Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Why I Love Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Ok, so I've been a very bad bad blogger over the past few weeks.  Unfortunately, ever since moving to Albuquerque, I find that I have less and less free time, though I swear, I don't know where it goes!  So, I am going to apologize right now for lapses I may have had in the past or may have in the future.  I don't want to become one of those bloggers who disappears so I'm trying my hardest to get material out! I just don't want you all to think I'm abandoning ship here!  I am very dedicated to you all, my loyal readers! So thank you for your understanding and patience as I try to get the balance back to my life. 

So, with the apologizes out of the way, on with the show!

© Disney
Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival is one of my favorite times of the year!  Unfortunately, I don't get down there in the Spring as much as I want, simply because of the fact that Fall has become my yearly park visit, but hands down, Spring, whether it's at home, or in Florida, is simply my favorite time of the year.  That would mean that Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival would also be included in that! 

You must keep in mind, I am certainly no Green Thumb!  I kill plants faster than any human should.  So, I'll be the first to admit that the seminars that they have included with this event, are not quite my cup of tea.  But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't visit them.  If you are interested in gardening what-so-ever, make sure you make a trip over to the old Wonders of Life Pavilion and check out some of the great seminars that take place on the weekends.  These are included with your park admission and are from some of the best experts out there....the hosts of HGTV!  Trust me, these people certainly know what they're talking about. 

© Disney

I love the Flower and Garden Festival for one very strong reason and that is because it is simply the most beautiful time in all the year to be at Walt Disney World.  Disney really puts on a show during this festival.  The plants are all bright and vibrant and of course, there is my favorite thing, the topiaries!  These plants that are designed as Disney characters are simply amazing feats!  I just marvel at how incredibly detailed these works of art are. 


© Disney
Every year, Disney welcomes guests with an amazing topiary display at the front entrance and this year is no exception.  This year, Sorcerer Mickey helps to welcome you to the party in an effort to celebrate the movie Fantasia! Plus, each country in World Showcase welcomes you with their incredible gardening feats, from plants shaped like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, to Lady and the Tramp, and you do not want to miss seeing Lightning McQueen and and Mater made almost entirely out of plants. 

© Disney
Another really fun thing to take advantage of are the Flower Power concerts.  These fun concerts take place in the American Gardens Theater and feature some of the great acts from the 60s and 70s.  Some of the perennial favorites include Chubby Checker, Herman's Hermits, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and this year, Micky Dolenz from the Monkees taking over for his late former band mate, Davy Jones. 

In addition to these events that happen yearly, there are also some smaller events that just help to make this event bigger and bigger every year.  From things like Pixie Hollow Fairy Garden to the really neat Bambi Butterfly House, it just helps to reiterate that there's something for everyone to enjoy during the Festival. 

© Disney

The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is certainly a magical time of the year.  It makes me miss the days when they would include topiaries in the parks just for the heck of it.  But, since they aren't, I really relish the Flower and Garden Festival for the beauty that it brings.  It is a sure sign to me, that Spring has finally arrived. 

What is your favorite thing about the Flower and Garden Festival?  Make sure to share in the comments section, or on our new Facebook page! 

 Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

News and Rumors 3/19/12 - 3/25/12





News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.

News

Magic Kingdom

  • Did you love the Citrus Swirl back in the day?  Well guess what?  You can now get it again on property at the Sunshine Tree Terrace. 



Disney Resorts

  •  The opening dates for the different wings of the new Disney's Art of Animation resort have been moved up.  The new changed opening dates are Finding Nemo:  May 31st, Cars:  June 18th (was originally scheduled for July 31st), The Lion King:  Aug. 10th (was originally scheduled for Sept. 30th.) and The Little Mermaid:  Sept. 15th (originally scheduled for Dec. 31st)  
  • In additional Disney's Art of Animation News, the doors will use RFID proximity locks.




Rumors


  •  It's being rumored that the monorail is going to include an Avenger's Wrap, similar to the Tron-orail.
  • Flik has apparently left the Animal Kingdom and Dug and Russell should be returning.
  • When characters start appearing in Storybook Circus, the rumors are that Chip and Dale will appear as clowns, Daisy Duck will appear as a fortune teller, and Goofy will be a magician. 

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Monday, March 19, 2012

WDW News and Rumors 3/12/12 - 3/18/12


News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such


News



Magic Kingdom
  • Guests can now meet Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny at the Tour Guide Garden, right next to City Hall daily until April 8th.  Meet and greet times last from 10 am - 6 pm.

