Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1241
March 31, 2014
Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns to Epcot
The Sounds Like Summer concert series is returning, yet again, starting this June. These fun concerts take place at Epcot’s America Gardens Theatre, which is found at the American Adventure Pavilion. These concerts feature tribute band performers that are extremely talented, singing classic songs you know and love.
Seven acts will light up the stage this year. Each band will perform for a week at a time. This year’s concert line up includes:
June 8-14: Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles
June 15-21: Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey Tribute Band
June 22-28: Good Vibrations – A Tribute to The Beach Boys
June 29-July 5: Don’t Look Back – Boston Tribute Band
July 6-12: Stayin’ Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees
July 13-19: Slippery When Wet – The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
July 20-26: 2U – A Tribute to U2
Show times are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., with the exception of July 4, when show times are at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 9 p.m. Do keep in mind that shows are subject to change.
Best of all, the Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission.
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Returns to Epcot is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Where’s The Casino On My Caribbean Disney Cruise?
Where’s the Casino on my Disney Cruise?
There are some activities many adults consider integral to the cruising experience – hitting up a buffet multiple times a day, shopping for tax free goods in port…and gambling. Those folks will find themselves asking “where’s the casino?” Here is the lowdown on what to expect when you cruise the Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream, or Fantasy on an Eastern, Western, or Bahamas cruise.
Bingo at D Lounge
You’ve Got To Know When To Hold ‘Em
Welcome to Disney Cruise Line. If you’re booking your first cruise with DCL, you may be surprised to find out there is no casino onboard. What there is is bingo. Don’t scoff. Bingo is seriously fun and you may win some money back onto your onboard account. Bingo is played on both sea days and port days (check your Navigator for times and locations), and both kids and adults can participate. Most people opt for the electronic cards (just sit back and watch them mark themselves off) though purists may choose manual cards with ink stamps. Game play goes quickly though, so we don’t think anyone but a seasoned pro would be able to keep up with more than 1 or 2 manual cards. Each cruise will have a big final big day with a potential (though not guaranteed) $5000 or even $10,000 jackpot.
You’ve Got To Know When To Fold ‘Em
Even if you don’t win cash as bingo, you may win other small prizes like tote bags. Jackpots and crowds get larger as the cruise goes on, so your chances of winning something are better earlier in your itinerary. Other opportunities to win random things onboard include raffles for treatments or cash at the spas on embarkation day. You do have to be present to win. These are usually around 3pm (before the lifeboat drill). If you need baseball caps, bags, or want to participate in another raffle for cash, stop by any Disney Vacation Club presentation – there will be plenty during your cruise.
You’ve Got To Know When To Walk Away
OK, maybe bingo and raffles don’t do it for you. You’re in luck. You’ll find casinos in Nassau and St. Martin (though not in St. Thomas, the Cayman Islands, or the Mexican ports). San Juan also has many large chain resort hotels with casinos attached. Jamaica does have plenty of casinos, but none are convenient to Falmouth.
Casinos Near DCL Ports of Call
Port
Casino
Location
Contact or Web Site
Nassau
Atlantis Casino
Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island
www.atlantis.com
Nassau
Crystal Palace Casino
Wyndham Resort, W. Bay St.
Wyndham Resorts Web Site
Sint Maarten (Dutch)
Atlantis World Casinos
multiple locations
www.atlantisworld.com
Sint Maarten (Dutch)
Princess Casino
Princess Port de Plaisance Resort, Simpson Bay
www.princessportdeplaisance.com
Sint Maarten (Dutch)
Casino Royale
Maho Beach Resort
www.playmaho.com
St. Kitts (Basseterre)
Royal Beach Casino
Marriott St. Kitts and Nevis
www.marriott.com
And Know When To Run
Hey, did you know that the only legal gambling in Alaska is bingo and pull-tabs? Me either until I looked it up.
Do you care that there is no casino on any Disney ship? Is it a plus for you? Talk about it in the comments! (Options for folks cruising the Mediterranean or Northern Europe will come in another article.)
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
Where’s The Casino On My Caribbean Disney Cruise? is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Disney World Pick-A Pearl FAQ
By Erin Foster
Have you ever wondered about the big pools of water on the counter in the middle of the Japan Pavilion at Epcot? That’s one of the Pick-A-Pearl stations at Walt Disney World. Here’s what you need to know.
Pick-A-Pearl station at the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.
What’s a Pick-A-Pearl?
The name is pretty self explanatory. At a Pick-A-Pearl station, you’ll find a large, shallow tank of water with several oysters placed on the bottom. At the station, you choose (“pick”) an oyster to buy. The cast member at the station opens the oyster in front of you, the pearl inside is yours to keep.
