Category Kids

Jan 12 2016

Lion Guard Adventure In Animal Kingdom

Lion Guard AdventureIf you are a fan of The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar movie that premiered on Disney Channel last fall or know someone that is, I have great news for you! Soon you will be able to become an honorary member of the Lion Guard in a brand new Disney’s Animal Kingdom experience called The Lion Guard Adventure.

The fun begins in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on February 7, 2016. This interactive experience will allow young guests to explore the park in search of five main characters from “The Lion Guard” – Kion, Bunga, Fuli, Beshte, and Ono, who are represented as colorful statues. Like the movie, the experience encourages interest in protecting animals and caring for nature. Once little ones complete the adventure, each child can take a pledge to become an honorary member of “The Lion Guard” and receive a special button.

The experience will be offered in Disney’s Animal Kingdom through late March, as one of many activities celebrating the debut of “The Lion Guard” series on Disney Channel and Disney Junior.

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 excited for the Lion Guard Adventure?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jan 4 2016

Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine At Hollywood & Vine

Hollywood & Vine

Hooray for Hollywood!

Are you a fan of the Academy Awards? For the last few years, several of my friends and I have made a point to watch all of the films nominated for Best Picture, have lengthy discussions and debates about what we liked and what we didn’t, and of course, make our predictions of which one will win the coveted title. It’s our version of a Book Club except it is for movie lovers that don’t have time for reading much anymore. My Best Picture prediction has been spot on the last two years, and I’m hoping for the trifecta in 2016. Keeping my fingers crossed anyway!

If you happen to be visiting Disney World this Academy Award season like myself, not only can you catch one of the nominated films at the AMC theatre in Disney Springs, but Disney is offering a fun-for-the-whole-family character dining experience to help you enjoy the glamour of Hollywood – Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Minnie Mouse and her friends celebrate the magic of the movies and glamour of Hollywood with an epic feast at the new Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The all new character dining experience is hosted by Minnie and her pals and begins just in time for Academy Awards season.

Minnie's Holiday Dine 2Dinner guests will walk the red carpet and get ready for their close-up with some of the biggest stars of the silver screen. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy will all be there and dressed in their designer best. Mickey will greet guests and pose with them for photographs in the midst of the glitz and glamour before escorting them into the dinner party, where guests get the chance to meet Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy as they enjoy classic cuisine, themed to old Hollywood. This new party at Walt Disney World Resort is filled with dazzling décor, a sweeping musical score, award-winning food, activities and more.

Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine runs from January 4 through March 20, 2016. The cost is $46.99 per adult and $27.99 per child (ages 3 – 9), or one dining table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. There is also a Fantasmic! Dining Package available that includes the character meal plus special VIP seating for Fantasmic! Prices for this package are $53.99 for adults and $42.99 for children. All prices exclude tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by clicking here or by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Make reservations now, remember seating is limited!

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:

Will you be dining with Minnie & friends? Please leave a comment!

Dec 15 2015

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade

Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas 1

If you can’t be in a Disney Park this year for the holidays, be sure to tune in for the Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration on Christmas Day. It promises to be the most memorable special yet! Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates not only the joy of the holiday season, but the unforgettable family moments it has helped guests create over the past sixty years. Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas Celebration airs Friday, December 25, 2015 (10:00am – 12:00pm ET; airtimes vary; check local listings) on the ABC Television Network.

Disney Parks Unforgettable Christmas 2Now in its 32nd year, the unforgettable Christmas special welcomes back Robin Roberts of ABC’s “Good Morning America” (GMA) as lead host. Reporting from the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, Roberts is accompanied by Jesse Palmer, who joins the event for the first time as a correspondent. New to the GMA team as a special contributor, Palmer shares key parade updates in the midst of the action on Main Street, U.S.A. Janel Parrish, star of the ABC Family hit show “Pretty Little Liars” – which will debut under the new network name, Freeform for its winter premiere on January 12, 2016 – serves as music correspondent alongside Stitch from Cinderella Castle.

