer of sticky treats. Will you choose milk chocolate? White chocolate? How about caramel? Now, it's time to decorate! Your final topping comes in the form of sprinkles, candies (M&M's, Butterfingers, etc.), Oreos, chocolate chips or nuts! After a quick freeze to firm up your custom creation, your name is called and you get to enjoy your masterpiece! What could be better?!
GCC also offers an excellent selection of frozen (non-alcoholic) drinks to cool you down on a hot Florida day. Glaciers, as they're called, come in 8 fantastic flavors including Garshly Berry Blue, Pucker Purple and more. The best part? You get to create your own cup! You'll have to pay a little more for the 'Souvenir Cup option' but it's essentially like playing with a Mr. Potato Head (but you get to drink out of it!). Selections include Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Princess and more. You can combine as many glacier flavors as you please, so be as crazy, or as original as you please!
Goofy's Candy Company also offers your favorite Disney snacks from the parks, so if you're craving that Mickey Bar, or a sensational ice cream sandwich, be sure to stop in and grab it here!
So next time you're taking a stroll through Downtown Disney, take a peek into the silliest Candy Company around and enjoy your custom confection!
Prices are as follows:
Apple - $5.50
Rice Krispie Treat - $3.00
3 Pretzel Rods - $3.50
4 Marshmallows - $2.50
Gingerbread Cookies - $3.50
Additional toppings run about $1.00 each and candy by the quarter pound runs about $2.25.
Have you ever been to GCC? If not, do you think you'll visit next time you're in the area? Share your thoughts below!
ETA: BONUS! Goofy's Candy Kitchen only uses ONE snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan! You can't go wrong with that!! :)
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!
Greetings Mouse Junkies! Today's post is for a good friend of mine who is traveling back to WDW in 30 or so days! She and her husband are looking forward to spending a magical holiday season together at the most Magical Place on Earth. There's so much do though- so let's make a list of the not-to-be-missed items they should see!
10. The Gingerbread House at the Grand Floridian Resort:
This isn't your average cookie house. Oh no. This is something that would make Hansel and Gretel drool. We're talking a 16 foot house of gingerbread goodness. Not only is it an absolute marvel to look at- it smells AMAZING! Check it out and be sure to take lots of pictures.
9. The Resorts:
Honestly, it doesn't matter which resort you'll be staying at- Disney really does put everything into the details. Each resort boasts a unique holiday design that reflects the theme of that specific resort. For instance, the Animal Kingdom Lodge has an enormous, African-themed tree in the lobby that is simply one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. The Boardwalk has a beautiful, ocean themed tree in their lobby and the Polynesian has a beautiful Hawaiian tree waiting for guests. It's so much fun to walk around your resort to see what new details you can find in the various displays.
8. Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney:
This is THE place to get all of your holiday shopping done while still getting that magical touch that only Disney can bring you. At this outdoor "event" you can share in holiday traditions from all over the world simply by walking around the DTD area! There are street performers, DJs, and even Santa throughout the day. Meanwhile, be sure to check out "World of Disney"- the largest Disney Store! It's got everything for everyone on your list! Let's face it, who wouldn't want a bit of pixie dust in their stocking?
7. Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom: What do you get when you combine an African safari and a good old Christmas Parade? Why, Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade, of course! Check out the unique floats from some of your favorite characters, and be prepared to be pulled into the fun! Also, be sure to take a good sniff when Minnie's float passes by. They pipe out the delicious smell of hot chocolate! Yummy! Check it out at 3:45 pm daily.
6. Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade at the Magic Kingdom:
This is where you get to experience almost everything you see on the Disney Christmas Parade on ABC every year. The Gingerbread men, the reindeer and all of your favorite characters. This parade starts down Main Street USA at 3:00 or 3:30 each day. If you're not into parades, no fear! This is an EXCELLENT time to check out your favorite rides and attractions with shorter lines!
5. The Haunted Mansion Holiday Makeover at the Magic Kingdom:
This is by far one of my favorite things at WDW. Jack Skellington and the helpful residents of Halloweentown take over the Haunted Mansion in Liberty Square. For all of those Haunted Mansion die hards (pun intended), the script has been completely redone for Jack and his friends, so don't expect to hear too much of your favorite one liners. It's amazing though and well worth the slightly longer line you may experience. Well worth it.
4. The Osborne Family Lights at Disney Hollywood Studios:
Christmas lights on steroids. For real. Take a stroll on the Streets of America and you'll see virtually every single inch covered in the same lights you decorate your own home with. Cast members start stringing up the lights in August so be sure to stop by and check out their very hard work! Be prepared to encounter large crowds though. This is a huge draw for guests, but well worth the the crowds!
3. Holidays Around the World Candlelight Processional at EPCOT:
This is by far one of the most touching and sentimental events held at WDW during the Christmas season. An amazing chorus of voices as well as an orchestra belt out favorite traditional Christmas songs. Each year, celebrities sign on as narrators to recount the Christmas story. Click out here to see who will be there during your stay. There are also dining packages available if you'd like to make a night of it. Honestly, this one is just not-to-be-missed!
2. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom:
Where else can you see snow in the middle of Florida? This hard ticket event is incredibly popular among guests, and there are many reasons why. Special parades, extended time for rides and the magical lighting of Cinderella's Castle are only a few. Ticket prices start at $53.95, so it's not cheap, but it's certainly worth the money if you're able to swing it!
1. Just being in the parks:
This one is "free" so to speak. Each park has a very special stamp on it during the holidays. Cinderella's castle shimmers in ice, Epcot has MASSIVE Christmas trees from all over the world, DHS sports "tinsel"
town's famous decorations, and Animal Kingdom gets the far reaches of the globe involved. There's something about being in the happiest place on Earth for the holidays. If you have a moment or two, drop into the Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom to pick up an ornament. It's an awesome reminder of one of the most magical holidays you'll have!
I want to hear from you! Is there anything I missed that you would suggest? Any special holiday memories that you want to share? Post them in the comments section below for Kelly!
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!
