Tag Archives: Walt Disney World

Sep 29 2015

Movin’ With Mickey Update 4

Movin With Mickey

July was the official start of the Movin’ with Mickey Movement. In case you missed it, let me refresh your memory. My friend Katie over at The Most Delightful Place recently kicked off her new feature Movin’ with Mickey! She’s going to be sharing lots of great health tips and success stories twice a month as she works towards her personal goal of walking the amount of steps equal to the distance from her home in Iowa to Walt Disney World. Of course, she’ll be updating us on her progress along the way. I loved her idea and decided I would join in to improve my health before my fall Disney World vacation.

The Plan

Most Delightful PlaceI have many things to work on to improve my health. As Katie walks her way to Disney World, I’m going to make healthy changes too, and I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing.

Every two weeks, Katie will be doing a post over on The Most Delightful Place giving us an update and sharing helpful information. I’ll post a link here at Disney World Enthusiast each time she publishes a Movin’ with Mickey article so we can keep up with her progress.

In between posts, you can catch up with Katie and I over on Facebook at Disney World Enthusiast or The Most Delightful Place, where you can let us know how you’re doing on journey as well.

Update 4

I’ve been super busy finishing up my fourth book that will be coming out this holiday season, so am I making any progress on my health goals? Well….let’s take a look at each of my changes individually.

Get at least 6 hours of sleep each night.

I am still doing great on this change. Each night I’ve been sleeping from about 10pm to 5am. It is becoming such a habit now, I’m almost ready to take this goal off the list!

Eat three meals each day.

So this change is definitely still a work in progress. During my last update, I shared that I was having sandwiches for breakfast, because I’m not a big “breakfast food” fan. Well, guess what? I got super burnt out on them, and started getting back into my habit of skipping the meal entirely. Any ideas of something quick and easy to eat in the mornings?

Eat at least one fruit/vegetable at every meal.

Since I’m no longer eating sandwiches, there went the veggies that I was getting. Lots more work to do here!

Take all of my medications each day.

Still doing great on taking my vitamins and kidney stone medications. Another goal that I will soon be removing from the list!

Drink eight glasses of water each day.

I haven’t even tried this one yet. It’s going to be tough. At least I have plenty to work on!

Reduce soda intake to once a week or less.

I’m still working on this change; that’s for sure! I’ve managed to work my way from four sodas a day down to two, but I still have a long way to go until I’m at my goal of one a week.

Exercise at least 30 minutes per day at least 5 days per week.

No progress here yet, but I’m really short on time trying to complete my book before my fall Disney World vacation. I hope to get started on the exercise on November 1.

As you can see, I still have a lot of work to do. But this about the journey not the destination, right?

Katie’s Updates

Click here to read Katie’s first update that includes a great interview and some fantastic training tips!

Click here to read Katie’s second update that includes her progress report. It is so exciting to see how far she has come already!

Click here to read Katie’s third update that includes some great tips for staying on track while cruising. That lucky girl is getting ready to set sail on a Disney Cruise to Hawaii!

Click here to read Katie’s fourth update that includes lots of interesting information about essential oils!

Do you hope to improve your health before your next Disney World vacation? Are you ready to join the Movin’ with Mickey Movement? Please leave a comment and let us know what you’ll be working on.
We would love to share this journey with you!

Sep 28 2015

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Now Open

Jock Lindsay's 6

Great news, everyone! The new aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, has opened at Downtown Disney. Here are all of the exciting details just released courtesy of Disney:

Jock Lindsay's 7With an imaginative, playful design that tells the story of a man who loved the adventure of flight, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is open along the waterfront at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

The cozy lounge with spacious outdoor seating features light bites and drinks inspired by Jock’s globe-trotting, including a stint as the pilot for Indiana Jones in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

“Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar fits into the storytelling of Disney Springs – a town that grew up over time,” says Theron Skees of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Jock Lindsay's 9The space is layered with all of the adventures that Jock went on his career, says Skees. “It’s all about Jock’s love of flying and his collection over the years.”

The inspired atmosphere is in the details, from spare airplane parts to nostalgic postcards and antique maps tacked to the walls.

Walt Disney Imagineers weave a tale of Jock’s high-flying life, with the pilot making his home at Disney Springs in the 1940s after discovering the charming little town while flying over the Sunshine State in 1938 search of the elusive Fountain of Youth.

One of the architectural focal points of the lounge is the lamella ceiling, a specific type of timber construction that was popular in airplane hangars in the 1940s. The open framework creates a lightness in the cozy room. Fanciful details include an antique dive bell, from Jock’s adventures at sea, now with a curved bench for private seating.

Jock Lindsay's 10And the expansive waterfront bar is a nod to his travels around the world, with photos of Jock and his pals tasting exotic fare. But the real architectural showstopper is Reggie, Jock’s canvas-covered steamboat, named for his pet snake. Now in dry dock, it stretches out into the water, a spectacular spot for light bites and sunset-watching

Though Jock may be gone, his tales live on at this exotic watering hole.  And that’s what gives the place its charm – and a creative menu of adventurous tastes.