The holidays have long been cherished for their ability to bring family and friends together from near and far to create heartfelt memories to last a lifetime. In the spirit of “Unforgettable Happens Here,” throughout the celebration Disney Parks will tell the inspiring real-life stories of three families whose personal connection to Disney Parks will make their Christmas dreams come true. It all culminates with an unforgettable Christmas Day surprise that is sure to warm the hearts of television audiences across the country, providing the perfect toast to the most festive time of the year.

For a dose of nostalgia, viewers are also treated to magical memories from the Disney Christmas shows of yesteryear, along with beloved Disney Park moments shared by actors and actresses from both classic and current Disney films.

Bringing together the biggest names in music and entertainment, music industry legend, David Foster, joins today’s top artists to sing their interpretations of Disney classics from the “We Love Disney” album, along with a mix of Christmas favorites. The star-studded lineup includes the following:

  • Jason Derulo shakes up this year’s parade with his rendition of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – available on the “We Love Disney” album
  • International superstar, Ariana Grande pays tribute to the Greek demi-god, Hercules with the Disney favorite “Zero to Hero,” also available on the “We Love Disney” album, along with her latest single, “Focus”
  • GRAMMY winning artist, Seal dazzles parade spectators with his interpretation of “This Christmas” and new hit, “Every Time I’m With You”
  • Country music legend, Reba McEntire sings her original song, “Going Out Like That” and the popular Christmas tune, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”
  • Breakout musical artist, Andy Grammer delights the crowd with medley of “Honey I’m Good” and his new single “Good to be Alive,” along with the iconic Christmas song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
  • Rising pop star, Charlie Puth adds Christmas cheer with “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and his own single, “One Call Away”
  • “Should’ve Been Us” singer, Tori Kelly spreads Disney magic with the beloved classic “Colors of the Wind” from “Pocahontas” – available on the “We Love Disney” album – and the holiday favorite, “Winter Wonderland”
  • Soulful singer, Charles Perry jazzes up the festivities with a “World of My Own/Ev’rybody Wants to be a Cat” medley and his own spin on the famous Christmas duet, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
  • The cast of the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Descendants,” Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Booboo Stewart, and Sofia Carson, pay tribute to Disney’s most infamous villains with “Rotten to the Core”

Featuring floats and characters from movie favorites including “Toy Story,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Inside Out,” and the wildly-popular “Frozen,” along with the all-new “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and upcoming “Finding Dory” movie, slated for release next summer, this year’s Disney Christmas Parade is expected to be the most spectacular of all. Viewers can also look forward to watching other Disney parade stars take the spotlight, such as beloved Disney princesses, characters from Disney Junior, a special performance from the stars of the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Descendants,” and of course, the iconic Disney Toy Soldiers and Santa Claus.

The 32nd annual Christmas celebration airs nationwide on December 25 at 10a. EST and 9am CST, MST and PST on ABC-TV. The show will also air in Canada on CBC Network and across the globe on the American Forces Network.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the holidays?

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

Do you watch the Disney Parks Christmas Parade every year?
Have you seen it taped in Disney World? Please leave a comment!

Dec 9 2015

TouringPlans – 10 Ways To Have Free Family Fun At Disney World

Walt Disney World can be expensive. You know that, I know that. But what if I were to tell you that there are lots of ways to add some magic to your Disney World vacation for absolutely free? That’s right folks, click to read my latest TouringPlans article – 10 Ways To Have Free Family Fun At Disney World where I share with you 10 of my favorite ways to enjoy family fun around the resort without spending an extra penny.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy free family fun at Walt Disney World?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!

Nov 17 2015

Colortopia Exhibit In Innoventions At Epcot

Colortopia 4

New interactive exhibit creates colorful experiences for guests of all ages!

