Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1167

November 15, 2014

SATURDAY SIX: Six Reasons We Love Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This week’s SATURDAY SIX takes a look at Six Reasons We Love Disney’s Contemporary Resort. After examining some of the value resorts on Disney property, including Pop Century and Art of Animation, it’s time to head straight to the top of the WDW resort food chain and see the benefits a deluxe resort brings to the table. First stop, The Contemporary. As a long time Disney fan, I have wanted to stay at The Contemporary since I was a little kid, but my parents always booked hotels off-site to save money. As an adult planning my own trips, I would often price out a stay at The Contemporary, only to end up choosing a cheaper alternative myself. I’m not a big fan of the cliche you only live once, but if there is one thing I have learned in life, it’s that the biggest regrets are not doing things when you have the chance, because those opportunities may not be around forever. So whether it was philosophical reasons, or the fact that I felt the awesome Contemporary Resort Monorail Toy Accessory was taunting me, I decided to fulfill a near lifelong dream and book a stay at The Contemporary this year.

Now that it is crossed of the bucket list I can report back that…. I loved it. The stay confirmed several things I thought The Contemporary would be like, and opened my eyes to amenities I did not know much about before. Today we are going to countdown six takeaways from my experience, starting with…

# 6 – A Million Dollar View

View from Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

The views from The Contemporary A-Frame building are spectacular. One side faces Bay Lake, the other faces the Magic Kingdom. Waking up in the morning we could see Disney’s Polynesian Resort Village, the Grand Floridian, the monorail passing by, ferry boats in the lake, the Walt Disney World Railroad, and not to mention the Magic Kingdom itself, with icons such as Cinderella’s Castle and Space Mountain. I’ve stayed at on-site hotels at various theme park resorts, and hotels across the United States including Las Vegas, Boston, San Diego, Times Square, and Hawaii, but this was the most amazing view I have ever had. I was able to enjoy fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant, two of my favorite things at WDW, from the room. I was speechless. I knew it would be good. I didn’t know it would be this good.

Photo taken from on the bed in a room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Electrical Water Pageant as seen from Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

# 5 – A Short Walk to the Magic Kingdom

Those who have read the SATURDAY SIX for a while know how much I love the on-site hotels at Universal, especially the Royal Pacific Resort. One of my favorite things about them is how convenient they are when it comes to traveling to the theme parks. I could be in my room at the RPR, and be at the front gate of Islands of Adventure in less than 10 minutes. The biggest surprise of my stay at The Contemporary was that I could walk to the Magic Kingdom in the same amount of time. Even better, I could walk back to the hotel. By far the most frustrating part of going to the Magic Kingdom – for me – is leaving at the end of the night and facing long lines at the monorail or ferry dock. At The Contemporary, I just walked back to the room. I’m not even sure I walked because I was so happy, I think I may have skipped back to the room. Now, there is no theming like the lush walkways at Universal, and there is also an intersection with a red light, but I timed the walk several times and, even waiting for the walk signal at the intersection, it never took longer than 12 minutes.

Walkway from Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the Magic Kingdom.

Walkway from Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

# 4 – Chef Mickey’s

My family and I did several character meals during our stay, including breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table, but our favorite overall was Chef Mickey’s, located inside The Contemporary. The menu is not winning any Michelin stars, but what you are paying for is access to the characters and here you get the Fab Five of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Pluto. What stood out for us was the quality of time we got with the characters, as several of the other character meals we had felt rushed. We also loved the chef outfits they were dressed in. Brian McNichols, my co-host of the Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast, wrote a review of Chef Mickey’s with a similar experience. Another review worth reading is from Tom Bricker, of the Disney Tourist Blog.

Chef Mickey’s,

Chef Mickey’s, before the madness.

A long time iconic figure of Disney, beloved by men, women, and children across the world. Also pictured, Donald Duck.

# 3 – Mary Blair Artwork

What can I say, I’m a sucker for Mary Blair artwork and her minimalist designs. One of the signature features of The Contemporary is the gigantic 90 foot mural featuring Blair’s artwork in the Grand Canyon Concourse. I found myself looking at the mural from the ground, and then going up to several floors to get a different view. It’s absolutely stunning. I love Mary Blair’s art style, I love her use of color, and I love that this mural is made out of tiles making a larger than life mosaic. To me, this is Disney magic, something you are not going to find anywhere else.

Mary Blair artwork in Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

Mary Blair’s 5 legged goat.

# 2 – The Wave/California Grill

The Contemporary has not one, but two restaurants worth going out of your way to eat at. The first restaurant, The Wave…of American Flavors, has one of the most visually unique lounges WDW, and offers a menu based around organic and sustainable food. I came away very impressed, to the point where The Wave is going to become my new go-to place for a quick lunch and drinks when I spend a day at the Magic Kingdom. The second restaurant, California Grill, is one of the signature dining experiences on property. One of my favorite restaurants at WDW is ‘Ohana, and I love that when the Magic Kingdom has a nighttime fireworks show, the lights in the restaurant will dim and guests have an opportunity to see the Magic Kingdom. One of the things I discovered at California Grill is that they have an even better view. Overall one of the most beautiful restaurants I have eaten in, a good menu, and tremendous service.

The Wave.

California Grill.

# 1 – There’s a Monorail Going THROUGH the Building!

Staying at The Contemporary I saw the monorail coming through the building at least 50 times. Maybe 150. It may have even been 500 times as I lost count, but here’s the thing: it never got old. In fact, with almost child-like wonder, I was drawn to looking at the monorail each and every time it passed by. For all its faults, I consider the Disney monorail system to be one of the most special things on property. I think it separates Disney from every other theme park, and is just as cool and unique today as it was 40 years ago. When I was a kid coming to Disney World, we would take the monorail from the TTC and, when passing through The Contemporary, I would always say, “Wouldn’t it be great to stay here?”

Well, now I can say I finally did stay “here” and it was great.

“I’ve sold monorails to Brockway, Ogdenville, and North Haverbrook, and, by gum, it put them on the map!” – Lyle Lanley

HONORABLE MENTION: The Contemporary Signature Monorail Dessert

I love outrageous snacks, and one of the most unique foods I have seen on Disney property is The Contemporary Signature Chocolate Monorail, available exclusively at the hotel. Disney’s description in the room service menu: One of our Disney icons done in white chocolate served with gourmet truffles ($45.00). This was absolutely amazing and The Contemporary Resort logo on the plate was also done in chocolate.

