Monthly Archives: April 2016

Apr 21 2016

Frozen Ever After In Epcot

Frozen Ever After

“Frozen Ever After”

So have you heard the latest about the new Frozen attraction opening in the Norway Pavilion this summer? Whether you love it or hate it, Frozen is here to stay and at least it is bringing a much needed new attraction to Epcot. Hopefully, in addition to showcasing our favorites from the film, it will also feature Norway and its beautiful scenery and rich history. Here’s what we know so far courtesy of Disney:

For the first time in forever, guests can explore the kingdom of Arendelle when “Frozen Ever After” opens in the Norway Pavilion in summer 2016. This family-friendly adventure picks up after the events in the blockbuster hit “Frozen” and celebrates a “Summer Snow Day.”

A stone archway entrance greets guests to the kingdom of Arendelle. Queen Elsa, Princess Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, trolls and Marshmallow join them on their boat journey through the frozen willow forest, past Troll Valley and up to the North Mountain to Elsa’s ice palace.

After disembarking, guests can meet the regal sisters in the cozy Royal Sommerhus. Inspired by a cabin in the countryside of Norway, the sisters have opened their summer home for visitors.

Fun Facts:

  • Frozen Ever After is the first Frozen-themed attraction and the Royal Sommerhus is Elsa’s and Anna’s permanent meet and greet at Disney Parks.
  • Guests will witness Elsa’s ice magic on Frozen Ever After.
  • Composers Bobby Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez created new lyrics to the cherished Frozen film songs.
  • All of the original voice talent from the film returned and recorded dialogue and songs for the attraction.
  • WDI traveled to Norway to research architecture, décor and artifacts; guests will find their inspiration in the Royal Sommerhus.
  • The design of Royal Sommerhus and the surrounding area is modeled after a traditional Norwegian cabin in Trondheim.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you looking forward to the new Frozen attraction?
Do you miss Maelstrom? Please leave a comment!

Apr 19 2016

Disney Springs Continues To Expand

Disney Springs 1

There are so many changes happening all around Walt Disney World right now, from Pandora – The World of Avatar and Rivers in Light in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but the one place that has received the biggest transformation recently has to be the newly reimagined Disney Springs. Dozens of new shops, bars, and restaurants have recently opened, and believe it or not even more are coming very soon. Here’s everything you need to know about the ever growing Disney Springs, courtesy of Disney:

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting blend of shopping, dining and entertainment with a Disney touch.

Disney Springs 3By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene, whether they are shopping world-class brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Village Lake or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

The former Downtown Disney completes a dramatic, multi-year transformation in 2016, renamed Disney Springs and more than doubling – to 150 — the number of shops, restaurants or other venues for guests to explore and enjoy. In creating the largest expansion in its history, Disney planners infused Disney Springs with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships, creating a welcoming space that only Disney can provide.

That story begins as Florida’s did, with bubbling springs and natural beauty that first attracted settlers to the area. Turn-of-the-century waterfront towns sprang up, dotting Florida’s landscape. Today’s Disney Springs fittingly starts with a clear water stream and fans out to exciting precincts for entertainment, dining, lounging and shopping.

Guests will find four outdoor neighborhoods, each with its own personality:

  • All-new among the Disney Springs neighborhoods and opening this summer, The Town Center will offer a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a lushly landscaped promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect at the water’s edge. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago. At the heart of Town Center is The Spring, themed to early Florida settlements. Guests will find Town Center a shopper’s haven. Prime retailers such as Anthropologie, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Oakley will call Town Center home. Among dining choices awaiting Town Center guests, Tablas Frontera will serve up gourmet Mexican cuisine on planks (not plates!) from the menu envisioned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, a six-time James Beard Foundation winner.
  • A colorful and thriving district called The Landing offers inspired dining and breathtaking waterfront views. High-quality retailers including Erwin Pearl for fashion jewelry and Havaianas for sandals are found along its lantern-lined byways. Grab a signature gelato at Vivoli Gelateria, dine off a shipshape menu at The BOATHOUSE or enjoy, at Morimoto Asia, Pan-Asian cuisine from celebrity chef Matsaharu Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. Coming later this spring: STK Orlando, a fine dining experience set in chic, contemporary surroundings.
  • Disney Springs 2The family-friendly Marketplace will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store.
  • The West Side provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, retail and dining along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. From Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants to colorful food trucks to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville, West Side offers something for everyone. There is even the opportunity to lift off in a tethered balloon. Characters in Flight rises from the banks of Village Lake for eye-popping, 360-degree views (on a clear day you can see Florida’s east coast).

Thanks to new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces, parking is convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and free. Valet parking also is available. Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motor coach and watercraft.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

What are you most looking forward to at Disney Springs?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Apr 18 2016

Disney Movie Review – The Jungle Book

Jungle Book

In the midst of a huge spring snowstorm, my boys and I decided it was time to hit the movies again. This time, we ventured out to the theatre to see the newest Disney release, “The Jungle Book”. As a little girl, I was a huge fan of the Disney read-along version of this story, so I was eager to see the live action film based on one of my childhood’s most cherished stories. My boys (ages 13 and 10) had mixed feelings about it. My youngest was looking forward to it, but my teenager was torn between sleeping in or eating junk food at the theatre. Ultimately, his teenage boy appetite won out and he came with us. For the first time in a long time, we all really enjoyed the same movie…three resounding thumbs up! Read on for all of the details and don’t worry, there are no spoilers in this review.

