Friday, April 30, 2010

101 Dalmatians.. or was it days?

That's right! Only 101 more days until Disney! I can't wait to see you lovely mousekateers down there!
Thanks for following me along on my journey. The double digits will be here in no time!

I also wanted to get in on this #followfriday. It's something that is typically done on twitter, but I want to take the time the recognize some of the blogs that I follow. All these blogs, websites, etc.'s can be found on my WDWCP Blog, Vlogs, & More list on the side bar.


Today's is 2719 Hyperion!
It's a great site that has a LOT of information on Vintage Disney, Golden Aged era. It also addresses the many worlds of Disney entertainment-- from animation, to books, the the artists themselves. Check it out, I think a lot of you Disney enthusiasts would enjoy it!

Have a Magical Day!

EPCOT -- Part II

Entertainment, Parades, & Fireworks
[ ] Illuminations: Reflections of Earth - Duration: 30 min. - Location: World Showcase Lagoon
* Synchronized to a symphonic world-music score, this nightly fireworks and special effects extravaganza uses the entire World Showcase as its stage, as strobe lights flash on, and laser beams shoot from various international pavilions. A rotating Earth moves across the water and shows moving images on its continents, eventually unfolding to reveal a giant torch. There's no narration, the show tells the history of the world in three acts: "Chaos", "Order", and "Celebration".
[ ] Kim Possible World Showcase Showdown - Duration: 45-60 min. - Location: World Showcase
* A cell-phone-like 'Kimmunicator' helps you trigger special effects around the World Showcase pavilions in a secret agent scavenger hunt. Your mission? To save the world, by helping Kim Possible and her friends vanquish evil!

Character Meet & Greet
+ Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie - Morocco Pavilion; Jasmine often at ARB Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Alice - Toy Soldier, UK Pavilion; often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Ariel - often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Aurora - France Pavilion; often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Belle, Beast - France Pavilion; Belle often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Cinderella - often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Donald Duck - Mexico Pavilion
+ Esmeralda - often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Goofy - Epcot Character Spot
+ Mary Poppins - Toy Soldier, UK Pavilion
+ Mickey, Minnie Mouse - Epcot Character Spot
+ Mulan, Mushu - China Pavilion; Mulan often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Pluto - Epcot Character Spot
+ Snow White, Dopey - German Pavilion; Snow White often at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Norway Pavilion
+ Winnie the Pooh, Tigger - Toy Soldier, UK Pavilion

Street Performers
Acrobats
+ Dragon Legend Acrobats - Duration: 20 min. - Location: China Pavilion
+ Serveur Amusant - Duration: 20 min. - Location: France Pavilion

Candy Artist
+ Miyuki - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Japan Pavilion

Improvisational Troupe
+ World Showcase Players - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Italy & UK Pavilions

Juggler
+ Sergio - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Italy Pavilion

Musicians
+ American Gardens concerts - Location: American Adventure Amphitheater
+ The British Invasion - Duration: 20 min. - Location: UK Pavilion
+ 'Hat Lady' Carol Stein - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Rose & Crown Pub, UK Pavilion
+ Jammitors - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Innoventions Plaza, Future World
+ Mariachi Cobre - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Mexico Pavilion
+ Matsuriza Taiko Drummers - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Japan Pavilion
+ Mo'Rockin - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Morocco Pavilion
+ Off Kilter - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Canada Pavilion
+ Si Xiang - Duration: 20 min. - Location: China Pavilion
+ Spirit of America Fife & Drum Corps. - Duration: 10 min. - Location: America Adventure Promenade
+ The Voices of Liberty - Duration: 20 min. - Location: American Adventure

Storyteller
+ Honobono Minwa - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Japan courtyard

Have a Magical Day!

(c) The Complete Walt Disney World 2010
(c) Photos Flickr photographers

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow -- Part I

This is my favorite park. And I haven't even ridden all of the rides. I love learning, and EPCOT is the park that makes learning fun! (Sheesh, if THAT doesn't sound nerdy, wait until my Harry Potter post...) I don't want to work here. I don't know what it is, but the merchandise in Epcot just doesn't interest me, unless you count the World Showcase, but apparently only International College Programmers can work in those. However, I will absolutely be using my 50% holiday discount to my advantage in those WS shops.

It's probably safe to say that Epcot was what Walt most wanted to build after the success of Disneyland. Designed to demonstrate new technology and innovation, Walt envisioned it as a sort of permanent world fair for companies, universities, and governments to show off their newest creations. Epcot is a theme park about ideas, such as ecologies, energy sources, and the role communication systems and how they play in human societies.

