Monday I was able to attend the AP preview of Toy Story Mania and I have to say I was completely blown away with the attraction!  There is now another ride in Hollywood Studios that will draw you in again and again!  While other AP guests had waited in line for a couple of hours on Sunday, Monday after lunch was a perfect time to go - 15 minute wait!  This is one que line you will really enjoy standing in.  (This is where I give a little about my age)  The games I loved as a kid - Chutes and Ladder, Barrel of Monkeys, MR POTATOE HEAD!  The detail is amazing in this room.  Toys, games, puzzles are on all four walls. 

I didn’t spend a lot of time in front of Mr. Potato Head to get to interact with him, but he really does keep talk to you while in line.  He was quizzing those of us in line on our favorite attractions in WDW.  One guest said he made him tug at his ear when he was in line earlier, so this should make standing in line for this ride more enjoyable.

The ride itself is a 3D attraction where you play carnival type games at every turn.  First you are tossing balls at animals to knock them over, another screen you are at you are popping balloons with darts, then another time you are breaking plates, and then the one I never quite got the hang of, was tossing rings.  The last two screens are a rapid fire round… just when your arm is about ready to fall off from all the shooting!

Now, you are asking yourself why the title?  Because with every shot you make you have to pull a cord at the back of a small cannon looking gun. The cord has to be pulled out to make it shoot and then it has to retract back before you can shoot again!  Sounds easy, but after the first two screens, you are hoping you are ambidextrous because your one arm is very tired from pulling the cord so you could shoot.  You are also hoping that you can aim with the other hand!  So my advise to you is to start training that weaker hand and arm now to get a better score!  Learn to look for the small far away items for a higher score, and above all….. Have fun!  Because after all, you are riding around in Andy’s room and playing with all his toys!

 

Monday I was able to attend the AP preview of Toy Story Mania and I have to say I was completely blown away with the attraction!  There is now another ride in Hollywood Studios that will draw you in again and again! < more... >

I cannot believe it has been 10 years since I took my first adventure in Animal Kingdom!   It seems like just yesterday I was checking out this new park with my toddler.   Now the toddler is almost a teenager and the park is hitting those tween years!  I would say that tween fits what this park is like now.   It’s not brand new anymore and it has gotten a little more attitude with the addition of Everest.  It is growing up more and more each year and I can’t wait to see what is to come!  I wasn’t in Animal Kingdom on opening day but I was there just a couple weeks after that so there was no way I was going to miss the 10th anniversary - no matter how busy things are around here!   I may have to put in some extra hours to catch up on work but it was well worth it to attend this event!  The guys from WDW Celebrations had a great schedule of events for us to enjoy!   I met up with Annette at the Theater in the Wild where Joe Rohde gave a wonderful speech along with a cool slide show of photos and sketchs from the planning days of the park.   Later he was even signing autographs for guests.   We didn’t have enough time to get in line for that, but Annette did grab a quick photo we will post later.   The rest of the day included Finding Nemo, Everest, and a History Walk which began with a visit from the VP of Animal Kingdom!   It was so great that she took time out of her busy day to come and talk to our group!  Unfortunately I had to leave after the walk since I had to come home to an inbox full of things to do and my pre-teen who wasn’t that happy that he didn’t get to join me today.   I missed out on dinner, a presention to DisneyWorldTrivia.com’s Dream Team, group photo, and the last ride on Dinosaur.  I am sure Annette will jump in with part 2 and tell us all about that though!   Here are some photos from my wild day:

It is always great to meet clients in person!   Hi Maureen!

The Guys from WDW Celebrations - thanks for all your hard work guys!

The VP of Animal Kingdom - Val

Val even took time to answer questions.

Ok since Annette has a busy schedule so she forwarded me a couple photos to add to my post instead.   

 

Joe was very nice to pose quickly for us!

The guys from WDWCelebrations presented Lou with a check for $500 for the Dream Team!