Remember, calories don’t count on vacation!

DOUBLE SECRET HONORABLE MENTION: Largest Bank of Pressed Penny Machines on Property

As a fan of pressed coins, seeing this bank of machines at The Contemporary saw my heart grow three sizes. I expect by the time you read this article, each and every one of these machines will be selling only Frozen related designs.

Pressed coin machines at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

So there you have it: Six Reasons We Love Disney’s Contemporary Resort. We’ll see you next weekend for the latest edition of the SATURDAY SIX, where we are going to get head back over to the Universal Orlando Resort. If you had fun, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out the Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast.

Special thanks to crack staff photographer Brandon Glover for his invaluable assistance with this article. Despite wearing a NY Yankees cap, I promise deep down he’s a good guy.

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Published on November 15, 2014 04:00

November 14, 2014

In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of November 14, 2014

By Rikki Niblett

Details About the Candlelight Processional and Holidays Around the World at Epcot

By Rikki Niblett

©Disney

While the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have already started celebrating the holiday season with their special events, we are just two weeks away from the holiday festivities beginning at Epcot. Each year, Epcot celebrates in its own unique way, showing the global reach of Christmas (and other related holidays).

The premiere portion of Epcot’s celebrations is the Candlelight Processional. This incredibly beautiful performance includes a mass choir, a 50-piece orchestra, and a celebrity narrator who all combine in a gorgeous manner to share the story of Christmas. This year’s celebrity narrators include some favorites (Neil Patrick Harris…some day I will see you perform this) and some newbies (like Jonathan Groff, the voice of Kristoff from Frozen). Here is the full list of celebrity narrators:

November 28 – 29: Jodi Benson
November 30 – December 2: Neil Patrick Harris
December 3 – 4: Jonathan Groff (NEW!)
December 5 – 6: Whoopi Goldberg
December 7 – 9: Levar Burton
December 10 – 11: Edward James Olmos
December 12 – 14: Joe Morton
December 15 – 17: Chita Rivera
December 18 – 20: Ana Gasteyer (NEW!)
December 21 – 23: Marlee Matlin
December 24 – 25: Isabella Rossellini
December 26 – 27: Blair Underwood
December 28 – 30: Steven Curtis Chapman

The Candlelight Processional takes place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. (with the exception of December 7, when showtimes will be 6:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. only).

The other big part of Epcot’s holiday festivities are the Holidays Around the World. This is where guests can learn how other countries and cultures celebrate the season. This is really what the Epcot spirit is about.

The major part of Holidays Around the World feature special performers who come out and showcase each country’s traditions through things like song and storytelling. This year there will be three new experiences, one in Mexico, one in Morocco, and one in China.

In Mexico, guests will be able to experience “Fiesta de Navidad,” which will feature dancers and mariachis celebrating the holiday customs of the country. In Morocco, a new storyteller will share holiday traditions and festivals. Finally, in China, we’ll see the Chinese Lion Dance, which will take place to honor the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival.

The other countries will feature returning favorites such as the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs sharing a musical tour through the customs of Canada; in France meet Père Noël; in Germany, hear from Helga who tells the story of the first Christmas tree and the tale of her first Nutcracker; in Italy, meet the witch La Befana who arrives on the eve of the Epiphany granting gifts to good children; in Japan, they share stories about the Daruma doll and customs of the New Year; Norway has guests learn about the Christmas Gnome from Sigrid; in the United Kingdom, guests can meet Father Christmas; and at the American Adventure Pavilion, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus (they are only available until December 24), learn about Kwanzaa and Hanukah, and enjoy the melodies of the Voices of Liberty Dickens Carolers.

For guests looking to try a little international flair, there’s the option to stop in each country and delight in different dishes and beverages from around the world with the Tastes Around The Globe. Special holiday dishes include:

World Showcase Promenade: turkey waffle (a sweet potato waffle with roast turkey and green bean casserole)
Canada Pavilion: pecan-maple bark
United Kingdom Pavilion: hot applejack cider with whiskey and a blend of seasonal spices
France Pavilion: bûche de noël au chocolate (chocolate cake shaped like a log) from Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie and gingerbread ice cream from L’Artisan des Glaces.
Morocco Pavilion: honey walnut baklava from the Morocco Juice Bar
Japan Pavilion: teriyaki chicken karaage, (crispy fried chicken bites with teriyaki sauce) at Kabuki Cafe
American Adventure Pavilion: gingerbread men, chocolate chunk cookies and sugar cookies, hot chocolate, hot apple cider and peppermint bark at the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery
Italy Pavilion: panettone, the sweet bread loaf, moscato wine, and ciocolata calda (hot chocolate)
Germany Pavilion: stollen fruit cake and sip glühwein (hot spiced wine)
China Pavilion: kaikouxiao (happy face fried cake) from The Joy of Tea kiosk
Norway Pavilion: rice cream from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
Mexico Pavilion: sweet tamales at La Catina de San Angel

Also returning to Epcot this year will be the group “Joyful! – A Gospel Celebration of the Season” which is a mix of gospel, R&B, urban, and jazz music. “Joyful!” will be performing on the Fountain Stage in Future World.

Finally, to round out the evening is a special version of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. During the holiday season, don’t miss the Holiday tag featuring the song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

The holidays are a delight at Epcot and there is so much to see and do. But make sure you hurry, because you’ll only have from November 28 – December 30 to see it all!

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Published on November 14, 2014 11:08

November 13, 2014

Fresh Details About the 2015 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

By Rikki Niblett

©Disney

While winter is still on the horizon and most of the country is currently going through some extremely cold weather, so many of us are already dreaming of spring and warmer weather! With spring comes the 22nd annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. The 2015 Festival runs from March 4 through May 17, and we already know some early details about the event. There are a lot of new things on tap, as well as fantastic things that are returning once again.

For the first time (in forever), Anna and Elsa appear in topiary form at the World Showcase Plaza. In addition, the front entrance plaza will see new scene called “Goofy About Spring” and will feature a couple of new characters – two of my favorites – Chip ‘n’ Dale!