FUTURE WORLD
Gleaming futuristic structures of immense proportions define the first themed area beyond the main entrance. Broad thoroughfares are punctuated with billowing fountains--all reflected in shiny space-age facades. Everything, including the landscaping. is sparkling clean and seems bigger than life.

WORLD SHOWCASE
This half of Epcot is devoted to a collection of elaborate pavilions representing the landmarks and cultures of various countries from around the world. It is an ongoing world fair encircling a picturesque 40-acre lagoon. The cuisine, culture, history, and architecture of almost a dozen countries are spaced along a 1.2 mile promenade.


Attractions
[ FAVORITE / * Fastpass Available / [ x ] Experienced ]

Future World
[ x ] Spaceship Earth - Duration: 15 min.
[ ] Innoventions - Duration: up to you!
[ x ] Mission: Space* - Duration: 6 min.
[ x ] Test Track* - Duration: 5 min.
[ x ] Ellen's Energy Adventure - Duration: 45 min. - The Universe of Energy Pavilion
[ x ] The Seas with Nemo and Friends - Duration: up to you!
[ x ] Soarin'* - Duration: 5 min. - The Land Pavilion
[ x ] Living with the Land* - Duration: 14 min. - The Land Pavilion
[ x ] Circle of Life - Duration: 20 min. - The Land Pavilion
[ x ] Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - Duration: 20 min. - Imagination Pavilion
[ ] Journey Into Imagination with Figment - Duration: 8 min. - Imagination Pavilion

World Showcase
[ ] O Canada! - Duration: 17 min. - Canada Pavilion
[ ] Impressions de France - Duration: 18 min. - France Pavilion
[ ] The American Adventure - Duration: 30 min. - America Pavilion
[ ] Reflections of China - Duration: 19 min. - China Pavilion
[ x ] Maelstrom* - Duration: 10 min. - Norway Pavilion
[ x ] Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros - Duration: 9 min. - Mexico Pavilion


Have a Zippidy-Doo-Da Day!


(c) The Complete Walt Disney Guide 2010
(c) Fodor's WDW 2010 Guide
(c) The Color Companion to Walt Disney World
(c) Photo by Jeff B. (Flickr)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Be Prepared

So I've been attempting to start getting stuff ready before I arrive down in Florida on August 9th. Knowing me, a last minute kind of gal, I'll forget something in the hub-bub and excitement of the car trip down! I also need to start now because I a) have three jobs that keep me very occupied and b) this summer will be a whirlwind! So, in the words of Scar, I would like to "be prepared."

I am starting a workout regiment. I would like to lose 30 pounds before I get to Disney-- in reality, I probably could only lose 15-20. Technically I'm not 'big' but that last 10 lbs is going to be toning. I don't know if I have that kind of time. So the sooner I start this, the more likely it is to succeed?

I also need to start getting my car in tip-top shape for the almost 17 hour drive. My plan is to drive to my dad's house in Pikesville, MD to say goodbye. After that I'm going to pick up my mom who is flying in from San Diego at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport. From there we will make our drive down to Florida, perhaps staying at some other relatives houses instead of paying for a hotel. Alyssa B and her mom (and possibly an entire posse) will be caravanning with us. Anywho, I just got my car inspected so I have a new ball joint (whatever that is), tire (I'm probably going to buy three more, might as well right?), battery, got an alignment, and an oil change, though I'm going to need a new one by August. I'd rather have as much of this stuff out of the way so I'm not scrambling down in Florida. We're staying at the Holiday Inn Sunspree which is .7 miles from Vista Way, so anyone else staying there-- CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU! Also, if you are a 08/09/2010 arrival or someone who is in the DCP and just wants to meet all of us newbies, we're having a Meet & Greet dinner at the Pop Century Resort at 6:00pm. Check out the facebook group specifically for the dinner for changes!

Some things going down this summer: I'm heading back to California for a visit. I'll be there from June 22nd-July 4th. I'm telling you know I probably won't be blogging at ALL during that time, because I will be too busy hanging out with my dearest friends whom I've missed oh so much. Also during my stay, a Disneyland WDWCP Fall 2010 meet and greet is in the works, so I'll be attending that, as well as the Electric Daisy Carnival with my bestest friend Sami! Hopefully (sheesh this is a lot of money!) Alyssa and I will be attending the Lady Gaga concert in Boston. We're both broke as a joke at the moment, so we'll see how that turns out!