I cannot believe it has been 10 years since I took my first adventure in Animal Kingdom!   It seems like just yesterday I was checking out this new park with my toddler.   Now the toddler is almost a teenager and the park is hitting those tween years!  I would say that tween fits what this park is like now. < more... >

The Tower of Terror is 13 years old and how does Disney celebrate?  With a party of course!  Well there was also a marathon too.  I am not much for running so I just did the party part.  I am not a morning person either so I have never been down in January when the marathon is going on so this was my first expierience with a marthon running through a park.  I have to say it was a lot of fun cheering on the runners.  There were times you could tell a person was tired but just a cheer and some claps from the crowd gave them new wind.   There were also some runners with a sense of humor that made it fun to watch, such the the Forest Gump runner LOL!  Sorry I didn’t get his photo.   

 

We did take a break from cheering to ride the open attractions.  Tower of Terror of coruse, along with Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, and Rockin Roller Coaster.  There was a also a band set up under the big hat and a DJ spinning tunes in front of Tower of Terror.  It was great night!  I hope Disney makes it a regular event.  I think I will even get up early enough to go down and cheer on runners in January - so Michelle and Suzy I will be looking for you 2!

Coleen

coleen@mousefantravel.com 

The Tower of Terror is 13 years old and how does Disney celebrate?  With a party of course!  Well there was also a marathon too.  I am not much for running so I just did the party part. < more... >

Right in my own backyard, Disney previewed a DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge Villa just for me and several hundred of my closest friends at the Grand Opening of Disney’s Doorway to Dreams at Woodfield Mall near Chicago, IL.

The magic spread throughout the mall as character meet and greets were taking place where the big Christmas tree stands during the holiday season.  And there were Mickey ears everywhere!  Ah, it put a smile on my face that will stay with me until my next trip.

Before we toured the villa we became entranced by the flat panel screens that elegantly faded between Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland and Adventures by Disney scenes. 

Then it was time to view the replica of an Animal Kingdom Lodge Villa.  If it had been a scene from a sitcom, I would have needed some dream sequence music, as I felt instantly transported to Lake Buena Vista.

   

We entered into the full kitchen/living room area where the rustic table with "Lion King" chair backs set the tone.  The kitchen was modern with beautiful dark countertops, full sized fridge and dishwasher.

 

  

 

 

The couch faced a beautiful flat screen table in an artsy African-inspired cabinet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The master bedroom has a colorful spread with a beautiful dark wood headboard.  The carpeting is animal print with, of course, hidden Mickeys!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The master bath has a HUGE walk-in shower and deep whirlpool tub. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I was immediately drawn to "The Lion King" shower tile detail! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And as we emerged from the master bath, I saw the flat screen TV with this amazing cabinet. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other bedroom had another colorful spread, couch and flat screen TV.  It also had a little area with a sink, small fridge and microwave.  There was another bathroom with an African print shower curtain with some not-so-hidden Mickeys.

 

 

 

 

And almost as if on cue, as I left, there were fireworks!  Okay, so they were on the flat screens.  I guess that’s as close as I can get to magic until I’m able to try out the Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas.

 

 

Joanne
Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

Right in my own backyard, Disney previewed a DVC Animal Kingdom Lodge Villa just for me and several hundred of my closest friends at the Grand Opening of Disney’s Doorway to Dreams at Woodfield Mall near Chicago, IL. < more... >

After a couple of crazy weeks of working I definately needed to take some time to stop and smell the roses.  What better place to do this then the Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot!  I look forward to this event each year.   This year the festival started earlier than ever, but there was no way I was braving Easter crowds to check out the opening weekend though.  Even being 2 weeks after Easter crowds were still rather large for me so I didn’t see as much I wanted to.  I will be back to see more later.  For now I will report on what I did see.

  This year’s theme is Pirates and Princesses and the centerpiece at the entrance was just perfect!  There are also topiaries of princesses and pirates all over the park.  Many of the festival favorites are back again such as Minnie’s Butterfly Garden, Tink’s Fairy Garden, and the Flower Power concerts!  There is also a special theme each weekend.  This weekend was Art in the Garden Weekend and we saw real artists set up all around the park painting thier surroundings. 