Returning for the third year, the Outdoor Kitchens will offer many spring-inspired, tapas-sized treats. It will be very interesting to see what dishes make a return to this year’s festival. (I felt last year they had quite a few offerings that were not there the year prior.)

A big part of the event is the Flower Power Concert Series. Many artists from the 60s through the 90s will be present for the weekend concert series, including fan favorites The Village People and newbies Pablo Cruise and the Gin Blossoms.

One of the great things about this event is that there are many different gardens you’re able to come across and explore. This year will feature a brand new Southwest desert garden, as well as ten new mini-gardens with plants that are designed around different story elements. The new gardens’ themes include a health garden, (near The Land Pavilion), a pepper garden, a dinosaur-plant garden, and a Shakespeare garden (found in the UK Pavilion).

For those who would like to learn tips about gardening, make sure to visit the Festival Center, where you can partake in gardening seminars. Or you can choose to pick up fantastic festival merchandise.

The kids will get surely enjoy Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House, where they can learn about Monarch butterflies and see these beautiful creatures emerge from their cocoons. In addition, there will be a few play gardens to delight the kiddos, themed around popular Disney franchises. (Last year’s play areas were themed around Monsters University and Cars.) At night, the topiaries will be illuminated for a fantastic after-dark experience.

Finally, there will be several special weekend happenings that will include Art in the Garden Weekend (March 27-29); Florida Fresh Weekend (April 24-26); and Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. Weekend (May 8-10).

The Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is a fun and fantastic event for all ages, and is great for those who have a green thumb and, yes, even those of us with brown thumbs.

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Published on November 13, 2014 11:41

What’s On TV? Your Disney World TV Channel Line Up

By Kristi Fredericks

I just returned from another incredible Walt Disney World vacation a couple of weeks ago, and I am still suffering from the post-Disney blues! One of my family’s favorite things about a Disney vacation is being able to stay in the “Disney Bubble” from the moment we arrive until the moment we leave. An integral part of that “Disney Bubble” is only watching Disney World TV and turning on the Must Do Disney channel as soon as we arrive to listen to Stacey talk about all of the fun things we will be doing during our visit. During this vacation, my boys and I spent a little time each morning while we were getting ready and a little time each night while we were winding down watching some of the Disney World TV channels that were offered at our resort hotel, the Art of Animation. Have you ever wondered about what is on TV at Disney World or have you ever wanted to know more about our favorite Must Do Disney gal – Stacey? Please read on for the full Disney World TV channel line up as well as my interview with Must Do Disney‘s Stacey Aswad!

So sweet and calm, aren’t they?

Before I had my two boys, I’m not sure that I ever turned on the TV while I was in Disney World. Now that I have kids, I find that we actually spend some time watching TV while we are on vacation. Having them watch TV comes in especially handy when it is just the three of us traveling together. On this particular trip in October, I forgot to mention to them that they could turn on something like the Disney Classic Cartoons before I headed in to take a shower. When I went in, they were calmly reviewing Magic Kingdom maps talking about our day, and when I came out, my boys were engaged in a very serious game of Olaf ball that appeared to be a highly-competitive combination of football, WWE wrestling, and mixed martial arts. Needless to say, I made sure to set them up with something to watch the rest of the trip! Nothing was damaged, and no one was seriously injured, however one of my sons did say that he was suffering from Olaf arm after having thrown everyone’s favorite snowman across our hotel room a few too many times. If you are looking for a way to unwind, get information, or entertain your troops, Disney has you covered. Disney Resort Hotels offer over 75 channels of programming, with several of them dedicated to Disney World to help keep you in the “bubble.” Here’s the channel line up as of October 2014 (subject to change):

A handy guide on channel 3 helps to find out what’s on!

2 – Your Disney Resort

3 – TV Guide

4 – WDW Today

5 – Must Do Disney

6 – Downtown Disney

7 – Disney Vacation Club

8 – ABC

9 – NBC

10 – CBS

11 – FOX

12 – Weather Channel

13 – Disney Channel

14 – Disney Junior

Important information from around the resort on channel 4!

15 – Disney XD

16 – ABC Family

17 – Disney Classic Cartoons

18 – Radio Disney

19 – ESPN

20 – ESPN2

21 – ESPN News

22 – ESPNU

23 – ESPN Classic

24 – ESPN Spanish

25 – ESPN Wide World of Sports

26 – MLB Network

27 – NFL Network

28 – CBS Sports Network

29 – NBC Sports Network

Useful information about your resort hotel on channel 2!

30 – Golf

31 – Headline News

32 – CNN

33 – CNBC

34 – MSNBC

35 – FOX News Channel

36 – Disney Company Clips

37 – TBS

38 – TNT

39 – USA

40 – AMC

41 – Discovery

42 – National Geographic

43 – History

44 – Animal Planet

Who doesn’t love a Duffy Bear Bed Time story?

45 – Travel

46 – Destination

47 – Disney Vacation Beyond The Parks

48 – FYI

49 – The Learning Channel (TLC)

50 – Food Network

51 – Cooking Channel

52 – Home & Garden (HGTV)

53 – A&E

54 – BET

55 – Oxygen

56 – Lifetime

57 – LMN (Lifetime Movie Network)

58 – WE

59 – Bravo

Our favorite Must Do Disney on channel 5!

60 – TVLand

61 – WeatherNation

62 – SyFy

63 – CMT

64 – The CW

65 – PBS

66 – WRDQ Orlando Channel 27

67 – WHLV Christian Channel

68 – WACX Christian Channel

69 – ION

70 – WRBW Orlando Channel 65

71 – Good Life 45

72 – UMAS Spanish

73 – Must Do Disney (Spanish)

74 – Disney Vacation Club (Spanish)

75 – TV Japan

76 – Disney CoventionEARS

77 – Disney Youth Events

78 – Disney Nature TV

By far my family’s favorite Disney World TV channel to watch is Channel 5 – Must Do Disney hosted by my Twitter Pal, Stacey Aswad. This channel is perfect for first time guests trying to get some information on the best things to see and do during their vacation and a fan favorite among return guests helping to get us ready for some Disney fun. I asked Stacey if she would be kind enough to answer some questions for all of us fans out there and she very graciously obliged. “So without further ado,” here’s some interesting tidbits from Must Do Disney’s Stacey Aswad:

Photo Courtesy of Stacey J. Aswad

How did you get started doing Top 7 Must Sees/Must Do Disney?