If you’ve been looking for something new to try over at Epcot, you are in luck! Last week, Disney unveiled the latest exhibit just added to Innoventions – Colortopia. Here’s the scoop on this new addition courtesy of Disney:

The GLIDDEN paint brand today unveiled the COLORTOPIA exhibit, a new colorful experience in INNOVENTIONS at Epcot, part of Walt Disney World Resort, that entertains, informs and inspires guests about the power of color.

Colortopia 1The Colortopia exhibit by Glidden paint welcomes park guests to explore the many aspects of color and the impact it has on the world around them. At the Colortopia exhibit, the Glidden brand invites guests to walk through three unique areas to encounter exciting interactions that bring to life color theory, the psychology of color and the perception of color, all while engaging guests in fun and surprising hands-on activities.

The Colortopia exhibit by Glidden paint demonstrates that color is not only a visual treat, but also a dynamic and emotional experience. A visit to the highly interactive, over 3,700-square-foot Colortopia exhibit is expected to last about 30 minutes.

“Combining Glidden paint’s rich tradition of innovation and color inspiration with the creative power of Walt Disney Imagineering was a perfect collaboration to create a one-of-a-kind experience that engages visitors with color in ways they never have before,” said Max Wetzel, chief marketing officer and general manager of home centers, PPG Architectural Coatings, U.S. and Canada, makers of Glidden paint. “With the Glidden brand, we know the important role color plays when selecting paint for your home. Color also has a powerful role in our everyday lives, and it is truly brought to life in the Colortopia exhibit.”

“Starting with Disney’s premier full-color film in 1932, our company has been fascinated by color,” said Melissa Valiquette, vice president, Epcot. “That fascination is evident throughout our parks and our resorts and is why we’re thrilled to collaborate with Glidden as we work together to bring Colortopia to life for our guests.”

Colortopia Exhibit Experience

Colortopia 3The Colortopia exhibit by Glidden paint is comprised of three zones where guests can experience color in an entertaining, interactive environment:

  • “The Power of Color” in this special designed standing theater, guests will enjoy a short presentation that explores the psychology of color by immersing guests in a full spectrum of colors.
  • In “The Color Lab”, guests can play Color Mix ‘n Match, an interactive game that allows guests to mix red, green and blue to create bold new colors. A second interactive station, Spinning Spectrums, teaches guests about the persistence of vision through painted spinning discs. Here guests can try to guess what color their eyes will perceive once the multi-colored discs start to spin quickly.
  • In “Color Our World”, guests can play with fun color shadows while they wait to receive a magic paint brush, which they can use in the studio to bring the world around them to life with their personal color choices.

Colortopia by Glidden Paint Mobile App

Colortopia 2The Colortopia experience extends beyond the exhibit with the Colortopia mobile app and website, allowing guests to bring a world of colorful fun into their own homes. The palette of options include:

  • In-Park Mobile Interaction – guests can play an interactive color-matching game that responds to the illuminated walls of the pavilion itself, or they can save the colorful murals created in “Color Our World” to continue the fun at home.
  • World Showcase Color Palette – The Colortopia app unlocks Glidden paint color palettes as guests travel around the World Showcase at Epcot. By collecting and saving the unique Glidden paint palettes inspired by each country within the World Showcase, guests can bring home color inspiration from their vacation for use in their own homes.
  • Bring a World of Color Home – The app enables users to photograph and digitally paint their own home spaces and décor using unique Glidden paint color palettes inspired by each country within World Showcase at Epcot as well as 96 other Glidden colors.
  • Grab Color Inspiration From a Photo – With just a click, the app can match colors from photos from users’ mobile device camera or photo library with the closest shades from the Glidden Users can also colorize their personal photos with a range of vivid palettes.

If you won’t be visiting Epcot for a while, you can check out a sneak peek of the new exhibit by watching this video!

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:

Do you enjoy Innoventions?
Are you excited to try Colortopia? Please leave a comment!