That's right! It's that time again! Time for me to go on another Walt Disney World trip!
And let me say, I am so absolutely ecstatic about this one! It has been a long, hard 8 months since my last trip and a lot has changed for me. (As you all are full aware!) This trip is sort of a celebration of the struggles I've had to deal with thanks to the move. (They do say moving is one of the most stressful things you can do in your life...well let me tell you...moving to a whole other state where you've never been before...honestly...that has to be right there at the TOP of that list for sure!)
Unfortunately, Brian will not be joining me on this trip, but that's ok...I've got some great company that are taking me along for their ride! I am so thankful to my great friends Melissa, Jenny, Kayla, Jay, and Erin for allowing me to be invited to this Friendiversary trip. (It was one year ago that we cemented our great friendship.)
There are quite a few things that I'm excited to get to experience on this trip, so I thought I would share some items on My To Do List for this trip!
First off, I'm super excited to get to stay at Kidani Village for the first time. I've visited the resort before, but never actually stayed here and really experienced all the resort has to offer. I'm super stoked to get to sit by the pool (hello hot tub!) and just relax a bit. Though I will admit, this part scares me, as I'm not usually one who likes to sit at the resort on a Disney trip. Luckily, it looks like the parks will be open late while I'm there, so hopefully, this will make up for any time I feel like I've lost in the parks!
I'm also really excited to get to explore Disney's Art of Animation Resort. I plan on going over there Saturday morning and taking a good look around the area. I also am very excited to try out their new food court Landscape of Flavors. I hear the food there is quite excellent!
Storybook Circus seems to be opening up slowly in phases and I'm very much anxious to get to explore that area too! I'm hoping to get to experience the new Dumbo waiting area, try not to get soaked by Casey Jr. and I really want to see how greatly themed this new section of the park really is. Pictures, I don't think are doing this area justice. There are a ton of great little details here!
Another first for my list, I'm going to be dining at Teppan Edo! I've eaten at Japanese restaurants before, which has made me put this one off for a while, but I'm finally making my way over to this restaurant on this trip. And let me tell you...I already know I'm ordering the scallops! I am a sucker for scallops!
Not Disney, but something I'm SUPER DUPER EXCITED FOR: I'm finally visiting The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I've been a Harry Potter fan for years thanks to one of my best friends, and I've been dying to get over to Universal to check this area out. I'm gonna be perfectly honest, I'm kinda scared to ride Forbidden Journey. As many of you know, I don't like rides where things pop out at you, and I'm well aware that there are spiders and Dememtors on this attraction...so I'm very nervous. Part of me wants to be surprised on the attraction, but a very strong part of me thinks I'm going to try to watch a ride through video before I go. I really don't like those kinds of surprises.
These are just some of the new things that I'm looking forward to experiencing on my trip. There are a ton of things that I'm excited about that I love to do each trip. Most involve food! I am really excited to eat a No Way Jose, caramel corn from Karamel Kuche, Quattro Formaggi from Via Napoli, and fried chicken from 50s Prime Time. I'm excited about getting to see my favorite attractions again. I'm excited to see The Magic, The Memories, and You. I'm excited to potentially hit up a Disney water park. But mostly, I'm excited to see the parks in a new way...with no planning whatsoever. Sure, I have Lines (an app that if you don't have, I STRONGLY recommend!) up on my phone and ready for use, but this trip, my friends and I have made very little plans. It's really going to be a "let's wing it" kind of trip and I haven't done that in years!
As a note, because of my trip, the blog will be on a mini vacation itself! Posting will hopefully begin back up again on July 8th with the News and Rumors post! Of course, all this could change, because the very next weekend, I'll be making my first ever trip to Disneyland! (It's a short trip, but a trip nonetheless!)
So, be prepared to follow along on the ride. I'll be posting a ton on Twitter! In addition, make sure to check out the BOGP Facebook page, where I'll be attempting to post as well.
See you in the parks!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
WDW News and Rumors 6/11/12 - 6/17/12
News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.
News
Magic Kingdom
- Pinocchio's Village House has seen a change in their menu. Now, instead of pizza offerings, they are offer flatbreads. Flatbreads include a BBQ Chicken, a Caprese, and a Pepperoni.
- Periwinkle, a new friend from the Tinkerbell movies, will be making her appearance in the parks this Fall.
- The new Casey Jr Splash N' Soak area in Storybook Circus has opened. Be prepared to get very wet!
- A new Winnie the Pooh meet and greet has opened up adjacent to the attraction.