 I am always amazed at what Disney can do with flowers.  I wish I had a green thumb, but since I don’t it’s nice to pretend that this is my yard.  The colors seemed brighter than ever this year and they really seemed to energize me.  I am looking forward to getting back to the festival again to see more!    If you are in the area between now and June 3 be sure to check it out and like I said slow down and take some time to smell the roses!!

Coleen

coleen@mousefantravel.com

After a couple of crazy weeks of working I definately needed to take some time to stop and smell the roses.  What better place to do this then the Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot!  I look forward to this event each year. < more... >

Today I braved the Spring Break crowds to check out the Passholder preview for Monsters Inc Laugh Floor.  The Magic Kingdom hadn’t reached the totally nuts crowd size that I am sure it will have later this week so it wasn’t too bad.  Since this was a Passholder preview there wasn’t a line at all.  After showing our passes we walked right into the first waiting room for this new attraction.  After a short wait inside we were then moved to the next wiating area in front of the theater doors.  In this room there are TVs telling you that you could text your own jokes in and they could become part of the show.  I don’t do the whole texting thing and don’t really have any good jokes that I could think of so that didn’t interest me.   Seems like I wasn’t alone on that becasue we only had one joke in the show that was supposedly texted in. 

  After a few minutes the doors opened and we entered the theater.  Inside there are rows of blue benches to chose from.  I have to say I thought the benches were nice and large and spaced out so you didn’t feel crammed in there.  I later found out that there is a reason for all the space between them.  There are 2 big screens in the front and while you are waiting for everyone to be seated video of people in the audience appear with funny captions.  That was probably my favorite part of the show.  Next the monsters take over.  This is similar to Turtle Talk with Crush where the characters on the screen interact with the audience - the one differance is that if they are interacting with you, you also appear on the big screen.   It was sort of like a sporting event where the camera men out running around the theater so they can get the camera and mike on you - hence the need for all the space. 

The whole point of the show is that Monsters Inc is now collecting laughs insted of screams so they need to generate "gigglewats" of power to fill up a canister.  Of course no matter how lame the jokes may be the canister does get filled by the end of the show.  It was a cute show and while I won’t be rushing back to do it again anytime soon I would say that it is worth a visit.  Each show will be a little differant so who knows you may end up seeing a much funnier version.

 

I couldn’t go over to the Magic Kingdom and not check out what is going on at the Contemporary.  All of the North end of the resort is gone!  No more wing bulidings on this side of the tower and no more tennis courts!    I wish someone would tell us what they are planning to do next!  My guess is that some DVC properties on the monorail would go over really well.  Anyone else have any ideas?

Coleen

Coleen@MouseFanTravel.com

 

Today I braved the Spring Break crowds to check out the Passholder preview for Monsters Inc Laugh Floor.  The Magic Kingdom hadn’t reached the totally nuts crowd size that I am sure it will have later this week so it wasn’t too bad.  Since this was a Passholder preview there wasn’t a line at all. < more... >

I just returned from a trip to my personal happy place… Walt Disney World of course. And while the trip was great, it was the way it started which really stands out as a story to be told.

The real challenge about my addiction to my happy place is that it’s not an easy task getting there. There are only a few good flight choices from Seattle and only one airline that flies direct/non stop. I prefer to not waste a day of possible play time in the air, so typically opt for the red eye that is generally a bit less expensive too. This means twisting my body clock around a little as 3 hours of what could be restful sleep magically disappears. And being one who would rather skip around the Alaska Airlines digi-player for the latest movies instead of trying to sleep in the limited space the airlines think is sufficient for your typical sardine, I usually arrive not really looking my best.  (see picture…)
I booked my flights late so wasn’t too surprised when I found myself embarking on my trip with a Magical Express reservation but without the document booklet or tags in hand. I figured it would be a good experience to see what travelers experience in such a predicament so looked at it as an adventure of sorts.