Is the Japan Pavilion the only place to do this at Walt Disney World?
There are actually four places to Pick-A-Pearl at Walt Disney World: inside the large Mitsukoshi store at the Japan Pavilion at Epcot, at a kiosk at Downtown Disney near the Pin Traders outpost, at a kiosk at Typhoon Lagoon, and at a kiosk on the pathway just outside the Stormalong Bay pool area at the Yacht & Beach Club resorts. While the general Pick-A-Pearl concept is the same at all the locations, they are operated by different entities, so some details may vary.
Cast member making a show of cleaning and measuring a pearl.
The best show is in Japan. At the Japan pavilion, you’ll typically get an enthusiastic cast member banging a drum, measuring your pearl with amazement, and a large audience watching your pearl emerge.
Isn’t this something that’s done in places other than Disney World?
Yes, the Downtown Disney, Beach Club, and Typhoon Lagoon locations are run by The Pearl Factory, which has several locations in Hawaii and Las Vegas, as well as at theme parks in California (including at Downtown Disneyland) and at several locations at Universal Studios Florida. Other operators exist as well.
What do I do with the pearl?
You can keep it loose, save it, or (more commonly) have it mounted onto a setting to create a piece of jewelry.
The pearl emerges.
How large are the pearls?
They’re a natural item, so the size will vary depending on which oyster you choose. A big part of the fun is seeing the characteristics of the oyster you’ve selected. Many of the pearls will be white, sized about 6-7 mm. However, you will occasionally find much larger pearls, as well as black, gold, pink or other color variants. Even more rarely, you’ll get an oyster that has generated two pearls. If you’re lucky enough to get one of these, then they’re both yours to keep.
How much does this cost?
Prices may vary by location, but the basic choosing of the pearl costs about $16.00. Not surprisingly, having the pearl set increases the cost considerably.
What are some of the settings like?
There are lots of choices. Some of the more popular settings are silver rings or pendants with a pearl mounted as a decorative element. A basic silver ring starts at just over $30, as does a basic silver pendant (chains are extra). Price rise steeply as the settings get larger or more elaborate. The least expensive setting option would be adding posts to create stud-style earrings. This starts at about $10.
I’m interested in pearl earrings? Can you tell me more?
Sure, but if you want to get two earrings, you’ll need to pick two oysters to get two pearls. One of the potentially frustrating things about earrings is that the two oysters you choose might end up having pearls of drastically different size or color. If you want a closely matched set, you’ll have to keep picking more oysters to get matching pearls.
Tools for setting.
Am a guaranteed to get a pearl?
Rarely you will find that an oyster you’ve chosen does not have a pearl in it. I have seen this happen once and the cast member made a big deal about letting the guest choose another oyster. I haven’t seen any “beware” signage at any of the Disney locations, so this is likely common practice.
How does the pearl choosing process work exactly?
The kiosk locations usually aren’t very busy. You pay, you select your oyster, and you see what you got.
The Japan location may be quite busy, depending on when you visit. You go to the register near the oyster tank, pay for the oyster selection, and then you’re given a number like at a deli. Again, depending on the crowd, you may wait for just a few moments, or up to about half an hour. If you’re in a time crunch, you can ask for an estimated wait time at the register.
Some setting options.
At any of the Pick-A-Pearl locations, if you want your pearl mounted, you select a setting and pay for that separately.
How long does it take to have a pearl set?
It depends on the type of setting you’ve chosen and how busy it is. The minimum wait is often about an hour, but it may take several hours or more. You can arrange to have the pearl setting delivered to you if you can’t wait or come back later.
If you’re having your pearl set, there may be instructions about a waiting period before you wear your jewelry (to allow the glue to dry).
Can boys participate in this activity or just girls?
Pearls set into silver rings. Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Moms Panelist Kirsten E.
This activity is open to anyone. While you’ll see girls picking pearls more often, during my most recent visit to the Japan pavilion I saw a large family of boys all choose pearls.
What do boys do with the pearls?
Some may just want to keep the pearl loose as a souvenir. Others may want to turn it into a gift piece of jewelry for mom or a girlfriend. There is also a very small selection of settings that might appeal to boys, something like a tie tack or more masculine looking ring.
I have a piece of jewelry from home that I’d like to have my pearl set into. Can they do this for me at Disney World?
Probably not. Typically, the Disney pearl locations will only set pearls into their own pieces (liability issues). However, you’re welcome to take your pearl to a jeweler at home and have them put it into your setting.