I auditioned in Atlanta for the Top 7 Must Sees back in 2005. It was supposed to be only a one-year contract. Must Do Disney started in 2009 and I was thrilled to continue on as the host. I am so honored to still be here today and be a part of people’s magical memories. It is AWESOME!

How often do you update Must Do Disney?

There is really no set schedule for it. When there is something new for me just to talk about I will record here in Los Angeles and when I need to be in the Parks, I happily fly to Walt Disney World to shoot on-camera. Those are always my favorite and so much fun!

How long does it usually take you to film Must Do Disney?

It really depends on how much I have to do, how many Parks are involved and how the schedule is laid out. To date, I have been at Walt Disney World for as short as 36 hours, sometimes 4 days and as long as 10 days.

Do you usually film when the parks are open or closed?

We film a lot of the footage when the Parks are open but sometimes we will start and/or finish when they are closed. It is really neat to be in a Park before the sun comes up or late at night. The magic is so palpable!

Do you often get recognized for your work on Must Do Disney?

I do. Sometimes it happens when I am auditioning for other things here, but mostly in unusual situations that I would not expect like in a store or at a friend’s wedding. People are always really sweet about it, it means a lot to me that so many people watch the show and appreciate what I do.

Were there any attractions you were nervous to ride when doing the filming?

Not really. I really do love roller coasters and thrill rides so I pretty much just go for it and see what happens. While we are filming, I have so many other things to think about that the actual experience of riding the attractions is the big cherry on top for me! And, I love it when we have to shoot things multiple times!

When did you first visit Walt Disney World?

I had never been to Walt Disney World before booking the gig in 2005 so all of that was new for me the very first time. And I will say that it never gets old for as many times as I have been back there over the years. I find something new to love and appreciate every time I go.

What is your favorite Walt Disney World park?

Photo Courtesy of Stacey J. Aswad

These questions are always hard for me because I really adore different things about each Park. Today I would say Magic Kingdom Park and Animal Kingdom Park.

What is your favorite Walt Disney World food or treat?

Well, I love the homemade milk or dark chocolate peanut butter cups you get on the Boardwalk. I have still not had a Dole Whip … I know, I know. It’s on my Walt Disney World Bucket List next time I go.

What are your top 5 Must Dos in Walt Disney World?

Okay, here we go again but this is what jumps out to me today: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Expedition Everest, Space Mountain, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Once I ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, I bet that will make the list too! And of course, I always MUST have fun, appreciate every moment as it happens and drink lots of water!

Wondering what Stacey is up to when she isn’t working on everyone’s “dream job?” You can check out her website StaceyJAswad.com to find out more about her other pursuits as well as her charity work with animals.

Do you ever watch TV while in Disney World? Do you love Must Do Disney?

Please leave a comment – we would love to hear from you!

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Published on November 13, 2014 10:00

Outdoor Movies at Disney World FAQ

By Erin Foster

At the end of a long day of park touring, sometimes the only thing you have the energy for is kicking back and watching a movie. Sure you can do that in your hotel room on the TV or your trusty iPad, but it can feel a bit more vacationy to watch a movie under the stars. And wouldn’t you know, Disney has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about outdoor movie viewing at Walt Disney World.

Toy Story 3 poolside at All Star Music. (Not shown: me crying hysterically in the back row.)

Does every Disney hotel show outdoor movies?

In general, yes. There may be situations where construction or refurbishment temporarily halts the movies at that particular hotel.

There is one case where sister resorts, the Yacht & Beach Clubs, share a movie location. One resort, the Animal Kingdom Lodge, has two movie locations.

Is there a charge for the outdoor movies?

Nope, the cost is included with your resort stay.

Do I have to stay for the whole movie? Is it weird to leave in the middle?

Not at all. Since most of the movies are near the pools, guest will often pop in and out of viewing, alternating a few minutes of screen time with a few minutes of swim time.

I will often stop and watch just a few minutes of a film if I pass one while walking back to my hotel room in the evening.

Are movies shown every night?

Usually yes. Some resorts have experimented with twice-a-week movies in the off season, but for the most part you can expect that your hotel will show an outdoor movie every night, weather permitting.

Lady and the Tramp outdoors at the Contemporary

Where will the movies be shown?

Most outdoor movie locations are near the resort’s beach or pool. Here’s a full list of locations:

All Star Movies: At the Fantasia pool.
All Star Music: At the Calypso pool.
All Star Sports: At the Surfboard pool.
Animal Kingdom Lodge: Two locations, at the Jambo pool and at the Kidani pool.
Art of Animation: At the Big Blue pool.
Beach Club (and Villas): On the beach between the Yacht & Beach Clubs.
Boardwalk (and Villas): At the Community Hall pool.
Caribbean Beach: At the Banana Cabana.
Contemporary (and Bay Lake Tower): Under the sky bridge linking the main Contemporary and Bay Lake Tower buildings.
Coronado Springs: At the Dig Site pool.
Fort Wilderness: At the theater near the bike barn.
Grand Floridian (and Villas): On the Courtyard lawn.
Old Key West: At the main pool.
Polynesian: At the beach.
Pop Century: At the Hippy Dippy pool.
Port Orleans French Quarter: On the lawn between buildings 5 and 6.
Port Orleans Riverside: On the lawn near Oak Manor building 90.
Saratoga Springs: At the High Springs pool.
Wilderness Lodge (and Villas): On the beach, near the bike rental shack.
Yacht Club: On the beach between the Yacht & Beach Clubs.

The activity schedule, including movie information, will be posted at your resort.

How do I know which movie is playing?

When you check in, you’ll be given a weekly schedule of resort activities. This will include the movies being shown that week. There are also signs posted near most resort pools and in the lobby.

What time do the movies start?

This varies seasonally. The movies typically start at dusk, which could mean a 7:00pm start in the winter and a 9:00pm start during the summer. The resort schedule will tell you the exact show time for your visit. The start times are usually the same at all resorts.