I still have tons of clothes and things to buy. This is worrying me. I need to really start to save my money for practice for Florida. I've also been 'practice grocery shopping'. I really want to learn how to cook before the DCP, but I know realistically I am lazy and will be better off just eating my taquitos, Hot Pockets, and Pizza Rolls. So I spent $66 tonight on: Hot (Lean) pockets (5 for $10), sandwich meat (3 for $10 which you can freeze so it doesn't spoil), cheese, egg whites, Hot Cheetos, cereal, soy milk, organic cookies, Crystal Light packets (3 different kinds), 3 Kids Cuisine tv dinners, orange juice, pita bread, english muffins, whole wheat bread, apple wedges, Amy's organic mac 'n cheese, jello pudding, and string cheese-- all of which are considerably healthy. I figure if I take out things like milk, orange juice, bread, and sandwich meat, aka things we could share as a household, my budget is on track and I know I could live off of this for a month/month and a half. I'm trying out new things so I can see what I will eat instead of waiting until I get down to FL and waste my money throwing out things I won't eat/don't like.

Now for today's IN THE SPOTLIGHT!
MRS. NESBITT!
Yes, I know that technically it's Buzz Lightyear. However, Buzz is much more appealing to me with a pink apron and sun hat on. Apparently, Mrs. Nesbit was the name of one of Pete Docter's (writer/lead animator) grade school teachers. Interesting.

Woody: What happened to you?
Buzz: One minute you're defending the whole galaxy, and, suddenly, you find yourself sucking down Darjeeling with... Marie Antoinette and her little sister.
Woody: Let's get you out of here Buzz...
Buzz: Don't you get it? You see the hat? I am Mrs. Nesbitt!
Woody: Snap out of it, Buzz!
Buzz: I-I-I... you're right. I'm sorry, I am just a little depressed, that's all. I can get through this.


Have a Magical Day!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Disney's Hollywood Studios Part II

Entertainment, Parades, & Fireworks
[x] Block Party Bash - Duration: 22 min. - Location: Hollywood Blvd.
* Unlike a parade, the Pixar-themed Block Party Bash is not a continuously moving procession. It's a staged street performance that rolls out and stops. Twice. Dressed as everything from cowgirls to ladybugs, cheerleaders dance to disco, Motown and rock classics. Joining them are acrobats and jumping stilt-walkers, as well as characters from the "Toy Story" films, "A Bug's Life" (1998), "Monsters, Inc." (2001), and "The Incredibles" (2004).
[ x ] Fantasmic! - Duration: 25 min. - Location: outdoor pavilion off of Sunset Blvd.
* My favorite show BY FAR. Disney seems to pull out all of the stops the company could muster--boats, cannons, characters, fireworks, flames, fountains, lasers, music, smoke, even video projected onto water screens. It tells a story of good versus evil, as a dreaming Mickey Mouse imagines colorful animals and princesses and vanquishes Disney villains. Most of the action takes place on a 60-foot-tall island mountain, which sits about 100 ft in front of a semicircular amphitheater. In between is a narrow lagoon that's filled with fountains and hidden special effects. It only places a few times a week, but sometimes twice in one night.

Character Meet & Greets
+ Little Einsteins - Animation Courtyard
+ Belle - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Chip'n'Dale - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Donald Duck - Sorcerer's Hat, Hllywd Blvd.
+ Friar Tuck, Little John - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Geppetto - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Green Army Men - Pixar Place
+ Goofy - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Handy Manny - Animation Courtyard
+ Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone - The Magic of Animation, Animation Courtyard
+ Jojo, Goliath - Animation Courtyard
+ Kim Possible, Ron Stoppable - New York Street, Streets of America
+ Lightning McQueen, 'Mater - Luigi's Garage, Streets of America
+ Lilo, Stitch - Sorcerer's Hat, Hllywd Blvd.
+ Luxo Jr. - Pixar Place
+ Mary Poppins, Penguins - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Mickey, Minnie Mouse - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd. and The Magic of Animation, Animation Courtyard (as Sorcerer's Apprentice)
+ Mike, Sulley - Streets of America
+ Pinocchio - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Pluto - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Pocahontas, Gov. Radcliffe - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Power Rangers - in front of Lights, Motors, Action; Streets of America
+ Prince Caspian - Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian, Mickey Ave.
+ Queen of Hearts, Tweedledee, Tweedledum - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Snow White, Evil Queen - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd.
+ Woody, Buzz Lightyear - Woody's Picture Shootin' Corral, Pixar Place

Street Performers
Improvisational Troupe
+ Citizens of Hollywood - Hollywood Blvd. and Sunset Blvd.

Musical Revue
+ High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now! - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd. - Duration: 20 min.

Lightsaber Training
+ Jedi Training Academy - Sorcerer's Hat, Hollywood Blvd. - Duration: 20 min.

Musicians
+ Mulch, Sweat and Shears - Streets of America - Duration: 25 min.


Have a Magical Day!

(c) The Complete Walt Disney World 2010

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Disney-MGM I mean, Disney's Hollywood Studios -- Part I

Yes. Years later I am still bitter and resentful towards this unnecessary name change. Anyway, enough with my griping and belly-aching. On with the show...