My plane touched down around 7:20 am and I headed for the A side baggage claim. Usually it takes forever to get the bags to the carousel but I was pleasantly surprised when the motors started up within 10 minutes of my arrival. A few minutes later my bag made its grand entrance and I was off to B side to catch the Magical Express transfer.

As I approached the check in area, I was greeted with a line of smiling faces all ready to assist the next guest in line.  However, there was no line to be found. Just a line of 5 or 6 Magical Express cast members all smiling and ready to be of assistance. It was obvious they were just getting ready to greet the morning rush and in regular Disney fashion, they were well prepared. I approached the first smiling face and apologized that I didn’t receive my booklet or tags and my one check bag was in tow.  Just as I suspected, they said that wasn’t a problem what so ever and they would be happy to help me get everything in place so I could be whisked away to start my Disney vacation! I didn’t have the heart to tell them it was actually a working trip because they were so excited that I was seemingly on my way to a magical vacation.

As I was being checked in, the gal asked me to wait a few minutes while they got all my paperwork together and in the meantime, one cast member and I started reciting the Mickey Mouse Club song while another really nice gentleman joined me on the guest side of the counter.  He was so nice and offered to escort me out to bus as soon as my tags were finished printing. We started towards the end of the counter and a manager, Greg I believe, joined us and greeted me with a hearty good morning.  He explained that my escort was going to take me out to the bus. As we walked towards the doors, I realized that not only was my luggage in tow, but there were 5 cast members and a manager behind me too.

Hmmm…  ok.  

They must be thinking one of these things….

1. I am a very nice person and they wanted to be sure I was safe getting to my destination
2. I am ready to fall asleep mid-stride and need 5 people to ensure someone catches me
3. Did I mis-spell “Mickey” when we were doing the Mickey Mouse Club song and I’m in trouble?
4. Maybe they were all practicing?
5. Or maybe they were just giving the best service possible?
6. or …. maybe….
   

Just as I was trying to figure out the next scenario, and we walk out the doors towards the bus, the cast member with my bag in tow stops and tosses gold pixie dust in the air and smiles from ear to ear. He tells me… “It’s a Year of a Million Dreams and we have one for you! You will be traveling in style”  he then points to a white stretch limo parked just to my left.

No… really? No way, not me… this kinda thing doesn’t ever happen to me…  REALLY????

Stunned disbelief set in as they all walked me towards this very big car for just little ol’ me.  I hugged them and thanked them and thanked them some more.

Ok… gotta back up here, this is when I get to tell everyone that Annette should have also been on the reservation, but arrived on a later flight and she elected to be the rental car picker-upper.  So guess who got my first phone call from the back of the limo??  I digress…

Anyway, as I realized I didn’t have a camera and haven’t studied my instruction manual for my new camera phone, another person was kind enough to take the picture and email it to me.  (note to self – stop at the girls room and put on make up after a red eye flight…)

Anyway –

I never thought it could/would happen to me…. but it did.  My heartfelt thanks to the cast members that went out of their way to make such a magical moment for me and to help document the fact it actually happened. I have the pictures and a certificate to prove it!

Dreams really do come true.  Even for little ol’ me. I learned you don’t have to be  traveling with a family, or celebrating anything special, and you don’t even have to be in park for Disney to make a dream come true.  Thanks to Disney’ Magical Express team – you made my day and a wonderful memory I will share with friends and family for a long time to come.

- Beci Mahnken

I just returned from a trip to my personal happy place… Walt Disney World of course. And while the trip was great, it was the way it started which really stands out as a story to be told.