Can I watch the outdoor movie at another resort?

Usually yes. Since there are no tickets needed and no charge, it’s easy to stop by the outdoor movie at any resort. For example, if you’re having dinner at a hotel, it’s perfectly fine to stop and watch the movie after your meal. One resort, Fort Wilderness, actively encourages guests to visit from other resorts. Also, the clustered hotels (the three All Stars and the two Port Orleans branches) routinely tell guests to watch movies at any of the sister resorts.

The one hotel where you may run into issues if you’re not a guest of that hotel is Art of Animation. The AoA movie is shown at the Big Blue pool area, which is gated. The gate only unlocks by using the MagicBand or Key to the World Card of a registered guest.

On rainy nights, the movies at the Wilderness Lodge are moved to the lounge in the Villas building

How do I know what movies are playing at the other hotels?

The concierge desks at all the hotels as well as all the park Guest Relations desks have access to this information. Feel free to stop by and ask. You’re also welcome to call the hotel directly.

Is the same movie shown at every resort?

No, each hotel has its own schedule.

Is the movie experience the same at every resort?

Generally yes, with one exception, Fort Wilderness.

At all other resorts, there is an inflatable screen. Cast members pull beach/pool chairs around the screen to create an ad hoc viewing area.

The Fort Wilderness movies take place in a permanent outdoor amphitheater-style setting. There are benches with backs as well as some bleacher seating. Weather permitting, there is a campfire (with supplies available for purchase) and a half-hour sing-along with live musicians and Chip & Dale in attendance. All are welcome, even if you’re staying at off-site accommodations. In my opinion, this is one of the best deals going at Walt Disney World.

What types of movies are shown?

Not surprisingly, you’ll see Disney and Pixar movies at the Disney hotels. All the outdoor movies are rated G or PG. Many of the films shown are animated Disney classics. Cinderella, Beauty & the Beast, and Dumbo all show up with some regularity. However, you’ll sometimes see backlist live action films, Disney Channel original movies, or holiday themed features.

In flipping through some resort schedules from the past year, some of the off-canon films shown poolside have included Cool Runnings, Frankenweenie, Freaky Friday, and The Odd Life of Timothy Green.

Will my child be frightened at the movie?

You know your child best. Many Disney films do have some scary moments. SPOILER ALERT: Bambi’s mother dies. Malificent has a nasty cackle. Townsfolk try to kill the Beast. And that’s just the tame stuff.

Even a movie that your child has no problem watching on your home DVR may become overwhelming in an unfamiliar environment, in the dark, when he’s exhausted from a day of park touring. The good news is that you’re probably pretty close to your hotel room. If your child begins to implode during the film, just take him back for bedtime.

Fort Wilderness has a dedicated theater area for outdoor movies

Is the movie always chosen in advance?

Typically yes. Some resorts do have a “guest choice” night once a week or so. When this happens, there will usually be two or three options presented and guests vote. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to choose from the Disney catalog at large.

What happens if it rains?

Most resorts have an alternative indoor location that’s used in case of rain or extremely cold weather.

Are there snacks/popcorn available?

Several resorts will have a free campfire within the hour before the movie. The campfire will distribute free s’mores making materials.

There are typically not any snacks provided by Disney at the outdoor movies themselves, but you’re welcome to bring your own. The resort gift shops and food courts are well stocked with packaged treats you could enjoy during the film. At the resorts where the movie is at the pool, you’ll have easy access to the pool bar.

Are the outdoor movies too noisy? Will I actually be able to watch the film?

This varies considerably depending on the circumstances. The poolside films are generally a bit more active than the ones that take place on lawns or beaches. Films shown earlier in the evening tend to be busier than later shows. But it’s really a roll of the dice as to who shows up on any given night. If you want to really watch the movie, I suggest sitting fairly close to the screen and speaker.

What have your experiences been with the outdoor movies at Walt Disney World? Is this a must-do for your family? Have you seen any odd movies poolside? Let us know in the comments below.

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Published on November 13, 2014 08:00

Daisy Lauren’s Best Week Ever: November 13, 2014

By Daisy Lauren

Hi, Everyone! Welcome to the Best Week Ever here at Walt Disney World ! This week we’re attending the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, stopping by Downtown Disney and Epcot, then checking out the Osborne Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Phew – that’s a lot! Let’s get going!

I was absolutely over the moon when I got the email from Touring Plans asking if I wouldn’t mind attending the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The truth was I’d been on the fence about going the first night, but the tickets sold out before I pulled the trigger. So let this serve as a warning to all of you to not delay picking up those party tickets! But what if you can’t make it this year? Well, no worries! Just click to read all about it.

As you probably know, your party ticket will get you in to the park at 4pm. That’s a full three hours before the party starts! I decided to use my time on a couple of my favorite rides since FastPass+ was available. By 5:30pm I was ready to scout out locations for the party and find a bite to eat. It’s important to eat before the party so you make the most of your time and aren’t sidetracked looking for the limited food offered during the party.

In my case, I grabbed a quick macaroni and cheese at The Friar’s Nook before casually strolling over to see if I could find the Jack Skellington meet and greet line. I’d been a little too optimistic in my planning. Not only did I find the line – it was already 30 people deep! So with 75 minutes before Jack arrived, I claimed my spot in the queue. Let it be noted this is the longest line I’ve waited in… maybe ever? But it proved to be a good choice since the line just grew and grew all night. When it was my turn, Jack was lovely and so fun to meet! If I’m honest, I’d wait again if I had the chance.

Also back in Fantasyland you could meet Santa Goofy. In hindsight, I would have skipped this line if I’d known that he was also greeting at the Osborne Lights. Around this time the line to meet Daisy, Donald, and Scrooge McDuck was about 45 minutes. I decided to stop back by a little after 11pm when they line was only 20 minutes. This trick didn’t work for the Seven Dwarfs, though. When I stopped by at 11:30pm, their line had already been closed for the night. Speaking of the Seven Dwarfs, their mine train sported between a 30 – 40 minutes wait during the entire party.