I want to work at this park so badly. It has everything: Tower of Terror, RNR Starring Aerosmith, the Beauty and the Beast Show, Toy Story Mania-- just wow. Besides Fantasyland and Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom, it has by far the BEST shopping ever. Minus the JoBros & Hannah Montanna stores, but I can deal.

DHS is a park dedicated to the process of making films, theater productions, television shows, and music. This intimate park is one for the whole family. Boys are especially well served (unlike any other park besides probably EPCOT). It is the park with the smallest public area, but by no means does it mean this park is small. The main thoroughfare, Hollywood Boulevard, is just 500 ft. long, and from there nearly every attraction is just a few minutes away. Thematically the park is divided into two sections. The front is Old Hollywood, a 1940s world with period architecture, signs and stoplights. The rear resembles a modern production studio and backlot. The entrance arch is based on the Paramount Studios Bronson gate.

HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD
With its palm trees, pastel buildings, and flashy neon, Hollywood Boulevard paints a rosy picture of the 1940s Tinseltown. There's a sense of having walked right onto a movie set in the olden days, what with the art deco storefronts, strolling brass bands, and roving starlets and nefarious agents (Citizens of Hollywood).

SUNSET BOULEVARD
This avenue pays tribute to famous Hollywood monuments, with facades derived from the Cathay Circle, the Beverly Wilshire Theatre, and other City of Angels landmarks. It's pretty much the place to be and is home to some of my favorite attractions and shops.

ANIMATION COURTYARD
Animation Courtyard pays tribute to the the era of Disney animation including Lilo & Stitch, Mulan, Brother Bear, and Home on the Range (the forbidden Disney movie that should have never been made), which were being produced in Florida. It is also home to Playhouse Disney, which though I am 20, I still find highly entertaining. Shame.

PIXAR PLACE
Once known as Mickey Avenue, Pixar Place has a fresh new look. Where television and film production soundstages once stood, warm brice facades welcome you to the land of Woody and Buzz. It's also basically a replica of the Pixar Studios in California. Bricks here match the same texture, look, and color as the ones in California. Talk about authentic, right?

STREETS OF AMERICA/BACKLOT
This avenue gives you a glimpse into the streets of New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. The buildings are all facades, but you'll spot a London street, and even a street right out of Chinatown. If you listen closely, you'll often hear the sound effects of a busy city in the background, too.

ECHO LAKE
Echo Lake represents an idealized southern California. In the center is the cool, blue lake of the same name, an oasis fringed with trees and benches and ringed with landmarks, including Gertie the dinosaur. The architecture reflects Los Angeles' programmatic style, California Crazy or duck. du * ck' : one who's exterior is in the shape of the everyday object they relate to and is a building in which the architecture is subordinate to the overall symbolic form.


Attractions
[ FAVORITE / * Fastpass Available / [ x ] Experienced ]

Hollywood Boulevard
[ x ] The Great Movie Ride - Duration: 22 min.

Sunset Boulevard
[ x ] Beauty and the Beast-- Live on Stage! - Duration: 30 min.
[ x ] The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror* - Duration: 10 min.
[ x ] Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith* - Duration: Preride 2 min., Ride 1 min. 22 sec.

Animation Courtyard
[ x ] Playhouse Disney-- Live on Stage! - Duration: 22 min.
[ x ] The Magic of Disney Animation - Duration: 22 min.
[ x ] Voyage of the Little Mermaid* - Duration: 17 min.
[ ] Walt Disney: One Man's Dream - Duration: 20 min.
[ x ] Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian - Duration: 15 min.

Pixar Place
[ x ] Toy Story Mania* - Duration: 7 min.

Streets of America/Backlot
[ x ] Studio Backlot Tour - Duration: 35 min.
[ ] Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show* - Duration: 33 min.
[ x ] Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure Playground - Duration: up to you!
[ x ] Jim Henson's Muppet*Vision 3D - Duration: 25 min.

Echo Lake
[ x ] Star Tours* - Duration: 5 min.
[ x ] Indian Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!* - Duration: 30 min.
[ ] The American Idol Experience - Duration: 25 min. preliminary show, 45 min. finale
[ ] Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey - Duration: 12 min.


Have a Zippidy-Do-Dah Day!

(c) The Complete Walt Disney Guide 2010
(c) Fodor's WDW 2010 Guide
(c) The Color Companion to Walt Disney World
(c) Photo by Jeff B.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Slimey, Yet Satisfying...

So, I've fallen into this horrible habit called 'not posting regularly'. And I'm not going to make up some excuse like "oh I've been busy" yada-yada-yada because even though I have, I have still had time to blog, just couldn't think of anything. Then it turned into "eh whatever". So sorry. So let's begin again.