The real challenge about my addiction to my happy place is that it’s not an easy task getting there. < more... >

I had no big plans this spring to go to Walt Disney World.  In fact, I actually decided against going because I have three trips planned in the fall (including Disneyland!).  But I keep up on events at the World for obvious reasons.  I noticed that they were doing a rehab of El Rio Del Tiempo, otherwise known in my circles as the "Mexican Small World".  They’re changing the storyline and calling it "Gran Fiesta Tour"  starring The Three Caballeros.  Our heroes, find themselves running around Mexico looking for fellow caballero and Fab Fiver, Donald Duck.  "Interesting", I think.  And although I’m glad that the people at the swim up bar will finally be going home pruney after their LONG vacation, I’m still not compelled to plan a trip.  I can see it in the fall.

Then there’s the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival from April 5th through June 3rd.  I love, love, love this festival.  There’s nothing better than coming from the cold, wet weather at home and seeing Epcot in full bloom.  I’m a topiary fan.  Plus I marvel at how healthy everything is; I got a flowering plant for Valentine’s Day and it’s already dead.  I envy the horticulture department’s talent.  Every year I tell my friend who lives in Florida how I envy him and every year I see his taunting photos of the topiaries as he rubs in the fact that he hasn’t seen snow in over five years.  But even this, does not motivate me to plan my trip. 

Obviously it is going through my mind.  I even look at the performer line-up for  "Flower Power" Concert Series.  Yep, Davy Jones is there.  I hate to admit that I was a Monkees fan when I was a kid.  I can’t say that Davy Jones’ music is under my "Can’t Admit Favs" iPod playlist (really!).  But if you ask me, I can sing every word of Daydream Believer. 

Then, I read that L’Originale Alfredo di Roma is closing at the end of August.  I know there are people who aren’t fans of the Italian restaurant in the World Showcase.  But I have some wonderful memories there.  Most of them involve my Sicilian dad interacting with the waiters and speaking Italian.  And the waiter flirting with me and calling me "bella" to get a better tip.  Not to mention their cannolis taste almost exactly like those my little Sicilian grandma used to make.  Once Alfredo’s goes, I wonder if the memories that tasting those sweet cannolis conjur up won’t be as strong.  

So, I’m planning to head down during the middle of May with my parents and a friend for once last experience at Epcot’s Alfredo di Roma.  Oh, I could go to their restaurant in Rome or New York.  Somehow, it seems much more magical in Central Florida.  We will dine once more, toast one of our favorite Epcot experiences "arrivederci" and look forward to the Italian restaurant that Disney says will replace it.  As much as I hate to see Alfredo’s go, I would like to think that the reason it is, is a testament to this place Walt imagined, this "World’s Fair".  It is always changing.

I think Alfredo’s just tipped the scales on the "theme park on my mind".  Truthfully, I’ve been thinking about "Soarin" for weeks.  It’s not as if I need an excuse but maybe a way to rationalize my draw to this place.  And if I happen to be eating my cannoli to the sounds of "Daydream Believer", well, all the better.  Just one more memory that I can think about when I come home to the rest of our slushy, blustery spring.

Joanne
Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

 

I had no big plans this spring to go to Walt Disney World.  In fact, I actually decided against going because I have three trips planned in the fall (including Disneyland!).  But I keep up on events at the World for obvious reasons. < more... >

"Well, sir, there’s nothing on earth
  Like a genuine,
  Bonafide,
  Electrified,
  Six Car
  Monorail!
  What’d I say?

Monorail!

What’s it called?

Monorail!

That’s right! Monorail!"

When I first saw the Monorail episode of The Simpsons (where the above quote was from), I was on the floor laughing.  It poked fun at two of my favorite things, Walt Disney World and theatre.  (The Monorail Song is, of course, based on The Music Man’s "Rock Island" which I sat through night after night when I did the show.  I eventually began to silently scream during the "song".) 