- Some of the celebrity narrators have been announced for Candlelight Processional. They are: Nov. 23–25: Isabella Rossellini Nov. 26–29: Neil Patrick Harris Nov. 30–Dec. 1: Whoopi Goldberg Dec. 11–13: Jodi Benson Dec. 14–16: Olivia Newton John Dec. 20–22: Trace Adkins Dec. 23–25: Gary Sinise Dec. 29–30: Marlee Matlin
- The Cars section of Disney's Art of Animation Resort officially opened.
General WDW News
- The Hoop De Doo Revue showtimes have been changed. This was based off of a test that was done earlier this year. The new showtimes are 4:00 pm, 6:15 pm, and 8:30 pm.
Rumors
- Phineas and Ferb: Agent P's World Showcase Adventure is expected to open June 22nd.
- It's being rumored that similar beverages that are sold at the Cozy Cone Cafe in DCA will be sold at Gaston's Tavern in the new Fantasyland Expansion.
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Tuesday, June 12, 2012
My To Do List: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Well, once again, we've reached one of the best weeks of the summer...no...it's not my birthday week...(albeit, another fine week featured in the summer)...instead....it's Disney's Hollywood Studios Awareness Week!
This fine and fabulous event is put on each year by our good friend Matt Hochberg and his site, studioscentral.com. This is the third year for the event. I've participated in this event since the beginning and so I'm excited to bring you another great article with a Disney's Hollywood Studios slant to honor such a wonderful and often forgotten park! :)
I also thought I would continue my series on My To Do List in the parks. Everyone's got their Disney Bucket List. There's always something you haven't done yet, for one reason or another. And as I'd mentioned on my last post about Disney's Animal Kingdom, I have a quest to try to do everything in the resort at least once, a task I know I'll probably never complete, but it is certainly fun to try. So here are the things I would like to do at Disney's Hollywood Studios on my next few trips (which coincidentally I have one occurring in just a few short days! Yay! Maybe I'll get to cross a few of these off my list soon.)
Admittedly enough, (and probably thankfully enough for my ever growing bucket list), I've done a majority of the attraction at The Studios. Even Tower of Terror, which I have done once and will not do again. Not because I don't think it's a fabulous attraction, because trust me it is, but more because I don't want to see my lunch for a second time. Me and that attraction just do not get along from a stomach standpoint. Which makes me so sad because I really do think the story of the attraction is one of the best ones on property. On that point, I will agree with Hochberg.
However, there is one attraction that I have yet to participate in that everyone just raves about and that is The Magic of Disney Animation. I'll admit, I have done part of this attraction. I've sat in on that film that features Mushu from Mulan, but I've never gotten to participate in the main event...drawing a character. Part of this is just based on time. Every time I've ever gone by the attraction, they are right smack dab in the middle of the session and I don't really have time to wait. Part of it is also based off the fact that I simply cannot draw. Really...I can honestly only draw a stick figure...and that's really asking a lot! I am really scared what my character would turn out to look like. I can only imagine not good...even with the guidance of an artist.
Another attraction I have yet to visit is Disney Junior-Live on Stage. This one may take me a few years...still not ready to have a little one yet...but I am darn sure that this will be a must stop once that event takes place! Along these lines, I would like to dine at Hollywood & Vine for either breakfast or lunch (probably breakfast...I love breakfast...seriously Disney...why is there no place on property that serves breakfast all the time?!) so that my future little one could get up close and personal with the characters from Disney Junior. Plus, this would cross off one restaurant off my bucket list.
Now we all know I love to eat at WDW, but ironically, Disney's Hollywood Studios is a park I simply don't eat in a whole heck of a lot. Part of the reason is there isn't a whole lot to appeal to me at many of the restaurants, especially those that are quick service. I'm just not a sandwich kinda gal. You may remember me mentioning that a time or two. And the Studios seems to feature a lot of sandwiches.
But there are a few places that I'm still dying to try. They just always gets pushed to the back burner for my beloved 50s Prime Time and their glorious fried chicken, meatloaf, and pot roast meals. One restaurant at the Studios that I'm still dying to try Mama Melrose. I'm an Italian food lover for sure. It is probably my favorite type of cuisine (after home cooking), but I've never made my way to eat here. I'll eat the "Italian" cuisine at Pizza Planet, but I've not once made an ADR for this restaurant. I would really like to rectify that here in the near future.