My name is Jazmine and this is my blog about my experience on the Walt Disney College Program, Fall 2010 as a Merchandise Cast Member...

Ookay, maybe not that far.

Because I haven't been doing my research on DHS (which I will get to, I promise), I thought I would post about someone who has been an inspiration and source of wisdom to me ever since I was little. For this coming week I will be posting about all things Disney that have made an impact on my life, with a new segment at the [most magical place on earth] entitled: IN THE SPOTLIGHT. I feel that today's SPOTLIGHT doesn't get a lot of credit since his time was cut so short. No, it's not Walt Disney. It's...

Mufasa, Mufasa Mufasa!
''Oh it tingles me!" That's right, Mufasa. After re-watching the Lion King for probably the 9238326 time, I noticed certain things that I hadn't before. I think 99% of children watching this back in the day were DEVASTATED when Mufasa fell to his death. And if I just ruined that for you, good, because there is no excuse to why you shouldn't already know that.

"Simba, you have forgotten me. You have forgotten who you are and so have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more that what you have become. You must take your place in the Circle of Life. Remember who you are. You are my son, and the one true king. Remember."

"Simba, let me tell you something my father told me. Look at the stars. The great kings of the past are up there, watching over us

Mufasa: "Simba I'm very disappointed in you."
Simba: "I know."
Mufasa: "You could have been killed! You deliberately disobeyed me! And what's worse, you put Nala in danger!"
Simba: "I was just trying to be brave like you."
Mufasa: "I'm only brave when I have to be. Simba, being brave, doesn't mean you go looking for trouble."
Simba: "But you're not scared of anything!"
Mufasa: "I was today. I thought I might lose you."
Simba: "I guess even kings get scared, huh? But you know what?"
Mufasa: "What?"
Simba: "I think those hyenas were even scareder."
Mufasa: "'Cause nobody messes with your dad!"

"A king's time as ruler rises and falls like the sun. One day, Simba, the sun will set on my time here, and will rise with you as the new king."

Mufasa: "Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. As king, you need to understand that balance and respect all of the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope."
Simba: "But Dad, don't we eat the antelope?"
Mufasa: "Yes Simba, but let me explain. When we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the grass. And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life.



Have a Magical Day!

Monday, April 12, 2010

Character Dining


Well, as a part of the trilogies, the third part was going to be dining. But, I'd rather just do one complete dining list of the World. So instead of a trilogy, it's going to be more of a saga. I figure as CPs we'll all want to participate in one of these, so to take a break inbetween, I give you Character Dining at Walt Disney World! (I've also rated these out of five based on the menu and atmosphere.)

Cinderella’s Royal Table
Location: Magic Kingdom
Meals served: B/L/D
Characters: Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Jasmine, Aladdin, Fairy Godmother (dinner only)
Type of Service: Family-style (all-you-can-eat) breakfast. Set menu at lunch and dinner.

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Location: Epcot
Meals served: B/L/D
Characters: 4-6 characters chosen from- Belle, Mulan, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Esmeralda, Mary Poppins, Jasmine, Pocahontas, and now featuring Ariel
Type of Service: Family-style (all-you-can-eat) and menu.

Chef Mickey’s
Location: Contemporary
Meals served: B/D
Characters: B- Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Pluto, Goofy; D- Mickey, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Goofy
Type of Service: Buffet.

The Crystal Palace
Location: Magic Kingdom
Meals served: B/L/D
Characters: B- Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet; D- Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger
Type of Service: Buffet
1/2

1900 Park Fare
Location: Grand Floridian
Meals served: B/D
Characters: B- Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad Hatter, and friends; D- Cinderella, Prince Charming, and friends
Type of Service: Buffet
1/2

The Garden Grill Restaurant
Location: Epcot
Meals served: D
Characters: Chip n’ Dale
Type of Service: Family-style (all-you-can-eat)

Restaurantosaurus
Location: Animal Kingdom
Meals served: B
Characters: Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Mickey
Type of Service: Buffet
1/2

Cape May Cafe
Location: Beach Club
Meals served: B
Characters: Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Donald
Type of Service: Buffet

Ohana
Location: Polynesian Resort
Meals served: B
Characters: Mickey, Pluto, Lilo, Stitch
Type of Service: Family-style

Hollywood & Vine
Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Meals served: B/L
Characters: Jojo, Goliath, June, Leo
Type of Service: Buffet
1/2

Garden Grove
Location: Swan
Meals served: B/D
Characters: B- Goofy and Pluto; D- Goofy and Pluto or Rafiki and Timon
Type of Service: Buffet/Menu

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner


Next time I will pick up the saga, continuing on with Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Have a Magical Day!