Epcot
  •  The rumors were true!  Phineas and Ferb:  Agent P's World Showcase Adventure will be replacing Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure.  Rumors are indicating that the new game is expected to roll out June. 


Disney's Animal Kingdom
  •  Despite rumors stating the opposite, Disney reaffirms that Avatarland will be built and is expected to be coming to the park in 2015. 

Disney Resorts
  •  Free WiFi is now available resort wide.

Rumors

  •  The Grand Floridian may begin selling DVC rooms beginning in May.  It's rumored to open March 2013. 
  • It's being rumored that Tomorrowland could see a huge revamp in the next few years. 


 Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our new Facebook page!  :)  

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Monday, March 12, 2012

News and Rumors 3/5/12 - 3/11/12






News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.


News


Magic Kingdom

  • Dumbo and half of Storybook Circus now have a reopening date of March 31st.  Soft openings began today.  (Monday)


Epcot

  • With the passing of former Monkee, Davy Jones, his bandmate, Micky Dolenz, will be performing at the Flower Power Concerts May 18th - 20th. 


WDW Resorts

  • The Royal Rooms at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside have now officially opened.  
  • The Resorts are scheduled to get an expanded cable line up starting now and will be completed at all the resorts by May 8th. 


WDW General News

  • Disney will be testing new articulated buses that can carry up to 112 people throughout March and through part of April. 



Rumors


  • There have been rumors floating around that Avatarland may be dead. 


Also, if you like this article, I shamelessly ask that you spread the word!  Share it on Twitter or Facebook...hit up the Google + emblem...just let others know about us here!  Also, make sure to LIKE our new Facebook page!  :)   



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Friday, March 9, 2012

Review: The Disney Food Blog Mini Guide To Epcot Snacks

I've always been one who's liked to hold books in my hand, smell them, pour over their pages.  Books have always been so special to me, ever since I was a kid.  My nose was always pressed against the pages.  My parents still joke about the fact that I didn't even know where things were when I started to drive, because I'd never paid much attention to where we were going.

So, this whole concept of an e-book is quite foreign to me.  I don't own a Kindle or a Nook and I've been quite hesitant to give up the feel of a good book for a cold, electronic appliance.  However, I was willing to take one for the team when I found out that AJ over at the Disney Food Blog decided to create a series of e-books.  I know how much I love her site and was excited to put my nose up to my iPhone (lol!) to read all the great information that can be found in her most recent e-book, The Disney Food Blog Mini Guide To Epcot Snacks. 

This was, of course, the first of her many books that she's written (and reviews will be coming about those in the near future!) that I've read and let me tell you, I think it's FABULOUS!!! I don't know why I hadn't gotten on the e-book train sooner! I am so excited to have this resource on my next trip to Walt Disney World!

First things first, I certainly appreciate the e-book format for this food guide!  It makes things so much more handy.  As many of you know, my iPhone is pretty much attached to my hand already in the parks.  By having the book now right at my fingertips, I won't have to wonder where I can find sushi for a snack in Epcot now.  Now, simply with the touch of a button, I can search which places I can get sushi in, all around the park.  (I found 16 different results by typing in the word sushi in the e-book!)  This book is going to absolutely change how I view my snack options at the World.  

From the savory to the sweet, this guide has tons of snacks that can be found all around, both in World Showcase and in Future World.  This book, containing over 150 different snack options, is simply chock full of all the information that you'll need to find what you're looking for when you're in the mood for a good snack.

Featured in the e-book, AJ has lined out where each of the delectable treats can be found, a brief description of what the item is, the cost, and whether or not the item can be purchased using the Dining Plan.  (Which trust me, is extremely handy for those who are looking to get the most bang for your buck while on any of the Dining Plans.)  In addition to all that information, each page has at least one photo of the item being discussed!  Let me tell you, those pictures were so enticing,  it was extremely hard not to drool on my screen!

What I really liked about this book was that it opened my eyes to some of the options in the park that I had never considered or had never even knew existed!  For example, while reading the book, I came across something that can be found in the Morocco Pavilion that I didn't know was back there!  It is probably because I don't spend an awful lot of time in Morocco, but after seeing the Chocolate Roulade featured as an option, the Tangerine Cafe in Morocco quickly became one of the places I plan to make a stop on my next trip! 

I also really enjoy the "Snack Crawls" that AJ has featured.  For those unaware, Snack Crawls are like Pub Crawls...just not focused solely on alcohol!  You go around eating the different items featured.  It's an extremely fun way to spend an afternoon.  I particularly would like to try the Pretzel Crawl on my next Epcot visit.