Back on Main Street a thick blanket of foamy snow fell for most of the night while Christmas carols blasted on the speakers. I took some video, but it just didn’t capture what it was like to be there, so I decided to leave it out. The park was packed, and bustling crowds were all over, but the atmosphere was unique. Everyone was so happy to be there! I didn’t see a single screaming kid or fighting couple. When someone bumped into me, she actually stopped to apologize! It really felt like Christmas!

Speaking of those crowds, I had to arrive 40 minutes early to claim my spot for the parade. After ducking into New Fantasyland to watch the fireworks, I knew Frontierland was my only hope. It didn’t disappoint! Forgive the funny angle on my photos. I decided to sit during the parade to give the people behind me a better view.

New additions this year included the characters from Frozen. It was funny to see the same floats being repurposed. Maybe I’m the only one, but I don’t feel like Frozen has to be in everything. Frozen characters already took over the castle show, so I didn’t think they needed to be in the parade, too. Of course, I don’t have a little girl that wants to see her favorite princess. What do you guys think of the new Olaf costume?

Luckily, they still left Clarabelle in her rightful place! She’s such a hoot. I wish she was around in the parks more often.

Other classics were also still there. Sitting on the ground as the toy soldiers came stomping by was such an experience! I swear the ground moved. It was incredible! The updated reindeer were there to lead Santa down the parade route. Am I the only one that misses the goofy reindeer? I think they still have them at Disneyland.

After the parade I ran around and took some photos until it was almost time to call it a night. Since I hadn’t ridden a single ride during the entire party, I had to run over for a quick visit to The Haunted Mansion. It’s worth noting that just a few minutes before midnight the wait time read 15 minutes. However, I was able to walk right on. I would guess all the wait times at closing time were overestimated to discourage people from riding.

Just a little after midnight I decided it was time to call it a night. If you’ve been reading for a while, you’ll know that I take lots of photos of this clock. This is one of my favorites with the “snow” swirling around at such a late hour. I thought it was the perfect shot to end Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Are you planning on going this year? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below!

In stark contrast, the below photo was taken this weekend in the Downtown Disney area. Can you guess what you’re looking at? That, my friends, is the entrance to Typhoon Lagoon. As you can tell, the area is undergoing some pretty heavy construction. I wasn’t able to get a photo, but I noticed the park sign just tossed on the side of the road. They’re really working hard on this construction, so hopefully that sign will be back up in no time.

Christmas decorations have started to pop up all around Downtown Disney. There’s no shortage of photo opportunities, and I noticed lots of these decorative arches set up. I assumed they were for Memory Maker, but we stopped by twice this weekend and never saw photographers. It’s a nice freebie for families. Also, more parking has freed up on the West Side. It’s still tough to find a place to park at 2pm, but the situation is improving.

Also set up on the West Side is an enormous Baymax from Big Hero 6. To give you an idea, you can see the House of Blues water tower in the background. It was fitting to visit him since we were at Downtown Disney to see the movie. Unfortunately, we didn’t love Big Hero 6. (Please note: view expressed here are strictly my own and to not reflect on Touring Plans) Did anyone else see the movie this weekend? What did you think?

Continuing around Downtown Disney, it’s really starting to come together. There are still construction walls everywhere, but you can see where it’s going now, and it’s going to be epic! On the below left is a waterfront stage that just opened this week. On the below right is the Boathouse construction, along with a cheeky poster for the restaurant. I think we’re more excited for the floating cars than anything else!

Below left is a new walkway that opened behind Raglan Road. It looks like a ghost town right now, but you can imagine once all the shops open how nice it will look. It’s already getting easier to walk around with all the new paths. I can see the light, and Disney Springs is going to be awesome! Below right are a pair of crocs I just spotted this weekend in World of Disney. I could barely get a photo because they were getting snatched up so quickly. They didn’t have a price tag, but that wasn’t slowing sales down in the slightest. Unfortunately, they are only in kids’ sizes.

We also stopped by Epcot to say goodbye to the Food & Wine Festival for another year. On the way we found flavored popcorn in Future World! Choices included: cheddar cheese, buffalo bleu cheese, and sour cream with chives. It was almost like Tokyo Disneyland, except that the popcorn buckets weren’t built to hang around your neck like a feed bucket. We also spotted a 15 minute wait for Journey Into Imagination and had to test if that was real. Actual wait time: 5 minutes.

On the way out I spotted some new Figment merchandise. On the left is a pretty awesome hoodie. It’s crazy overpriced at $59.95, but I still really thought about it. On the right is a new Figment hat with wings on the back. At $19.95 I regret not getting this and think one of these is in my future. Although not pictured, but the bottom side of the hat’s brim is a rainbow!

Our last stop for this week is the Osborne Lights display at Hollywood Studios. The night we visited was perfect and not even a little bit crowded. Often severe crowd control is in place, and you’re elbow to elbow with your neighbors. However, on Sunday Cast Members weren’t even enforcing an entrance and exit. We were able to just stroll around take it all in. It was perfect!

New this year, the lights are dancing to music from The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s a great addition, and the crowd cheered for the song! I hope this starts a trend of this movie being included in the parks. Maybe one day we can even get the Haunted Mansion overlay!

A last update is the location of the Frozen Holiday Premium Package seating. It’s back on the old tram loop, and, honestly, I don’t think it provides that great of a view. There’s nothing stopping people from standing along the rail. On a crowded night I can imagine it would be more blocked that not. At $89 for adults and $59 for kids, I don’t know that the other components of the package make it worth the cost. But as you can see, lots of people sitting in this VIP area disagree with me.

Phineas and Ferb are also greeting guests all dressed up for the holidays. This is exactly what they were wearing at the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. So that’s another one you can mark off your busy party schedule and meet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

And one, last, tiny bit of shopping! A reader had asked if I’d seen any red holiday fleeces, and ironically I’d taken a photo of this one. It features Mickey and Minnie on the front with Daisy and Donald on the back. At $64.95 it’s one of the most expensive fleece jackets I’ve seen, but it’s very detailed with quality embroidery. What do you think of it?

That’s everything for this week. Now let’s see what you can expect if you’re visiting next week.

Crowd Calendar: This is the last slow week before we start slipping into Thanksgiving crowds. Enjoy it but be sure to plan for party nights and seasonal events that might draw crowds.