The Story

The Jungle Book 7Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.

Our Review

The Jungle Book

Overall my boys and I loved this film. I give it an A-, my teenager gives it a B, and my youngest son gives it a B+. The inspiring story, all-star voice cast, and spectacular computer-generated effects are really what make this film a winner. If there is a downside, and it wasn’t easy to find one, it is that the musical numbers most Disney classics are known for are sorely lacking in this version. Only three songs are featured, one of which is only in the credits, and the two that are prominent in the film are more spoken than sung. Aside from that minor issue, “The Jungle Book” is stunning. It should be noted that this isn’t your typical light-hearted Disney animated film, “The Jungle Book” is dark, slow-paced, and violent. The vicious animal fights and perilous situations that beloved main characters find themselves in could be alarming to younger viewers. The messages of bravery, family, and teamwork are strong though, and ultimately should leave you and your family feeling inspired.

I would recommend this film for children at least 9 years old based on my experience with my boys, however you may find that the violence against animals could make it difficult for sensitive children of all ages to watch. I’ve included the trailer below and for more details, reviews, ratings and for help determining if it might be right for your family, please check out this link or feel free to ask me a question in the comments section.

Sneak Peek

Have you seen “The Jungle Book”?
Did you enjoy it? Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Apr 17 2016

Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up April 17, 2016

Here’s the Disney World Enthusiast Weekly Round Up for April 17, 2016!

Latest Disney World Enthusiast Articles

DwarfTip Of The Week

A great way to prepare young children who might not be familiar with some of the older Disney characters is by watching Disney movies and reading books featuring those characters in advance.

Looking for more tips like this? Click here!

Tower of Terror 4Disney Did You Know

The storyline of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror sets the date as Halloween night – October 31, 1939.

Walt DisneyWalt’s Words

“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it, or learn from it.” 

Star Wars Tsum Tsum 2Disney World Enthusiast Giveaway

From now through Friday, April 22, 2016 at midnight, please enter daily to win a pair of R2-D2 and C-3PO Tsum Tsums. Just click here and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!

Behind The Magic Podcast

Be sure to catch up on this week’s episodes when Zeek, Rachel, Jerry, and I discuss Disney news, rumors, and so much more.

  • Monday ~ Screaming About Ice Cream
  • Tuesday ~ It’s A Map
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Brian Hull
  • Thursday ~ Behind Treehouse And Carpets

For more information about this week’s podcasts or to listen, please click here.

Featured Advertiser

BitbeltHave you heard of this incredible gadget – Bitbelt? If you aren’t familiar, this handy creation secures your MagicBand so that it doesn’t accidentally become lost. Anyone that carries a child, a backpack, or wears a jacket at Disney World knows how easily a MagicBand can become unclasped. That’s where this little beauty comes in! Simply place a Bitbelt on your MagicBand and save yourself the trouble of having to search for a lost band or take the time to get a replacement. Bitbelts come in a dozen different colors and in two sizes – adult and junior. They are only $4.99 each plus they offer discounted pricing when you purchase multiple Bitbelts in one order. And if you think Bitbelts are great for MagicBands, they are also available for your fitness trackers. Never lose a pricey Fitbit again! For more information about Bitbelt, please click here!

501 WaysFeatured Book

The difference between an average and an outstanding Walt Disney World trip is in the details. Kristi Fredericks helps make your dream vacation a reality with her numerous tips and tricks to save money, time, and sanity while at the happiest place on earth in her new book “501 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Walt Disney World Vacation”. For more information, to read an excerpt, or to purchase, please click here.

Considering A Disney World Vacation

Book Your Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, a Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida, is the official travel partner of Disney World Enthusiast. She can help you book your next Disney vacation whether it is to Disney World, Disneyland, or aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Currently Jennifer has some incredible deals for discounted travel to Disney World. For more information about Jennifer’s amazing and absolutely free services or to get a free no-obligation quote, please click here!

You’re Invited

Next Disney VacationJennifer Hardy, from Destinations in Florida, and I have teamed up to create a brand new Facebook Group called Next Disney Vacation! It is the perfect place to talk about your next Disney vacation, voice your opinions, ask your questions, get them answered, and share the magic. Whether it’s Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, or the Disney Cruise Line, Jennifer and I are ready to help. Everyday you’ll find posts, photos, trivia, tips, and more that we find all throughout the Disney Universe. If you’re counting the days until your next Disney vacation or just dreaming of one, we would love to have you join in the fun and conversation! Please click here to be a part of our group!

dwe logo small size white bkgdComing Up Next Week

Next week I’ll have some dining and planning information plus all of the latest Disney World news!

Have a wonderful week!

Apr 16 2016

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap April 11 – April 15, 2016

Welcome to Season 5 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Jerry and myself. Every day Monday through Thursday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. We’ll be surprising you each and every day with our funny stories and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, we’ll also keep you up-to-date on all of the latest Disney news and gossip.

Here’s a quick peek at what you can expect each day:

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers Mondays with all of the latest Disney gossip and rumors!
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesdays with exciting Disney discussions!
  • Wednesday ~ With Us Wednesdays with celebrity guests from around the Disney Universe!
  • Thursday ~ Theme Park Thursdays with fun information, facts, and stories about the parks!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Mouse Whispers Screaming About Ice Cream
  • Tuesday ~ It’s A Map
  • Wednesday ~ Behind Brian Hull
  • Thursday ~ Behind Treehouse And Carpets

For more details about each episode and to listen, please click here!

We hope you enjoy our show!