Jock Lindsay's 1Each of the small plates on the opening menu has a delicious twist. Dr. Elsa’s She-Deviled Eggs are brined in beet juice with lump crab filling. “Good” Dates features goat cheese-stuffed dates with Marcona almonds and pickled veggies. Snack of Ra gives a taste of Africa with salads and dips served with injera (bread) and naan crisps. Tanis Tacos are filled with falafel, shredded lettuce and cucumber-tomato salad. The pretzels come with house-made mustard and beer-cheese fondue.

Jock Lindsay's 4A little more substantial are the Rolling Boulder Sliders with three spice meatballs on mini-buns with yogurt sauce.  Or Brody Brats, grilled bratwurst with mustard and pickled cabbage. The Hangar’s take on chicken wings features spicy Asian wings (called “Lao Che’s Revenge”). And “Squid! Why’d It Have to Be Squid” is fried calamari flatbread with spicy harissa.

Along with beer and wine, mixologists are having fun with cocktails, such as the Cool-Headed Monkey, The Scottish Professor, Reggie’s Revenge and Anything Goes, all crafted with spirits from around the globe.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (no reservations).

Located between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant at Downtown Disney, the new lounge is part of the largest expansion in Downtown Disney history, which will transform the area into Disney Springs, a lively shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Guests at Disney Springs will have a unique Disney experience amid beautiful open-air promenades, flowing springs and waterfront charm.

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 an Indiana Jones Fan?
Are you excited to try Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? Please leave a comment!

Sep 26 2015

Behind The Magic Podcast Recap September 21 – September 25, 2015

Icon S3

Welcome to Season 3 of Behind The Magic Podcast!

This “snack credit” of podcasts is a unique 15-minute daily Disney podcast hosted by Zeek, Rachel, Tim, Sarah, Richard, and me. Every day Monday through Friday you can join us for entertaining Disney information, discussions, guests, games, and more. Zeek and Rachel will be surprising you each and every day with all of their fabulous humor and Disney insider knowledge. And of course, Tim will keep you up-to-date on Disney news with his daily “Mouse News Minute” segment.

Here’s a quick peek at what you can expect each day during Season 3:

  • Monday ~ Magical Mondays with fun and games featuring Zeek’s “DisKids Reactions” segment!
  • Tuesday ~ Topical Tuesdays with Top Ten lists and discussions featuring Richard’s “2 Cents To The Scoop” segment!
  • 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 featuring my “Mouse Whispers” segment!
  • Friday ~ Field Trip Fridays with information and discussions helpful to your park visit featuring Sarah’s “2 Minute Table Service” segment!

This Week’s Episodes

This week’s episodes include:

  • Monday ~ Tournament of Podcasts
  • Tuesday ~ Behind Food & Wine
  • Wednesday ~ Behind WDW Parkhopper
  • Thursday ~ Behind Mission: SPACE
  • Friday ~ Behind Your Stay What To Do At Your Resort

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

This Week’s Mouse Whispers

In my Thursday, September 24 “Mouse Whispers”, I shared the latest Disney gossip and rumors about some lost character meet and greets! Check out Thursday’s full episode here!

We hope you enjoy our show!

Sep 25 2015

Remember Magic YOUR Band Red Polka Dot MagicBand Skins Giveaway

Red Polka Dot MagicBand Skins

A must-have Disney World vacation accessory!

Remember To Enter Daily To Win

Remember to enter daily to win a set of four “Red Polka Dot” MagicBand Skins!

The Review

A few months ago, I arranged with Tracy at Magic YOUR Band to review their MagicBand Skins. If you aren’t familiar with this product, these adorable decals attach directly to your Disney World MagicBand creating your own personalized look.

Magic YOUR BandTracy asked me to pick out a MagicBand Skin that I liked as well as try out their online design tool for this review. My youngest son was excited to test the product with me so he choose the two piece “Slice of Pizza” design to go on his orange MagicBand. I decided to try putting my DisneyWorldEnthusiast.com logo on a skin for my red MagicBand. I was amazed at how easy Magic YOUR Band’s editing system worked. In a matter of minutes, I had a background selected and my logo in place and looking great! Then my son and I eagerly waited for our MagicBand Skins to arrive. Just as promised, they arrived in about a week.

We opened our delivery to find our MagicBand Skins nicely packaged and looking gorgeous! The first thing that struck me was how bright and vibrant the colors appeared. Upon further inspection, the MagicBand Skins looked perfectly cut and well made. Next up was getting them on our MagicBands.

The process was much easier than I thought it would be. I spent a few minutes watching the installation video on their site and then gave it a try. I found the skins to be very forgiving and I was able to lift them and adjust them until they were just right. Once I had the MagicBand Skins where I wanted, I went back over them pressing down firmly to make sure they were in place. It only took a couple of minutes until our MagicBands were looking quite magical!