I've also never eaten at The Brown Derby. A lot of that has to do with price. When paying for the meal myself, it's a lot easier to spend lesser amounts of money at 50s than it is to spend a huge chunk of change at The Brown Derby, but I have heard the food here really is good. However that brings me to another reason I've yet to dine here and that is that the items that make this place a favorite to so many don't appeal to me. I hate salads, so the Cobb Salad is out and I dislike grapefruit, so the Grapefruit Cake is also out. I know that there has to be something on the menu that I'd actually enjoy though. Maybe I'll make my way here to cross another item off my To Do List: Lunch With An Imagineer. This is where it takes place and it's something that I think would be so cool to get to participate in.
Another thing I've yet to cross off the Bucket List is eating a Butterfinger Cupcake from Starring Rolls. This thing, while HUGE looks absolutely delicious. Plus, I love me some chocolate. And since I've already crossed one cult favorite, the Carrot Cake Cupcake off the list, that makes this one most certainly next.
One final thing that I would love to do at Disney Hollywood Studios, but really, honestly don't think I'll ever get the courage to actually DO it, is to sing on stage at the American Idol Experience. Don't get me wrong. I've certainly thought about it, however, thinking about it and actually DOING it are two VERY different things. And I know myself and the fear factor would certainly get to me. I would probably very easily embarrass myself, so I will be happy to keep myself in the audience for now. No auditioning for me.
So, that's my Disney Bucket List for Disney's Hollywood Studios. I'm actually quite impressed that I've accomplished most things at this park. It's kind of funny how most everything I've yet to do in this park revolves around food. (There are still a ton more restaurants that I didn't mention that I haven't eaten at here at the Studios too. Apparently I just like to go to my old standbys when dining here.)
Which of these Bucket List items are the best and the what is one I need to head to immediately on my next trip? What makes them so great in your eyes? Be sure to let me know in either the comments section or on our 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!
And in honor of Disney's Hollywood Studios Awareness week, I encourage you to talk about the Studios this week. As Matt suggests on his own site, you can blog about it, tweet about it, or even post a message on Google + and Facebook about how much you love it. Let's spread the love for such an awesome park.
This fine and fabulous event is put on each year by our good friend Matt Hochberg and his site, studioscentral.com. This is the third year for the event. I've participated in this event since the beginning and so I'm excited to bring you another great article with a Disney's Hollywood Studios slant to honor such a wonderful and often forgotten park! :)
I also thought I would continue my series on My To Do List in the parks. Everyone's got their Disney Bucket List. There's always something you haven't done yet, for one reason or another. And as I'd mentioned on my last post about Disney's Animal Kingdom, I have a quest to try to do everything in the resort at least once, a task I know I'll probably never complete, but it is certainly fun to try. So here are the things I would like to do at Disney's Hollywood Studios on my next few trips (which coincidentally I have one occurring in just a few short days! Yay! Maybe I'll get to cross a few of these off my list soon.)
Admittedly enough, (and probably thankfully enough for my ever growing bucket list), I've done a majority of the attraction at The Studios. Even Tower of Terror, which I have done once and will not do again. Not because I don't think it's a fabulous attraction, because trust me it is, but more because I don't want to see my lunch for a second time. Me and that attraction just do not get along from a stomach standpoint. Which makes me so sad because I really do think the story of the attraction is one of the best ones on property. On that point, I will agree with Hochberg.
However, there is one attraction that I have yet to participate in that everyone just raves about and that is The Magic of Disney Animation. I'll admit, I have done part of this attraction. I've sat in on that film that features Mushu from Mulan, but I've never gotten to participate in the main event...drawing a character. Part of this is just based on time. Every time I've ever gone by the attraction, they are right smack dab in the middle of the session and I don't really have time to wait. Part of it is also based off the fact that I simply cannot draw. Really...I can honestly only draw a stick figure...and that's really asking a lot! I am really scared what my character would turn out to look like. I can only imagine not good...even with the guidance of an artist.
Another attraction I have yet to visit is Disney Junior-Live on Stage. This one may take me a few years...still not ready to have a little one yet...but I am darn sure that this will be a must stop once that event takes place! Along these lines, I would like to dine at Hollywood & Vine for either breakfast or lunch (probably breakfast...I love breakfast...seriously Disney...why is there no place on property that serves breakfast all the time?!) so that my future little one could get up close and personal with the characters from Disney Junior. Plus, this would cross off one restaurant off my bucket list.