In addition, I appreciate the section titled Best Snack Values.  These are the options that based off of AJ's experience, are the best values and/or offer the most enjoyment, making them well worth the expense.  Plus, there is a list of which snacks make great substitutes for meals!  (Did you know there was a great ham and cheese croissant in France that is considered a Snack Option on the dining plan?  Hello lunch!)

The Disney Food Blog Mini Guide To Epcot Snacks is a must have, not just for the Foodies who travel to Walt Disney World, but seriously, EVERYONE who travels to Walt Disney World.  Whether you've been a thousand times before or you are going for the first time, this book will become an invaluable tool in planning your (likely) snacking cravings.  It certainly offers a ton of insight into the snack options that can be found at Epcot.  In addition, it is an easy read with a TON of valuable information. 

 Don't have a copy of The Disney Food Blog Mini Guide To Epcot Snacks yet?  Never fear!  I shameless ask that if you are interested in owning this book, that you purchase it from this link.  I will readily admit that part of the proceeds will go back to this blog.  However, that doesn't influence the fact that I still think these e-books are fabulous!  It just helps me out a bit in running this site.  (Don't you love expenses?)

Disney Food Blog Mini Guide To Epcot Snacks


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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Goodbye Robert Sherman...Thank You

I am sitting here in complete and utter sadness.

I have learned that one of the Disney greats has passed away today.  Robert Sherman has passed away at the age of 86 in London.

For those unaware (though if you read this blog, I'm sure you are aware), Robert Sherman and his brother Richard Sherman, otherwise known as the Sherman Brothers wrote some of the most iconic music that we all know and love.  They were hand picked by Walt to create such great and timeless music for the movies and also the theme parks.

These men created some of the most catchy music you'll ever hear.  Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers, In The Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room, and perhaps their most famous song, It's A Small World (After All). 

Robert Sherman was one who seemed to shy away from the spotlight the last few years.  He hasn't been seen at Disney events in years and he's certainly not one you heard a lot about.  But this man, he really has created some of the best music of our generation. 

I don't pretend to be a Disney historian.  I don't pretend to know a lot about the ins and outs of these sorts of things...but that doesn't mean that I don't have this huge sense of grief in my heart.  We really did loose a great man today...there is no denying that.

While I don't consider myself a huge history aficionado, I took it upon myself to recently watch the movie The Boys:  The Sherman Brothers Story.  It was one of those movies that I recorded on my DVR and said that I vowed to watch it some day.  I had wanted to see it, but sitting down to watch it was always something I'd put off.  Luckily, just a few short months ago, Brian finally put the movie on and I was enthralled.

It was such a moving story.  I had always wondered what had happened to the "other" Sherman Brother, given the fact that Richard always seemed so public.  The movie taught me so much about these two amazing brothers.  It touched my heart and it saddened me to learn that they never did seem to reconcile.

So this is my request...to honor the memory of such an amazing talent, whether you've watched it before or you are watching it for the first time, I think we should all watch this movie, and reflect on the incredible work this duo has amassed.   

Just remember...there really is a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow.  Thank you Robert Sherman.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

News and Rumors 2/27/12 - 3/4/12


News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.


News




Magic Kingdom
  • The park will randomly be testing a FASTPASS for reserved viewing areas of the Main Street Electrical Parade, The Magic The Memories and You, and Wishes during the month of March.  FASTPASSes will be randomly handed out during the afternoon by Cast Members.

Epcot
  • The Nature-Inspired Segway By Design is set to be discontinued on July 3rd. 


Disney's Holllywood Studios
  • Indiana Jones Stunt Show will be closed on March 10th and 11th. 


General WDW News
  • The Magic Kingdom Monorail beam for both the Express Line and the Resort Line will have afternoon closures starting at 11:30 am and lasting until 6 pm.  These closures are expected to take place daily through the end of the month.  During this time, watercraft and additional buses will be available for guest's transportation needs.
  • Remember, starting on the 7th, FASTPASS times will be enforced in all the theme parks. 



Rumors
  • Tigger's Bouncy Place, which was found in the Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh queue after the NextGen refurb, is no more.  It is rumored to become the new location for a Winnie the Pooh Meet and Greet.  
  • I've read that all Value Resorts will be receiving refrigerators in all rooms starting March 5th.  This will mean that there will no longer be an additional charge at the Values for a fridge in your room. All rooms should have fridges in them by April.  
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