I continued to wear my MagicBand with the Magic YOUR Band Skin throughout the day. It held up beautifully to a day filled with errands, cleaning, cooking, laundry, rain, and the movies. My son and I can’t wait to wear our new favorite Disney vacation accessory on our upcoming trip!

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

  • MagicBand Skins are available for purchase on MagicYOURBand.com.
  • They range in price from $6 to $8 each.
  • They offer special pricing when you purchase multiple MagicBand Skins in one order. Buy two to five and save 15%. Buy six to nine and save 25%. Buy ten or more and save 33%.
  • They come in one piece (that covers the center MagicBand Mickey) or two piece (that shows the center MagicBand Mickey) styles.
  • Halloween MagicYOURBandThey have over 100 ready-made designs available including adorable holiday varieties!
  • You also have the options of personalizing one of their designs or creating your own with their easy-to-use online editing tool.
  • MagicBand Skins are fully waterproof. They hold up in the shower, pool, and a Florida rain storm!
  • The MagicBand Skins are easy to apply and remove if you want to change-up your look. They even have a handy video to show you how!
  • The Skins have no effect on how the MagicBand works. Your band will still be fully functional.
  • Magic YOUR Band is located in the United Kingdom and offers free international shipping on all orders.
  • The average delivery time is 7 days from the date of postage. You can upgrade to 2 business day FedEx International Priority Shipping for an additional fee.

The Giveaway

Interested in getting a MagicBand Skin of your own? Well, you’re in luck! From now through Friday, October 2, 2015 at midnight, please enter daily to win a set of four “Red Polka Dot” MagicBand Skins. 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!

Red Polka Dot MagicBand Skins

Click image to enter!

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

Sep 24 2015

Frightening Facts About The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror

Tower of Terror 4

Can you believe that Halloween is next month? Disney World is already celebrating the spooky season with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on select nights through November 1. In honor of creepy things, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some “frightening” facts about one of Disney’s most scariest attractions – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Read on, if you dare..

  • Walt Disney Imagineers viewed 156 episodes of “The Twilight Zone” for inspiration when creating The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
  • The ride vehicle is an elevator car.
  • The storyline of the attraction sets the date as Halloween night – October 31, 1939.
  • Tower of Terror 3The architecture of the tower was inspired by multiple Southern California landmarks, such as the Biltmore Hotel and the Mission Inn.
  • The building features 27,000 roof tiles.
  • The outdoor queue area features the songs “Inside” by Fats Waller and “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington.
  • The grounds of the Hollywood Tower Hotel were inspired by the look of California’s Griffith Park and Elysian Park.
  • The lobby of the Hollywood Tower Hotel was outfitted with antiques and furniture purchased at Los Angeles-area auction houses.
  • Some of the sculptures featured in the lobby are the work of 19th century sculptor Auguste Moreau.
  • Tower of Terror 2A copy of “Four Pages of Hilarious Star Caricatures by Walt Disney” is featured in Photoplay Magazine on the lobby’s concierge desk.
  • The Library room features a hidden nod to Mickey Mouse in the sheet music, which is for the song “What! No Mickey Mouse?”
  • The clip of film in which Rod Serling introduces the attraction was taken from a “Twilight Zone” episode called “It’s a Good Life.”
  • While actor Rod Serling appears in the film in the Library room, the voice you hear is actually voice actor Mark Silverman.
  • The young girl who disappears in the elevator carries a Mickey Mouse doll.
  • Tower of Terror 1The attraction’s “Fifth Dimension” scene was inspired in part by the “Little Girl Lost” episode of “The Twilight Zone.”
  • The attraction offers a 13-story drop.
  • The drop sequence for each elevator car is selected at random by the attraction’s computer system.
  • Measuring 199 feet tall, Tower of Terror is one of the tallest attractions at Walt Disney World Resort.
  • There is a Disney ghost story that has been passed around for years that the Tower of Terror is haunted by a former “Bell Hop” (cast member) that died during his shift on one of the loading platforms. The story goes that this “Bell Hop” ghost is known to appear on Platform D, flicker lights and freeze the attraction when cast members are trying to do their final ride through at the end of the day. True or not, it sure is spooky!

Heading to Disney World soon?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids
If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out my new books to help you save time and money!

Check out Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids and Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and Couples for secret insider tips and tricks that you won’t find anywhere else!

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Solo Travelers and CouplesDiscover how to:

  • save hundreds of dollars on your trip
  • pack including essentials to make your trip more enjoyable
  • score difficult-to-get dining reservations
  • master the complex Genie+ system to beat the lines

With practical advice and secret hacks on saving money, packing, dining, transportation, accommodations, and more, these books are must-haves for anyone planning a trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth!

Do you love The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?
Are you a fan of the show? Please leave a comment!