Whether you are new to the Disney world, or an old friend looking to keep up on all the Disney happenings, follow along as I discuss news and tips related to Walt Disney World and the Disney world as a whole.
I know, I know...I owe you all pictures. There's at least one video as well. Everything is in my photobucket account...I just need to get it organized.
Since we're days away from Christmas, and since you are a part of my small world, I thought I'd totally jump on Disney's theme ~ Joy to the Small World ~ and share a couple of things.
First, you need to watch this video of last year's commercial. I'm pretty sure I posted this last year, but even if I did...it's worth repeating...
Second, this year, you can make this cool video greeting card with the Joy to The Small World theme. The cool part you can create Small World dolls for each person in your family. I did one for mine and posted it to Facebook. If you aren't connected to me on Facebook yet, here's the video greeting card:
If I don't see you or talk to you, in person or in cyberspace, have a Merry Christmas!
Ok, I'm a total slacker when it comes to keeping this blog updated. I fell off the wagon, but I'm getting back on because I'm in single digits before my next trip to Disney World!
But before I dive into prepping, I have a few news bits to throw out for discussion:
Pollo Campero and Fresh A-Peel just opened this week at Downtown Disney where McDonald's used to be.
I'm ready to try this place. I'm not a huge McDs fan, and the menu sounds pretty interesting. Looks like these two eateries share the space. Pollo Campero is known for having delicious, hand-breaded, fried (not in trans-fats) chicken that's supposedly moist, and yummy. Fresh A-Peel features fresh ingredients and made to order burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.
The Spice & Tea Exchange opened at Downtown Disney as part of Mickey's Pantry.
I can already tell this will be a dangerous place for me. I love love love variety in spices, teas and stuff like this. After browsing the online store, I turned to DH in our home office and said, "I'm pretty sure you can do most of your Christmas shopping for me at this store." The sheer variety and reasonable prices are so appealing. I can't wait to shop there.
So, the conclusion is, "Well, duh...of course, you're adding those places to the must-do list."
Now I've just got to get through the rest of the time before we leave. I've got several work things on my plate, including trying to schedule a short meeting while I'm down there in FL, plus two Thanksgivings and then the usual packing stuff.
So far, no further movement on my rental car, but I've already adjusted twice so I'm not sure if I'll get anything more. However, I've got it down to $180 for 9 days and that's after taxes so I don't think I have much to complain about. $20/day, after taxes, is pretty good.
Right now, my plan is to blog from the world in all its Christmas glory.
OH! And guess what...last I checked, the Space Shuttle is launching while I'm down there! Super sweet!
Disney released a bunch of information regarding the Christmas Holiday Happenings at Walt Disney World.
Here's the pertinent information:
Castle Lights at Magic Kingdom - Nov. 8 through Jan. 3
This is has been a huge hit in the past few years. Imagine Cinderella's Castle full of icicle lights that shimmer in blues and whites. It totally puts you in the Christmas spirit. I've been fortunate to see the Castle Lights each year since it's inception. Here's a picture from one of my visits:
The show that leads up to the lighting of the castle is very sweet. It's one of those things where everyone is gathered around Main Street to take in the show.
Mary's Rating: Totally Awesome!
The Osbourne Family Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Nov. 8 through Jan. 3
I won't repeat the history of the Osbourne Family Lights, but read about it here if you aren't familiar with it. The Backlot of the Studios is decked out with more than one million lights. Be sure to check out the section that's set to music a la Transiberian Orchestra.
Mary's Rating: Must See!
Holidays Around The World at Epcot - Nov. 26 through Dec. 30
I love Epcot at Christmastime. There are just so many things that you can take in. I could go to Epcot every day over Christmastime. Here are a few of my faves:
Holiday Storytellers - Each country in the World Showcase has its own traditional storyteller based on the Christmas/ New Year time of year. Each story is usually less than ten minutes and it makes for a really great way to tour Epcot.
Christmas Tree at the World Showcase Lagoon - While there is no longer a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, this tree is very cool because it has not only versions of the traditional ornaments, but banners with the words, "Merry Christmas" in many different languages.
Candlight Processional - Every day, at the American Gardens Theater, the Story of Christmas is read by a celebrity and the music of Christmas is sung throughout the reading by different choirs from around the country. There are three performances each day and the theater tends to fill quickly. Want to guarantee yourself a seat? Purchase the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package on the day you want to attend the CP. Reservations aren't being taken as of yet. But stay tuned; word is July 25 is the currently rumored opening day for those reservations.
Holiday Illuminations - Epcot's fireworks show usually has an extra 12 minute ending choreographed to, "Let There Be Peace On Earth." I'm not hugely emotional to fireworks shows, but if you don't tear up during that holiday ending...well, you are a much stronger person than I.
Mary's Rating: Totally Must-Do!
Jingle Jungle Parade at Animal Kingdom - Nov. 26 through Dec. 30
The parade at Animal Kingdom gets a holiday makeover in this parade. When we've taken this parade in, we've had great Cast Member interaction and a seriously enjoyable time. The fact that Animal Kingdom closes earlier in the day at that time of year makes it easy for you to take in this parade and be able to hop to another park for the rest of the day.
Mary's Rating: If you aren't a parade person, then you probably could pass on this.
This is just a snap-shot of some of the bigger happenings. Like everything else at Disney World, all the little touches make the experience.
You know that O.D.D. I have...I'm a total believer in that Disney World IS the Place Where Magic Lives. But I especially live and breathe it at this time of year.
Now that I have gotten the news out of the way, let's get on with the giveaway.
I'm a huge planning type person. Maybe you aren't or maybe you know you should be. Maybe you are going to Disney soon, or maybe you know someone who's thinking about planning a trip. Or maybe your friend is planning a trip and they haven't really done any planning.
I LOVE the Passporter! I have a brand spanking new Passporter to give away. AND you can choose if you want the Passporter for Walt Disney World OR the Passporter for Disneyland!
I know what you're thinking...how can I get one?
It's totally easy! Make a comment on this post of the blog with your first name and first initial of your last name (e.g. Mary A.). On July 28, I'll take the list of names and use Random Name Picker to select a winner. I'll post the winner's name in a post after July 28 and we'll connect to get you your choice of Passporter!