Weather: It looks mostly nice this week with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s, but there are some possible storms that might take lows down to the 30s. Be sure to check the latest weather if you’ll be visiting.

Remember: You can’t trust Florida weather. This time of year you really can’t trust the forecast more than 2-3 days out. Come prepared for cold and wet weather. Better safe than sorry!

Here’s my top tip for this week: Did you like Big Hero 6 more than I did? Well, you can meet Baymax and Hiro at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I’ll be checking it out for you next week!

Do you have any news I missed or any requests for coverage next week? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below, and thanks so much for reading! I’m wishing all of you the Best Week Ever, until next time!

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Published on November 13, 2014 03:00

November 12, 2014

New Princess Dining Option at Citricos Beginning in January

By Rikki Niblett

©Disney

For those who were unaware, Cinderella’s Royal Table at the Magic Kingdom will undergo a two month refurbishment, from January 5 through March 6, reopening on March 7, 2015. The good news is beginning on January 8, if you head to to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, your little princess or prince still has the opportunity to partake in a character meal featuring Cinderella and her Disney Princess friends. It’s called “Cinderella’s Dining at Citricos – Breakfast and Brunch with the Disney Princesses.”

The meal will allow guests to enjoy a good meal, meet some of their favorite princesses, and participate in an interactive “Magical Wishing Ceremony” using wishing wands and wishing swords. One thing to note is that currently Disney has not announced which Princesses will be appearing at this meal, but one would expect it would be similar to the Princesses that were available at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

Guests will delight in a three course meal and choose from many different options that include:

Adult Menu

Bakery Basket

Appetizers (Choice of One):

Garden Salad – Artisanal Greens, Endive, Roasted Carrots, Sugar Snap Peas, and Marcona Almonds with Riesling Vinaigrette

Assorted Fresh Fruits

Entrees (Choice of One):

Traditional Breakfast – Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Bacon, and Twice-cooked Breakfast Potatoes

Scrambled Egg Whites, Hot Ten-Grain Cereal, Greek Yogurt topped with Granola, Whole-Grain Bread, and Fresh Fruit

Steak and Slow-Poached Eggs with Twice-cooked Breakfast Potatoes and Wilted Spinach

Grilled Ham and Biscuit, Slow Poached Eggs topped with Sausage Gravy

Market-inspired Fish with Angel Hair Pasta, and Aromatic Tomato Sauce

Florida Shrimp with Creamy Cheddar Cheese and Smoked Bacon Grits

Dessert Trio

Children’s Menu

Appetizers (Choice of One):

Bite-size Cheddar Cheese and Grapes

Garden Salad – Fat-free Ranch Dressing

Entrees (Choice of One):

Turkey Pot Pie topped with a Cheese Biscuit

Roasted Chicken Leg with Brown Rice Pilaf and Broccolini

Children’s Scrambled Eggs

Mickey-shaped Waffles

Steak served with Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Corn

Dessert Trio

The meal will be available from 8:00 a.m. until 2:20 p.m. daily. The cost is $49.99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $31.99 for children (ages 3-9). In addition, if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, this meal will cost two table service credits. Reservations open on December 3 for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members and on December 4 for all guests. To make an Advance Dining Reservation, call (407) WDW-DINE.

When Cinderella’s Royal Table reopens in March, it is currently unclear if this Citricos meal will continue, though one would expect this meal is just a temporary offering.

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Published on November 12, 2014 16:23

Add a Touch of Disney to Your Christmas at Home

By Sarah Graffam

Between holiday shopping, parties, school concerts, wrapping, baking, and spending time with family and friends, it can be difficult for many Disney fans to take a trip to Walt Disney World at Christmas time. But that doesn’t mean that Disney can’t be a part of your Christmas. Here are just a few ideas to bring a little bit of the joy you feel in the parks into your home and to mix some pixie dust in with your Christmas spirit.

Christmas card from the Villas at Wilderness Lodge lobby (Photo by Sarah Graffam)

Christmas cards. If you have visited the World during the year, one of your favorite family photos from the vacation could be the perfect Christmas card. If you are lucky enough to visit in November when Disney World has put up some of its holiday decorations, you can take a photo for your card in front of one of Disney’s several Christmas trees or giant gingerbread houses, many of which are up at the parks and resorts by Thanksgiving (although Magic Kingdom’s tree is not up until after the first weekend in December). Disney Hollywood Studio’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, which typically begins in early November, is another holiday photo op. Later, you can frame the card to display in your home as a special souvenir.

An ornament collection is a great way to create family memories (Photo by Sarah Graffam)

Park merchandise. Next time you are in the parks, even if it is in the heat of summer, keep the Christmas season in mind when shopping. Many shops offer holiday merchandise year-round. Daisy Lauren has a great article on shopping for holiday merchandise at Walt Disney World. One of my favorite shops for Christmas collectibles is Magic Kingdom’s Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, which is just as full of Christmas festivity in July as it is in December. Tip: Start a family tradition by collecting a favorite holiday item. My family’s tradition is to bring home an ornament for our tree to remind us of our visit. Ornaments that show the year can bring back memories of a specific trip.

Make a gift of your next trip. Are you planning a trip to a Disney park in the next year and can keep a secret until Christmas morning? Surprise your family with a scavenger hunt to discover the trip. Or hide a note in a gift box full of Disney character plushes to reveal the surprise. One year, we put the letters to spell out Disney World in several packages for the kids to unscramble.

Food. Have some fun attempting to recreate a favorite Disney recipe to include on your holiday menu. Love the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake at Liberty Tree Tavern or Le Cellier Steakhouse’s Cheddar Cheese Soup? See if you can come close in your own kitchen. There are also several cookbooks available, such as Delicious Disney Holidays by the Disney Chefs by Pam Brandon and Mickey’s Gourmet Cookbook: Most Popular Recipes from Walt Disney World & Disneyland by Disney Book Group. Or use your own recipe to make a food item for your holiday dinner that reminds you of a favorite Disney World meal: whenever I make cornbread, I am reminded of my favorite buffet in Disney World at Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness. Another idea that can involve the whole family is to bake and decorate some holiday cookies cut out with a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter.