Now we all know I love to eat at WDW, but ironically, Disney's Hollywood Studios is a park I simply don't eat in a whole heck of a lot. Part of the reason is there isn't a whole lot to appeal to me at many of the restaurants, especially those that are quick service. I'm just not a sandwich kinda gal. You may remember me mentioning that a time or two. And the Studios seems to feature a lot of sandwiches.
But there are a few places that I'm still dying to try. They just always gets pushed to the back burner for my beloved 50s Prime Time and their glorious fried chicken, meatloaf, and pot roast meals. One restaurant at the Studios that I'm still dying to try Mama Melrose. I'm an Italian food lover for sure. It is probably my favorite type of cuisine (after home cooking), but I've never made my way to eat here. I'll eat the "Italian" cuisine at Pizza Planet, but I've not once made an ADR for this restaurant. I would really like to rectify that here in the near future.
I've also never eaten at The Brown Derby. A lot of that has to do with price. When paying for the meal myself, it's a lot easier to spend lesser amounts of money at 50s than it is to spend a huge chunk of change at The Brown Derby, but I have heard the food here really is good. However that brings me to another reason I've yet to dine here and that is that the items that make this place a favorite to so many don't appeal to me. I hate salads, so the Cobb Salad is out and I dislike grapefruit, so the Grapefruit Cake is also out. I know that there has to be something on the menu that I'd actually enjoy though. Maybe I'll make my way here to cross another item off my To Do List: Lunch With An Imagineer. This is where it takes place and it's something that I think would be so cool to get to participate in.
Another thing I've yet to cross off the Bucket List is eating a Butterfinger Cupcake from Starring Rolls. This thing, while HUGE looks absolutely delicious. Plus, I love me some chocolate. And since I've already crossed one cult favorite, the Carrot Cake Cupcake off the list, that makes this one most certainly next.
One final thing that I would love to do at Disney Hollywood Studios, but really, honestly don't think I'll ever get the courage to actually DO it, is to sing on stage at the American Idol Experience. Don't get me wrong. I've certainly thought about it, however, thinking about it and actually DOING it are two VERY different things. And I know myself and the fear factor would certainly get to me. I would probably very easily embarrass myself, so I will be happy to keep myself in the audience for now. No auditioning for me.
So, that's my Disney Bucket List for Disney's Hollywood Studios. I'm actually quite impressed that I've accomplished most things at this park. It's kind of funny how most everything I've yet to do in this park revolves around food. (There are still a ton more restaurants that I didn't mention that I haven't eaten at here at the Studios too. Apparently I just like to go to my old standbys when dining here.)
Which of these Bucket List items are the best and the what is one I need to head to immediately on my next trip? What makes them so great in your eyes? Be sure to let me know in either the comments section or on our 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!
And in honor of Disney's Hollywood Studios Awareness week, I encourage you to talk about the Studios this week. As Matt suggests on his own site, you can blog about it, tweet about it, or even post a message on Google + and Facebook about how much you love it. Let's spread the love for such an awesome park.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
News and Rumors 6/4/12 - 6/10/12
News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.
News
Magic Kingdom
- Disney is currently testing out the new Dumbo queue. Since it's in testing mode, it may not be open if you visit. The new Storybook Circus is scheduled to open officially in July.
Epcot
- The Sounds Like Summer Concert Series started tonight. Guests can catch the tribute bands that perform for this event at the America Gardens Theater with show times at 5:00 pm, 6:45 pm, and 8:15 pm. The concert series is scheduled to last until July 28th.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Disney has changed some of the characters appearing here. Daisy, Meeko, Miss Bunny, Timon, and Thumper are no longer appearing. Baloo and King Louie have moved over to Camp Minnie Mickey. Goofy is meeting guests in Dinoland.
- Beastly Bazaar in Discovery Island is scheduled to close this summer (rumored date: Aug. 12th) to make way for an indoor character meet and greet location.
Rumors
- Hoop De Doo Revue will be updating it's schedule, thanks to a test that it ran earlier this year. New show times will be 4 pm, 6:15 pm, and 8:30 pm. The new show times are expected to take place Oct. 1st. (This seems true, but I am having trouble confirming it.)
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!
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Sunday, June 3, 2012
News and Rumors 5/28/12 - 6/3/12
News and Rumors are gathered from various different sources. All rumors are rumors and are to be taken as such.
News
Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Square Riverboat will be down for another refurb from Aug. 4th - Aug 10th.
Epcot
- New for this year's International Food and Wine Festival will be two booths, a Terra booth, featuring vegan food options including Trick’n Chick’n Curry with Basmati Rice and Chili Colorado with House-Made Chips and Cashew Cheese and a Florida booth featuring Florida Shrimp Ceviche with Fire Roasted Vegetables and Crispy Plantains. Also new for this year, on Wednesdays, Marketplace Chef Tours will be given with a walking and tasting tour where guests will be able to taste five marketplace dishes and 5 marketplace beverages, while learning tips and tricks from the chef's themselves. Also, the Festival has been extended by 1 day, now lasting until Nov. 12th.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Today began a party called the Sundowner Celebration. This event is expected only last until June 30th, with events taking place in Harambe Village, Discovery Island, and Asia. The party begins after the parade ends and will last until the park closes. Events that will take place during the event include food demonstrations, a wine walk, games for kids, street parties, and DJ dance parties.
Disney Resorts
- After years and years of waiting for the Pop Century Legendary Years without them actually coming to fuition...Disney finally opened what is now known as the Disney's Art of Animation Resort. This week, the Finding Nemo section opened, with the Cars section to open next on June 18th.
General WDW News
- Ticket prices have gone up at WDW. A one day adult ticket will now cost $89, up from $85. In addition, Disney is now offering a combined Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More option for $79. Finally Annual Passes saw a large jump for adults and children making the total $574 for all. For more info on this, check out my TouringPlans.com post with the specific details.
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!
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Saturday, June 2, 2012
Disney Details: June 2012 Happenings
Can you believe it?! This month marks this blog's 4th anniversary!!! Holy cow!!! (June 4th, 2008 was our first post!) I honestly can't believe I've been doing this for 4 years now!!! I would like to thank you for sticking around and watching things grow! The blog has certainly come a long way from it's very humble beginnings and I can only hope to watch it grow as we continue on to year number 5!
So, with our 5th year now starting, I thought I would try to do a new segment. Disney Details is going to be a look at what's coming up for the month. Disney always has a ton of stuff going on each month, so I thought we'd look at a few things that should be highlighted as not to be missed!
First off, this month, make sure to check out Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios! It continues on with next weekend, June 8th - 10th being the last one for the year. This is a not to be missed experience, even for those of us who are not Star Wars fans.
Also, starting this month are the popular, Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. Beginning June 10th at Epcot's American Gardens Theater, watch as talented tribute bands take the stage nightly to honor many different musical icons. This year's performances start off with Hotel California, a salute to The Eagles. (June 10-June 17) Also playing this month from June 18th - 23rd will be Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, the ultimate Billy Joel show, and June 24th - 30th, Stayin' Alive, a tribute to the Bee Gees.
Just announced, the new Brave experience, called the Highland Games, will take place at Epcot's Rose Walk in between Future World and World Showcase, with games for kids, as well as a playground area for them to burn off a little steam. The games take place from 11 am - 7 pm.
Finally, this month, we will see the opening of the second phase of the new Disney's Art of Animation Resort. On June 18th, the Cars wing of the hotel will debut. If we were blown away by the Finding Nemo section (I know I was), then I know the Cars section is going to be phenomenal.
So, what excites you for the month of June? Make sure to let us know on the 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!
So, with our 5th year now starting, I thought I would try to do a new segment. Disney Details is going to be a look at what's coming up for the month. Disney always has a ton of stuff going on each month, so I thought we'd look at a few things that should be highlighted as not to be missed!
First off, this month, make sure to check out Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios! It continues on with next weekend, June 8th - 10th being the last one for the year. This is a not to be missed experience, even for those of us who are not Star Wars fans.
Also, starting this month are the popular, Sounds Like Summer Concert Series. Beginning June 10th at Epcot's American Gardens Theater, watch as talented tribute bands take the stage nightly to honor many different musical icons. This year's performances start off with Hotel California, a salute to The Eagles. (June 10-June 17) Also playing this month from June 18th - 23rd will be Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, the ultimate Billy Joel show, and June 24th - 30th, Stayin' Alive, a tribute to the Bee Gees.
Just announced, the new Brave experience, called the Highland Games, will take place at Epcot's Rose Walk in between Future World and World Showcase, with games for kids, as well as a playground area for them to burn off a little steam. The games take place from 11 am - 7 pm.
Finally, this month, we will see the opening of the second phase of the new Disney's Art of Animation Resort. On June 18th, the Cars wing of the hotel will debut. If we were blown away by the Finding Nemo section (I know I was), then I know the Cars section is going to be phenomenal.
So, what excites you for the month of June? Make sure to let us know on the 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!
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