Tag Archives: Disney World

Nov 20 2015

Creative Countdown’s Countdown To Disney Giveaway

Creative Countdown 1

Savor the Suspense!

Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing Creative Countdown’s Countdown To Disney. If you aren’t familiar with this product, this fabulous countdown allows you to “Savor the Suspense” as you tear off a page each day getting just a little bit closer to that wonderful Disney magic!

Review

Creative CountdownCreative Countdown is the incredible company launched in 2012 by two entrepreneurial moms – Amy Gamber and Joanie Hickey. Their company gives people a fun and unique way to countdown to some of the most memorable moments of their lives such as a graduation, a wedding, the birth of a child, or a magical Walt Disney World vacation.

Through their website, Creative Countdown allows customers the ability to customize one of their many countdown designs with daily personalized messages. For my review, I was able to go on to the Creative Countdown site and customize one of the countdowns for my Summer 2016 Walt Disney World Family Vacation. I added messages to remind my family to book advanced dining reservations, to create our touring plans, to book Fastpass+ reservations, to customize our MagicBands, to check in online, and more. For a planner like myself, Creative Countdown is a dream come true!

When my personalized Countdown To Disney arrived, it was even better that I had hoped. The quality in both the printing and the binding is outstanding. My family and I will love having this daily reminder of how close we are getting to our magical Walt Disney World vacation!

Here’s all of the important information that you’ll need to get yourself a Creative Countdown:

  • Creative Countdowns are available for purchase on CreativeCountdown.com.
  • They offer a variety of styles of countdowns including standard tear-off, personalized tear off, personalized flip stand, and personalized email.
  • The standard tear-off 60 day Countdown To Disney is $9.95.
  • The personalized tear-off countdown starts at $19.95 for 30 pages and additional pages can be added for $0.25 each.
  • The personalized tear-off countdowns can hold up to 400 pages.
  • There are 29 different designs available including options for holidays, weddings, births, graduations, vacations, and more.
  • If you need help personalizing your countdown, they have hundreds of quick-fill entries available that you can use and edit.
  • Creative Countdowns are a wonderful gift idea for friends and family!

The Giveaway

Interested in getting a Creative Countdown of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Thursday, December 3 , 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a Countdown To Disney. Just click the image below 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!

Click image to enter!

Can’t wait and need a Creative Countdown right away?
Please click this link to purchase one today!

Nov 19 2015

More Details About New Star Wars Experiences In Hollywood Studios

Star Wars Weekends

Great news, Star Wars fans! Disney has just released more details about all of the new Star Wars-inspired entertainment that is coming our way in December at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, plus a glimpse into some of the new elements that will be debuting in January 2016. We may be losing Star Wars Weekends, but there are a lot of exciting things on the horizon. Here’s the scoop courtesy of Disney:

The Force is growing stronger at Walt Disney World Resort with the addition of new Star Wars-inspired entertainment arriving in December at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars Jedi Training AcademyThe Star Wars themed entertainment will include new experiences as well as reimagined elements of popular Star Wars attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, starting December 1 – just ahead of the December 18 movie premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. These new experiences involve the creation of Star Wars Launch Bay, a central locale for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars; Star Wars: Path of the Jedi, a cinematic overview of the Star Wars saga; and cool, new enhancements for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.

Additional Star Wars elements enter the galaxy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting January 5, 2016, such as First Order stormtroopers patrolling the park, Star Wars-inspired food and beverage offerings, plus a fireworks show called the “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular.’’

These new experiences celebrate the Star Wars saga at Walt Disney World Resort like never before, allowing guests, as well as Star Wars fans, the opportunity to transport themselves every day to a galaxy far, far away:

Star Wars Launch BayStar Wars Launch Bay

Located in Animation Courtyard, Star Wars Launch Bay will be a primary location within the park for fans to celebrate all things Star Wars. In this multi-sensory space with an outdoor queue area lined with special concept artwork, guests can interact with beloved Star Wars characters, tour galleries featuring treasured memorabilia and replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, including ones from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and play the latest Star Wars interactive video games, plus have access to special Star Wars merchandise.

  • Special Character Encounters: After entering a themed atrium complete with replicas of Star Wars props, guests can journey to the dark side and encounter Star Wars characters such as Darth Vader in a 360-degree immersive area themed around the Star Destroyer, or they may choose the light side by stepping into a makeshift Rebel base and coming face to face with Star Wars characters such as the most famous co-pilot in the galaxy, Chewbacca.
  • Launch Bay Theater – Guests hear directly from the creative minds behind the Star Wars saga in a short video that includes exclusive interviews with the directors, writers, producers and other key movie crew members who bring the saga to life.
  • The Cantina – This setting, inspired by the unsavory “hives of scum and villainy” in the Star Wars galaxy, is a fun place to explore and take photos near elements of the cantina, such as a holochess table. Holochess is a game seen in Star Wars
  • Star Wars Game Center – Guests can play current and upcoming video games, including new Disney Infinity 3.0 content created exclusively for this location.
  • Themed Galleries – Special immersive galleries will be located throughout Star Wars Launch Bay.
    • Celebration Gallery will feature iconic ships from throughout the Star Wars saga, such as memorable ones of the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial Navy fleet.
    • Celebration Hallway will display large-scale replicas of Star Wars props amid scenic murals.
    • Preview Gallery will offer guests exclusive looks at replicas of props, artifacts and memorabilia from the latest movie in the saga, starting with Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Among the items that will be on display are costumes, ship models, droids and artwork.
  • Launch Bay Cargo – A unique shopping area where guests may bring home a variety of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork and collector’s items.