(c) The Color Companion to Walt Disney World

Thursday, April 8, 2010

The Magic Kingdom Part Deux

Entertainment, Parades, & Fireworks
[ ] SpectroMagic - Duration: 20 min. - Location: Main Street USA
* Magic Kingdom's night parade; A high tech affair that employs electro-luminescent and fiber-optic technologies, light-spreading thermoplastics, and clouds of underlit liquid-nitrogen smoke. The parade also features a memorable soundtrack, many major characters, and thousands of sparkling lights.
[ x ] Wishes - Duration: 12 min. - Location: Main Street
* Wishes features memorable vignettes and music from beloved Disney films, along with a stellar fireworks display, while Jiminy Cricket narrates a lump-in-your-throat story about making wishes come true. Cinderella Castle is used as a backdrop for various mood lighting.
[ ] Frontierland Hoedown
[ ] Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade - Duration: 30 min. - Location: MS-->LS-->FL
*Floats feature Mickey, Goofy, and most of the Disney storybook gang. The "Celebrate" them rings out, though classic Disney tunes are woven in the score to accompany the story told throughout each float. Performers in bright costumes wave flags and perform high-energy dance numbers.
[ ] Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! - Duration: 20 min. - Main Street USA



Character Meet & Greets
Mickey Mouse & Friends
+ Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse - Judge's Tent, Mickey's Country House, Mickey's Toontown Fair
+ Donald Duck - Across from Frontierland Shootin' Gallery
+ Goofy - Left of Splash Mountain, Frontierland
+ Pluto - Town Square, Main Street USA


Princesses
+ Ariel - Adventureland
+ Aurora - Toontown Hall of Fame, Mickey's Toontown Fair, Cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella's Castle
+ Belle - Toontown Hall of Fame, Mickey's Toontown Fair, after Storytime with Belle, Cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella's Castle
+ Cinderella - Toontown Hall of Fame, Mickey's Toontown Fair, Cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella's Castle
+ Jasmine - Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Adventureland, Cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella's Castle
+ Snow White - Town Square outside of Expo Hall, Main Street USA, Toontown Hall of Fame, Mickey's Toontown Faire, Cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella's Castle
+ Tiana, Prince Naveen - Behind Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, Liberty Square

Other Characters
+ Aladdin - Magic Carpets of Aladdin
+ Alice, Mad Hatter - Mad Tea Party, Fantasyland
+ Buzz Lightyear - Carousel of Progress, Tomorrowland
+ Captain Hook, Mr. Smee - Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland
+ Chip n' Dale - Town Square, Main Street USA
+ Daisy Duck - Town Square, Main Street USA
+ Dopey - Town Square, Main Street USA
+ Fairy Godmother - Cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella's Castle, Fantasyland
+ Gus, Jacques - Cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella's Castle
+ Lady Tremaine, Anastasia, Drizella - Fairytale Garden, Fantasyland
+ Mary Poppins - Town Square, Main Street USA
+ Penguins - Town Square, Main Street USA
+ Peter Pan, Wendy - Pirates of the Caribbean, Adventureland
+ Pinocchio - Town Square, Main Street USA
+ Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet - Pooh's Playful Spot, Fantasyland, Crystal Palace, Main Street USA
+ Rafiki, Timon - Adventureland front entrance veranda
+ Stitch - Carousel of Progress, Tomorrowland
+ Tinker Bell, Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta, Silvermist, Terence - Toontown Hall of Fame, Mickey's Toontown Fair
+ Woody, Jessie - Splash Mountain, Frontierland

Street Performers
Musicians and Singers
+ Casey's Corner Pianist - 20 min. - Casey's Corner patio - Main Street USA
+ Dapper Dans - 20 min. - Main Street USA
+ Fantasyland Woodwind Society - 20 min. - Fantasyland
+ Main Street Philharmonic - 20 min. - Main Street USA
+ Main Street Saxophone Four - 20 min. - Main Street USA
+ The Notorious Banjo Brothers and Bob - 20 min. - Frontierland


Street Shows
+ Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial - 20 min. - left side of Pirates of the Caribbean entrance, Adventureland
+ Frontierland Hoedown - 20 min. - 4:45pm - in front of Prairie Outpost, Frontierland
+ Magic Kingdom Welcome Show - 8 min. - Park entrance inside turnstiles
+ Main Street Trolley Parade - Three 5 min. shows - Mornings only - Main Street USA

Improvisational Troupe
+ Citizens of Main Street - Main Street USA

Performance Artist
+ PUSH, The Talking Trash Can - 20 min. - walkway between Indy Speedyway and Auntie Gravity's, Tomorrowland

Flag-Lowering Ceremony
+ Flag Retreat - 20 min. - Town Square, Main Street USA

Tomorrow -- Dining at the Magic Kingdom!