But the song is right, there is nothing on earth like (Disney’s) monorail.  Okay, there are other monorails.  Heck, Imagineering didn’t even create them.  The history of the monorail goes way back to 1825 when a horse-powered monorail, created to carry bricks, took the opening trip with passengers.  Fast forward more than seventy-five years, Walt Disney and Richard Nixon and his family dedicated the Disneyland monorail in 1959.  The Mark VI monorails that run today at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom carry approximately 150,000 guest a day to and from the theme parks and resorts.  They are named with a color that corresponds to the stripe just below the windows.  With twelve colors ranging from black to coral, cast members refer to a line as "Monorail Silver" or "Monorail Orange". The Cast Member at the Magic Kingdom Monorail Station, shown in the photo, cracked me up with his "hat".

When I was riding the "highway in the sky" in December, I twice had the opportunity to co-pilot.  A lot of guests know that you can ride in the front car with the Monorail pilot but many are too focused on getting to their destination to ask.  If you are up near the front of the monorail queue, please do not hesitate to ask to sit in the front.  The front cab capacity is four guests.  The ride is very much worth it!  I was lucky enough to be heading to the Magic Kingdom from the TTC (Ticket and Transportation Center).  My favorite view was just as we were heading into the Contemporary Resort.  The Magic Kingdom was in the background and there is a hill that you never notice when you’re not riding in the front cab.

The kids (and big kids too) get a Monorail Co-Pilot’s license as a souvenir.  Mine is proudly displayed next to my computer.  This experience is no-charge magical moment.  If you happen to be in the right place at the right time and get to experience it, you and the guest in party will never be able to hear "please stand clear of the doors" again and not smile.

Joanne
Joanne@MouseFanTravel.com

"Well, sir, there’s nothing on earth
  Like a genuine,
  Bonafide,
  Electrified,
  Six Car
  Monorail!
  What’d I say?

Monorail!

What’s it called?

Monorail!

That’s right! Monorail! < more... >

Everywhere you turn in Disney World it seems you are bombarded by either pirates or princesses. When Disney first announced the Pirate and Princess Parties I thought it sounded interesting. I guess I may have been expecting too much because I was a little let down by the party. It pretty much seemed just like a Halloween party, but in January. There just wasn’t that WOW thing that would make you say I am so glad I shelled out the extra money for this.

There were plenty of places around the park to collect "loot" which was in form of beads and chocolate (mostly Hershey’s which was nice). Felt like we were trick or treating though.

Crowds were light (much lighter than Disney expected I bet). It was rather chilly which may have made some people rethink buying a ticket if they hadn’t already. What Disney did expect for January nights?

There was a special parade (short as it was) and it was cool to see Tink in a parade! There was also special fireworks - which were good but also seemed to be missing something.

Kids could join a dance party in either Fantasyland or Tomorrowland - both of which looked like fun. There was also the Pirate tutorial (which seemed the same as we have seen before) and a princess protector demo in Adventureland. There were a few carnival type games tucked away in he back corner of Toontown. There were also some cute photo ops around the park, but maybe it was bad timing on my part but it seemed as though the photopass people were missing.  We did find a photopass person on Main St and got our picture taken but were very disappointed when we went to check out our picture and it was all dark behind, no sign of the castle or any of those cute digital effects we are used to.

There just seemed to be a lot of things missing - such as some kind of special "freebie" perks for party goers like maybe a photo or even hot chocolate would have been nice. I also did not see any special exclusive merchandise other than the really large balloons, which seemed odd. It also was not easy to find something to eat or drink since most of the carts around the park were closed.

All and all it was an enjoyable evening (made me wish Halloween could have small crowds like that again) but if you have already shelled out a lot of money for your Disney vacation you may want to save the money, skip the party, and just enjoy the Extra Magic Hours which are free. Without any big bang or holiday to draw you to this party I can’t see paying all of that money just for small crowds and some candy - but that is just my 2 cents.

Coleen

Coleen@MouseFanTravel.com

Everywhere you turn in Disney World it seems you are bombarded by either pirates or princesses. When Disney first announced the Pirate and Princess Parties I thought it sounded interesting. I guess I may have been expecting too much because I was a little let down by the party. It pretty much seemed just like a Halloween party, but in January. < more... >