Star Tours 1Star Wars: Path of The Jedi

Guests looking to relive the stories from the Star Wars saga or be introduced to the iconic characters, including ones from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, can watch an abridged, cinematic reel celebrating the Star Wars saga (episodes I-VII) in a theater setting near Echo Lake.

Star Tours Force AwakensStar Tours – The Adventures Continue

Fans of this popular attraction will experience journeys involving new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Based on the Star Wars films, Star Tours takes guests to multiple Star Wars destinations where they interact with characters from throughout the saga. With an eye-popping digital presentation leveraging Dolby 3D to deliver a vivid and realistic experience, a dramatic musical score and motion simulator-based technology, guests are immersed in the Star Wars galaxy like never before on a theme park attraction.

Star Wars WeekendsJedi Training: Trials of the Temple

This popular entertainment offering is being reimagined with new characters and a new villain to battle from Star Wars Rebels. Younglings will be guided to the site of a secret and ancient Jedi temple where they will face villains such as Darth Vader and the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from the popular Disney X D series Star Wars Rebels, and discover if they have the makings of a true Jedi.

Star Wars WeekendStormtrooper Patrols

As guests enjoy the sights and attractions of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they may come face to face with First Order Stormtroopers who will patrol various areas of the park, interacting with guests during their mission to find members of the Resistance.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Panel At San Diego Comic Con - Comic-Con International 2015“Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular’’

Starting January 5, 2016, guests will be treated to a spectacular finish to their visit to the park involving a dazzling Star Wars-themed fireworks show set to memorable Star Wars music from throughout the saga.

Darth Vader CupcakeGalactic Food

Guests can experience Star Wars through their palates. Various novelty items and specialty foods inspired by a galaxy far, far away, such as Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream cupcake and a Han Solo Souvenir Kid’s Meal served in a Han Solo-themed bucket, will be available at various locations inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will soon be able to purchase admission to a dessert party during the fireworks show featuring themed desserts, specialty drinks and a souvenir Chewbacca stein.

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 love Star Wars? What new addition are you most excited about?
Please leave a comment!

Nov 18 2015

Adorable Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Souvenirs

Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The beautiful decorations are up, tasty treats are for sale, and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is now being celebrated on select nights at Magic Kingdom. With all of the fun holiday festivities underway, you know what that means; Christmas themed merchandise is now available! Check out some of the adorable Disney World Christmas souvenirs that you can purchase during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Most of the items are limited edition and are only available while supplies last. There are t-shirts for children and adults, a special MagicBand, a holiday ornament, several pins, and a customizable case for select mobile phones.

The best places to find these items during the party are:

  • Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. (shirts, MagicBand, ornament)
  • Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland (pins)
  • Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square (shirts)
  • Mickey’s Star Traders in Tomorrowland (shirts)
  • Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. in Tomorrowland (mobile phone case)

More About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Each party begins with “A Frozen Holiday Wish” featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf in which Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a sparkling palace of icicles. During the evening guests can enjoy meeting Santa in Town Square, holiday concerts at the Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, Club Tinsel with Phineas and Ferb, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, holiday character greetings, Mickey’s “Once Upon A Christmastime Parade”, and the incredibly magical snow on Main Street, U.S.A. And to wrap up your perfect evening, be sure to see “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” light up the sky above Cinderella Castle with spectacular fireworks and cherished music.

Dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:

  • November 19; December 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • November 20, 29; December 4, 11, 17 – $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • December 18 – $82 (plus tax) for adults; $77 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)

The party is held select nights at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

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:

Will you be attending the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
Which souvenir are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

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!

Nov 16 2015

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

Every year Magic Kingdom celebrates the Christmas season with the festive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights in November and December.  Each one begins with “A Frozen Holiday Wish” featuring Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf in which Elsa transforms Cinderella Castle into a sparkling palace of icicles. During the evening guests can enjoy meeting Santa in Town Square, holiday concerts at the Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland, Club Tinsel with Phineas and Ferb, complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, holiday character greetings, Mickey’s “Once Upon A Christmastime Parade”, and the beautiful snow on Main Street, U.S.A. And to wrap up your perfect evening, be sure to see “Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season” light up the sky above Cinderella Castle with spectacular fireworks and cherished music. Of course, it wouldn’t be a party without some delicious Disney desserts. Here’s a peek at some of the delicious treats being served up exclusively at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year courtesy of Disney:

Holiday Bear Cupcake
vanilla cake with peanut butter chips and chocolate frosting
$5.19 at Main Street Bakery

Peppermint Cupcake
buttercream frosting and peppermint sprinkles
$5.19 at Main Street Bakery

Peppermint Fudge Sundae
 vanilla and mint ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and peppermint sprinkles
$5.39 at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

Pumpkin Spice Waffle
topped with hand scooped ice cream and holiday sprinkles
$6.79 at Sleepy Hollow

Holiday Tree Cupcake
spiced cake topped with buttercream frosting, sprinkles, and star
$5.19 at Gaston’s Tavern

Still need tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Here’s all of the info:

  • November 17, 19; December 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • November 20, 29; December 4, 11, 17 – $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
  • December 18 – $82 (plus tax) for adults; $77 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)

The party is held select nights at Magic Kingdom from 7pm to 12am. You’ll want to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you plan to attend, because they do sell out. Please click here to purchase now!

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:

Are you going to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?
What treat are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!