Have a Magical Day!

(c) The Complete Walt Disney World 2010

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The Magic Kingdom Part I

I am going to start doing trilogies of the four Disney parks. I've been wanting to do this-- not only to enlighten those who have never been or haven’t been since they were younger, but it also serves as a helpful reminder to all of us frequent guests who can’t wait to plan out our first day at Magic Kingdom. This is to reiterate about all of the magic and excitement the Magic Kingdom stands for, but it is also a stress reliever to me because talking about it (or rather, writing about it) makes me happy and even more pumped about what's to come in four months. A lot of people think: Magic Kingdom = Cinderella's Castle, but to me, I think of the Railroad. So here we go...

The Magic Kingdom is the heart and soul of the Disney empire and is comparable (in scope) to California's Disneyland. It's divided into seven 'lands': Main Street USA, Liberty Square, Adventureland, Frontierland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Mickey's Toontown Fair (which will be closing in order to expand Fantasyland, so I will not be touching on this one).

MAIN STREET USA
You begin and end your visit of Magic Kingdom with Main Street, U.S.A. It may open half an hour before and close half an hour to an hour after the rest of the park. It is a Disneyfied turn-of-the-19th-century small-town American street. Along the street are shops, eating places, City Hall, and a fire station. Occasionally horse-drawn trolleys, fire engines, and horseless carriages transport visitors along Main Street to the central hub.

ADVENTURELAND
It is the first land to the left of Main Street. It combines African-safari theme with a Caribbean atmosphere.

FRONTIERLAND
Frontierland adjoins Adventureland as you move clockwise around Magic Kingdom. The focus is the Old West, with a stockade-type structures and pioneer trappings.

LIBERTY SQUARE
This land recreates America at the time of the Revolutionary War. The architecture is Federal or Colonial. A real 130-year-old live oak, the Liberty Tree, lends dignity and grace to the setting.

FANTASYLAND
Fantasyland is the heart of the Magic Kingdom, a truly enchanting place spread gracefully like a miniature Alpine village beneath the steepled towers of Cinderella Castle.

TOMORROWLAND
It is a mix of rides and experiences relating to the technological development of man and what life will be like in the future. If it sounds like Epcot’s theme, it is because Tomorrowland was a breeding ground for ideas that spawned Epcot. However, Tomorrowland is more fun, depicting the future as envisioned in science fiction rather than Epcot, which is more educational.


Attractions
[ FAVORITE / * Fastpass Available / [ x ] Experienced ]

Main Street, U.S.A
[ x ] Walt Disney World Railroad - Duration: 21 min.

Adventureland
[ x ] Enchanted Tiki Room * - Duration: 12 min.
[ x ] Jungle Cruise * - Duration: 10 min.
[ ] The Magic Carpets of Aladdin - Duration: about 3 min.
[ x ] Pirates of the Caribbean - Duration: 10 min.
[ x ] Swiss Family Treehouse - Duration: up to you!

Fantasyland
[ x ] Ariel’s Grotto - Duration: up to you! [CLOSED]
[ ] Cinderella Castle and Bippidi Boppidi Boutique
[ x ] Cinderella’s Golden Carrousel - Duration: 2 min.
[ x ] Dumbo the Flying Elephant - Duration: 2 min.
[ ] Fairy Tale Garden: Story Time with Belle - Duration: 25 min. [CLOSED]
[ x ] it’s a small world - Duration: 11 min.
[ x ] Mad Tea Party - Duration: 2 min.
[ x ] The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh * - Duration: about 3 min.
[ x ] Mickey’s PhilharMagic * - Duration: 12 min.
[ x ] Peter Pan’s Flight * - Duration: 2.5 min.
[ ] Pooh’s Playful Spot - Duration: up to you!
[ x ] Snow White’s Scary Adventures - Duration: 3 min.

Frontierland
[ x ] Big Thunder Mountain * - Duration: 4 min.
[ ] Country Bear Jamboree - Duration: 17 min.
[ x ] Splash Mountain * - Duration: 11 min.
[ x ] Tom Sawyer Island - Duration: up to you!

Liberty Square
[ ] Hall of Presidents - Duration: 25 min.
[ x ] Haunted Mansion - Duration: 8 min.
[ x ] Liberty Square Riverboat - Duration: 15 min.

Tomorrowland
[ ] Astro-Orbiter - Duration: 2 min.
[ x ] Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin * - Duration: 5 min.
[ x ] Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor - Duration: 15 min.
[ x ] Space Mountain * - Duration: 2.5 min.
[ x ] Stitch’s Great Escape - Duration: 15 min.
[ x ] Tomorrowland Indy Speedway - Duration: 5 min.
[ x ] Tomorrowland Transit Authority - Duration: 10 min.
[ x ] Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress - Duration: 20 min.