Music. Buy or download a Disney holiday CD or some holiday songs. For more current park-exclusive holiday CDs, such as the soundtrack from Holiday Wishes or the Candlelight Processional, check with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Merchandise Guest Services at 877-560-6477 or merchandise.guest.services@disneyparks.com.

Books. Make some time to read a Disney-themed holiday story to your kids. In addition to the Disney Christmas Storybook Collection, holiday stories feature favorite characters like Buzz and Woody, Winnie the Pooh, and, of course, Mickey. These make great Christmas gifts, or check out whether your local library has some to read before Christmas day.

Share some Disney holiday-themed books, movies, and music with your family (Photo by Sarah Graffam)

Movies and holiday specials. Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa while you watch some of Disney’s many holiday-themed movies and specials, ranging from Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas to The Santa Clause. Others include The Muppet Christmas Carol, Disney’s 2009 version of A Christmas Carol, Santa Buddies, and Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas. Again, in addition to buying or renting these movies, your local library may be a source.

Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade. Get your Disney fix on Christmas morning by watching the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade on ABC. The parade is filmed at both Disneyland and Disney World, with the Disney World portion filmed in early in December.

Please share if you have found other ways to bring some Disney Christmas spirit into your home during the holidays.

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Published on November 12, 2014 08:00

Disney Cruise Line: RunDisney Castaway Cay 5K Photo Report

By Derek Burgan

My recent sailing on the Disney Wonder brought with it several surprises, the biggest of which – for me – was biting the bullet and signing up for my first official runDisney event, the Castaway Cay 5k. I had no plans to participate in the event before the cruise, as it would clearly cut into my buffet time, but when researching a Castaway Cay 5k question from a TouringPlans reader, I temporarily lost my mind and signed up for the race. I will now present a gripping tale of human triumph and the 100% totally true story of how one man overcame all obstacles, including Mother Nature herself, to take home the elusive Castaway Cay 5k medal.

Castaway Cay 5k bibs.

The cost of the Castaway Cay 5k event itself, is free. Go to Guest Services or check your Personal Navigator once you board the ship for more details. Anyone can participate, but I believe only those over the age of 12 will receive a Castaway Cay 5K bib to wear. On the morning of the race, everyone who was going to be taking part in the event met at one of the lounges on Deck 4 to sign in. We needed our room key, and a photo ID (which, of course, I did not bring and had to go all the way back to our stateroom located at the other end of the ship.) Once signed in, we received our bibs, and sat in a room in which all the TVs displayed the Castaway Cay 5k map.

Castaway Cay 5k map.

The Disney Cruise Line Cast Members who would be overseeing the event, led us through the course by using the map to explain the route. The group would get off the ship and walk all the way to the starting line, which was next to the bike rentals. Yes, I had to walk a 5k on the way to my 5k (it might have been a little less.) The starting point is right in front of the bike rental area, and next to the Buy the Sea Shore gift shop. There was a container next to the starting line in which we could put anything we did not want to carry during the 5k. We were also told that there would be several water stops along the route, and repeatedly told not to throw the paper cups on the ground when finished, but to hold onto them until we can dispose them in a trash can. Two of the DCL CMs got a head start, and would be meeting us at a water stop in front of the bike loop about half way on the route. And with that, the race began….

Castaway Cay 5k starting line.

The first place we passed on our journey was the bike rental area. The sheer amount of bicycles in this area was staggering, and these pictures do not do it justice. It seems like there is a bike for every man, woman, and child on the cruise. I’ve never seen anything like it (although even that surreal visual was topped later seeing all the tube floats which were available to rent.)

Castaway Cay 5k bike rental.

A few of the Castaway Cay 5k bike rentals.

After we passed the bike rentals, our path led us to a fork in the road. To the left was the cabanas area, and to the right was the road which led to the bike loop and Serenity Bay (adult beach.) There were 5k markers sporadically along the course letting us know which direction to go (there are no distance markers though.)

Castaway Cay 5k direction marker.

The entrance to the bike loop had our first water stop, and the DCL CMs were there with smiles on, and encouraging everyone.

Castaway Cay 5k water stop.

The bike loop itself is pretty peaceful, with some fun theming here and there.

Castaway Cay 5k.

Halfway through the bike loop was a large lookout tower that provided a great view of the island (we’ll cover that in an upcoming article.)

Castaway Cay 5k.

The second half of the bike loop was pretty much the same as the front half. This led back to the main water stop area, and from there we took a right and went down to Serenity Bay.

Castaway Cay 5k.

In front of Serenity Bay was the turnaround point. I needed to see that plane in the background though, so I went just a little bit further.

Castaway Cay 5k Serenity Bay turnaround.

Castaway Cay 5k Serenity Bay plane.

Castaway Cay 5k.

The second half of the 5k race itself was just retracing everything we had done, including going back through the bike loop for a second time.

Castaway Cay 5k water stop area on the way back.

At the end of the race there was a clock showing our time and the DCL CMs were there to meet us and hand out the medals.

Castaway Cay 5k finish time. They did not say whether or not this time was a course record.

Castaway Cay 5k medal (earned) and pin (bought.)

At the Buy the Sea Shore store there are several pieces of Castaway Cay 5k merchandise for sale. You do not have to participate in the event to purchase these items. This is the only place where you can get the pin, hat, or shirt as the other stores on the island do not sell them and they are not available on the ships.

Castaway Cay 5k hat.

Castaway Cay 5k shirt.

It was actually slightly raining when we got off the ship, turning into a near torrential downpour around the start of the race. However, much like the Florida rains many of us experience at Walt Disney World, the rain did not last long, and the sun came out for the rest of the day. We had about 30 people in our group participate in the event and they ranged from serious runners to people walking at a brisk pace. I should also note the dedicated photo journalist who carried his equipment on the entire run. Weighed down with more equipment than a Sherpa guiding an expedition up Mt. Everest, this runner documented the course – through all the adverse elements including rain, heat and humidity – so that the citizens of the World could take this journey with him.

So there you have it, the runDisney Castaway Cay 5k Photo Report. With all the extra steps involved, I believe my total distance covered was closer to 15k, but for you, Dear Reader, I will walk to the Moon and back (not literally.) If you had fun, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles, or, for your listening pleasure, check out the Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast.