A few more reviews for Disney’s Hawaiian resort are trickling in. Most note how Disney has emphasized telling the story of Hawaii over traditional Disney touches, but I would argue that storytelling is the quintessential Disney touch. So I’m glad to see they chose that… Read More »Aulani Reviews Coming In
Locals who visit Disneyland all the time, already know most of best places to buy affordable eats at the resort. But economy-minded vacationers might want to consult this list featuring a long menu of delicious items all for under $10. There’s lots more than popcorn, hot… Read More »How to eat on the cheap at Disneyland
Although it does not get much love, particularly when compared to the volume its theme parks cousins do, the Adventures By Disney division continues to expand its particular brand of Disney magic. For 2012, they’ve announced the addition of two new destinations to its repertoire of immersive family vacations – Greece: “Greek Odyssey” and Northern France: “Esprit de France” – available to travelers in 2012. The adventure continues in Egypt with “Pyramids, Pharaohs & Ancient Treasures,” an unforgettable expedition. New for 2012, Adventures by Disney will feature distinct enhancements to its Australia, London and Paris and Galapagos Islands departures.
Since its launch six years ago, Adventures by Disney has developed a collection of tours with one goal in mind: help families experience the most sought-after and culturally stimulating destinations in the world. Led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides and authentic local experts, families unlock the wonders and stories of the world through excursions and engaging activities designed for all ages and activity levels such as pizza-making at a farm in Italy, spending the night at a German castle and playing the role of an art detective at the Louvre. With the smallest details planned in advance, it’s easy for parents to relax and immerse themselves in the most valuable experience of all – quality time with their family.
“Through our dedication to storytelling and exclusive hands-on experiences, families can get a glimpse of the history and beauty synonymous with Greece, France, Egypt and every vacation destination on our roster,” said Josh D’Amaro, Vice President, Adventures by Disney. “We are in the business of creating unforgettable, VIP hassle-free itineraries so guests can focus on discovering and exploring a new world and creating priceless vacation memories that last a lifetime.”
Are you a Mousejunkie? There’s no shame in admitting it. If so, it’s likely you’ve lived much of the advice provided in the non-traditional Walt Disney World guidebook. But if you’re asking yourself, “Mousejunkie? What is that?” Or you still consider yourself a padawan on… Read More »Mousejunkies
Update2: As of the 11AM update, Irene has hurricane status and is continuing its eastward drift. That’s good news for the Florida peninsula. However, Irene will pick up strength as it travels over warm waters, strong winds and rain could still slash across the state,… Read More »Keep an eye on Irene – Storm Could Strike Orlando this week
For years, the Disneyland hotel has been the black sheep of the Disney owned hotels in Anaheim. It’s age and location left it the least desirable property of the three hotels. But the culmination of upgrades made over the last 5 years have finally paid off. AAA has bestowed its coveted 2012 Four Diamond award upon the landmark Disneyland Hotel making it the second property at the Disneyland Resort to secure such a high rating.
Only four percent of the 31,000 hotel properties AAA reviews achieve this enviable distinction. In fact, in order to become a five star resort you need to have a golf course and on-site spa. These are conditions Disneyland’s hotels can never meet. So four stars is really a great score.
“This is tremendous news, especially for the 1,000 Cast Members who work at the Disneyland Hotel and create magical experiences for our guests,” said Tony Bruno, vice president resort hotels and Downtown Disney. “The award underscores our continued investment in the guest experience and all our ongoing work, which has transformed the Disneyland Resort and Anaheim into Southern California’s world-class, multiday tourist destination.”
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa also is a AAA Four Diamond award winner and is home to yet another AAA Four Diamond recipient: the popular Napa Rose restaurant.
“North America’s AAA Diamond Rating System is a long-time trusted systematic method of rating lodgings and restaurants,” said the Auto Club’s Approved Accommodations Supervisor Patricia Marenco. “Southern California’s hotels and restaurants that earn the AAA Four Diamond award maintain a very high standard of service in their hotels and restaurants in order to continue pleasing their guests.”
Earlier this summer, the Disneyland Hotel marked a milestone in the property’s major “re-imagination” project with the opening of a new courtyard, restaurant, bar, pool and water play area.
Ken Potrock, Senior VP of Disney Sports Enterprises, and Jon Butler, Executive Director of Pop Warner Little Scholars, pose with Mickey Mouse and two Pop Warner athletes at ESPN WWOS. (Gene Duncan, photographer)
For players and families of Pop Warner football, a new 10 year deal with Disney to host the Super Bowl and other games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex is a great deal. It means potential national exposure, plus access to all the fun that ESPN WWOS and Disney World provides. For Disney vacationers, it means another 10 years of loud groups and noisy nights at the value resorts. Having to share your resort with Pop Warner football players and Cheerleaders is one of the big complaints I read on discussion boards. On the balance though, I think this is a good deal.
Under the contract extension, which runs through 2019, more than 40 hours of live game coverage and game action cut-ins will be shown on ESPN3.com. In addition, the Division I Midget national championship game will be aired on ESPN2 and other networks.
Read More »Pop Warner Super Bowl signs 10 year deal to play at ESPN WWOS Complex
With Tropical Storm Emily’s track shifting slightly west today, it appears that Walt Disney World and the eastern part of the Florida peninsula are likely to encounter high winds and possible severe storms starting Friday and lasting through Saturday. Technically, the forecast includes a cone… Read More »Tropical Storm Emily – What you need to know about severe storms while in Orlando