That's it for part one, check back tomorrow for the second installment! It will be about the Character Meet n' Greets, parades, shows, and fireworks!

Have a Magical Day!

(c) Fodor’s WDW 2010 Guide
(c) The Complete Walt Disney Guide 2010
(c) Photo by Jeff B.



Monday, April 5, 2010

Wanna Be Like You


52 Mousekateers following my blog and 30 subscribed to my vlog... WOW. Thanks for tuning into what I have to say, you are all amazing! I promise to do my best at blogging frequently once the program starts... I hate when I find a good blog and it drops off after they write about the first 3 days.

Currently I am looking at dining menus on AllEars.net and planning out my meals at the different restaurants. It's quite exciting-- more exciting than one would think it'd be. I also wanted to get a feel of how much it would cost to eat at these restaurants and this website does a great job at listing prices!

I've also been compiling a list of things I must do while I'm down in Florida. I had one already typed out and then my computer decided it wanted to restart so that the 'updates' could take effect. LAME. I know I won't have time to get all of these done, but I'm going to try super hard! I know a lot of people have similar things they want to do on their lists so if you want to do them together (hint the title being, 'Wanna Be Like You' from The Jungle Book), let me know! So let's try this again (these aren't in any specific order):

[ ] Go on a Disney Cruise as a CP (hopefully for my birthday!)
[ ] Check out DisneyQuest
[ ] See Cirque du Soleil La Nouba
[ ] Go on Characters In Flight at Downtown Disney
[ ] See a show at the House of Blues
[ ] Create a t-shirt from Design-A-Tee at Downtown Disney
[ ] Go to Blizzard Beach
[ ] Attempt the Kitchen Sink at Beaches & Cream
[ ] Attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
[ ] Attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
[ ] See the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios
[ ] Collect a FastPass for every ride that has one
[ ] Take a photo in front of the Sorcerer's Hat, Spaceship Earth, Cinderella's Castle, and Tree of Life
[ ] Collect a picture of me and my Disney fam on all of the rides that offer them
[ ] Go on a tour (or two)
[ ] Participate in a marathon
[ ] Eat something from every country at Epcot during the Food and Wine Festival
[ ] Watch a movie under the stars at All-Star Resorts
[ ] Go on a carriage ride on Disney property
[ ] Participate in as many CP only events as possible
[ ] Work in every park
[ ] Ride in the front in the monorail (if possible)
[ ] Watch Wishes from a hammock on Polynesian's beach
[ ] Participate in a DiveQuest experience at Epcot
[ ] Play mini golf at Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens
[ ] Get a haircut on Mainstreet U.S.A.
[ ] Visit a beach
[ ] Visit Sea World and/or Discovery Cove
[ ] Go to Universal Studios
[ ] Attend Horror Nights at Universal Studios
[ ] See Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at midnight at CityWalk
[ ] Go to Busch Gardens
[ ] Get as many autographs and pictures with as many characters as possible
[ ] Do at least one character breakfast and/or dinner
[ ] See every Disney show, fireworks display, and parade
[ ] Go to all four parks in one day
[ ] Eat and buy something from each country at Epcot
[ ] Go drinking around the world
[ ] Go parasailing at the Contemporary
[ ] Go to as many housing events as possible
[ ] Ride every ride
[ ] Stomach the dreaded Beverley at Club Cool at Epcot
[ ] Eat a dole whip
[ ] Try out for the American Idol Experience (We aren't supposed to but...)
[ ] Find as many hidden Mickey's as possible
[ ] Visit all of the resorts and stay at as many as possible
[ ] See the Blue Man Group
[ ] See Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness Resort
[ ] Go to a club at CityWalk
[ ] Try out all the restaurants at Downtown Disney
[ ] Get at least five of those 'recognition cards'
[ ] Visit EPSN's Wide World of Sports
[ ] Visit Gatorland
[ ] Visit the Kennedy Space Center
[ ] Attend Arabian Nights, Capone's Dinner & Show, or a Sleuth's Mystery Dinner Show
[ ] See the Festivals of the Masters at Downtown Disney
[ ] Get high scores on Toy Story Mania and Buzz Lightyear's Spin
[ ] Participate in Chip n' Dale's Campfire Sing-a-long at Fort Wilderness
[ ] Have a spa day at one of the resort spas
*edit 04/28/10
[ ] Volunteer at the Give Kids the World Village.

That's it so far... I'll probably add and remove some things as I go. Ta-ta for now!

Have a Magical Day!