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Star Wars Weekends In Full Force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Just returned from an evening of fun at Star Wars Weekends over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I don’t have time to write a full report this morning, but here are a few highlights. I arrived to late for most of the festivities, but was able to get into Darth’s Mall and catch the new Hyperspace Hoopla. Lots of great merchandise this year, both for the event and fresh from Star Wars too. There was a 10-minute queue just to get in to the store, then if you wanted photos, special merchandise, or a D-Tech figure, there were even more lines. Crazy.

t-shirt-1Read More »Star Wars Weekends In Full Force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Downtown Disney Changes – A Quick Photo Update

According to Disney construction was to have officially started on Disney Springs in early May. It’s now mid-month, so I set off to see what visible evidence there was of the pending transformation. Turns out not much. But there is a bit new at Downtown Disney since my last swing through, so I do have something to share with y’all.

Walls have gone up in the former comedy warehouse area of pleasure island.

Walls have gone up in the former comedy warehouse area of pleasure island.

Get used to seeing these everywhere soon

Get used to seeing these everywhere soon

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Date Night at Disney World

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Sure, Disney World is great for kids, but it’s also a lot of fun for grown ups—there’s a reason it’s one of the most popular honeymoon locations in the world.  Since our kids are young, we can’t always enjoy some of the more grown up restaurants or even some of the attractions, so my husband and I usually plan a night out without the kids.  I find that not only does it give us a nice night out together, it also gives the kids some low-key fun and a break from the parks, something even the most ardent little Disney fan sometimes needs.  Sounds great, you say, but who’s going to watch the kids? Well, that’s the easy part.

Sitter Options.  Unless you’re traveling with extended family or friends who offer to watch the little ones while you go out, you’re probably going to need a sitter. Fortunately, you have two very convenient, safe options.Read More »Date Night at Disney World

Are Rich Moms Really Cutting Queues With VIP Tours and GAC Cards?

TSMM Fast pass machines ready and waiting

TSMM Fast pass machines ready and waiting

An outrageous story in the NY Post has been making the rounds today. According to the story, some rich New York moms are taking advantage of an unofficial $130/hr Disney World VIP concierge tour service that utilizes Guess Assistance Cards (GAC) to shorten some of the waits for the party. If true, this is a horrible abuse of a system that really is needed by those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy Disney’s wonderful theme parks without some assistance.

If you ask me, something is a little off in the story including some factually challenged details. The mom in question claims to have skipped a 2.5 hour queue for “it’s a small world.” Let me assure you that even on the 4th of July, the queue for IASW does not get that long. (Ask me again after MyMagic Plus adds totally unnecessary fastpass access to IASW, that fact may change.)
Read More »Are Rich Moms Really Cutting Queues With VIP Tours and GAC Cards?

Disney releases new Downtown Disney Ads while Disney Springs Construction Begins

These gates aren't long for the world. Probably end up in some collectors living room soon

These gates aren’t long for the world. Probably end up in some collectors living room soon

Construction on Disney Springs, the new vision for Downtown Disney, got underway earlier this month. It’s going to be a few years before the whole project is done and current vendors in the shopping center are in for an uncertain time. Will crowds continue to come if they have to negotiate a maze of construction walls and relocated parking to get there? Probably yes, but just in case, Disney World has launched a new ad campaign with the goal of keeping Downtown Disney front of mind in locals and tourists alike.

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Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Photo Update

It’s been a long time since I managed to make it to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for a walk-about. A shame because it’s my favorite park. Not for the rides or parades, there are better elsewhere on property, but for the beauty of nature. I love how Disney Imagineers built their own story about nature while still allowing plenty of room for the real version to flourish. How the two layers interact with each other adds a lot to my enjoyment of the park.

So without further ado, here are some of the new, or new to me, things I spotted on my walk this weekend:

New maps and guides have been unleashed upon the park. I like the animal guide.

New maps and guides have been unleashed upon the park. I like the animal guide, might encourage people to stop and smell the roses.

Looks like the new character greeting at the Discovery Island Bazaar is almost ready to open.

Looks like the new character greeting at the Discovery Island Beastly Bazaar is almost ready to open. Sounds like the big day is tomorrow.

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Brave’s Merida Joined Disney’s Royal Princess Court in Special Coronation

Over the weekend Merida became the 11th princess of Disney’s Royal Court and the first princess to come from a film not originating from the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Brave, of course, was a Pixar film and Merida was not just any Disney princess, but… Read More »Brave’s Merida Joined Disney’s Royal Princess Court in Special Coronation

A Pirates Adventure: Treasure of the Seven Seas Enters Beta Testing

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Guests visiting Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom have begun to regularly encounter the opportunity to beta test the newest interactive attraction in the park — A Pirates Adventure: Treasure of the Seven Seas.

There are five maps to launch adventures with different variations. Each takes about 10 minutes to complete. So the pace is very quick. Of course, this is still early, that may change.

Here’s video from one of the families that were able to try it out:

Each adventure starts in the HQ building at the far end of Adventureland just past the Pirates of the Caribbean plaza. It’s the former home of a Kodak film kiosk. Not much need for those any more. Read More »A Pirates Adventure: Treasure of the Seven Seas Enters Beta Testing