Have you ever had the Pick-A-Pearl experience? Do you get a pearl other than basic white? Are you satisfied with your setting? Do you prefer one Disney location over another? Let us know in the comments below.
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus •
Disney World Pick-A Pearl FAQ is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
March 30, 2014
2014 Night of Joy Tickets to go on Sale Soon
©Disney
Tickets for this year’s Night of Joy event will go on sale tomorrow (March 31).
Single day tickets will cost $59, plus tax if purchased ahead of time. They will be $69, plus tax at the door. There will also be a two night ticket option available that will cost $108 per night, plus tax, and it will include one day admission to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, or DisneyQuest. The two day ticket must be purchased by August 5.
The artists for the event include:
September 5
Hillsong United
Chris Tomlin
Matthew West
for KING & COUNTRY
Mandisa
Building 429
Matt Macher
The Neverclaim
September 6
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Israel Houghten & New Breed
Britt Nicole
Colton Dixon
Rhett Walker
We As Human
1 Girl Nation
Night of Joy is a hard ticketed event that features top contemporary Christian music artists. The 2014 Night of Joy event is scheduled to take place on September 5 – 6, from 7:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
For more information, visit www.nightofjoy.com
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
2014 Night of Joy Tickets to go on Sale Soon is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Parking Fees Increase at Walt Disney World
Parking fees at the four Walt Disney World theme parks have increased across the board. In addition, valet fees at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels have also seen a price increase.
At the theme parks, parking has increased by $2. Here is the new breakdown:
Automobile, taxi, limo, or motorcycle: $17 (up from $15)
Camper, trailer or RV: $18 (up from $16)
Bus or tractor trailer: $21 (up from $19)
Do keep in mind that once you pay that rate for the day, you may utilize any of parking lots at any of the four theme parks (just show your receipt). Also, keep in mind that if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, your parking is complimentary for the length of your stay and valid resort identification is required for the privilege. Annual Passholders also have complimentary parking.
In addition, to the theme park parking fees increasing, the valet fees at the resorts have also gone up. The new rate is now $20 per car. It was previously $15. Valet parking is available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge resorts.
As with the theme parks, once this parking fee is paid, you are allowed to use valet parking for the entire day at any resort that offers it, without having to pay the fee again. Simply show the day’s valet receipt at the next resort.
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
Parking Fees Increase at Walt Disney World is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Innoventions Uncovered
By Daisy Lauren
In the comments of a recent post, one of our awesome readers asked for an article about Innoventions. This spot is nice for hiding from nasty weather, and most of the exhibits are pretty interesting. Not to mention it doesn’t draw big crowds, making it a perfect spot for the heat of the day. So what’s worth seeing, and what gets a skip? Check out below for my opinions. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Innoventions West
The Great Piggy Bank Adventure: This one is a must see for me. We even stop by and play pretty often. At the start of this game you are assigned an actual piggy bank that you carry with you through your journey. He is the cutest, fattest little pig! I wish they were for sale! Once you have your piggy bank, you take him through a series of virtual games in your quest to become a financial smarty pants. If you’d like a sneak peek of The Great Piggy Bank Adventure you can visit online. Game Rating: 9 out of 10.
THINK: I’ve been through this exhibit several times, but I still just don’t… get it. There’s a large video wall, a movie that plays on a loop, and touch columns that walk you through an interactive tour. The focus of the exhibit is efficiency and sustainability through technology. Unfortunately, I find this one to be pretty boring and highly skippable. Game Rating: 3 out of 10.
Where’s the Fire?: This one is so much fun! Inside the two houses pictured to the left are several large projection screens. The idea is that you have to put out the fires as they appear on those screens. The guests in line are broken into teams and compete against each other to see which side can save the house. After you play, there are a few interactive exhibits and learning opportunities. The attraction does a great job teaching about fire safety while keeping it fun enough to play over and over! Game rating: 9.5 out of 10.
Video Playground: I know what you must be thinking. A video playground at Epcot? This must be a chance to test games before they are released or to try some new technology! Well.. not so much. I wish I had better news to report, but this is just a wall of PlayStations with current Disney games. There are many better ways to spend your time in Innoventions, but if you’re stuck during a rain storm and everything else has a line, this is a good way to kill some time. Game rating: 2 out of 10.
Innoventions East
Vision House: If I’m being completely honest, I kinda hate the Vision House, but this is only because my husband has dragged me through it so many times. This exhibit showcases the latest innovations in home design, efficiency, and automation, with a focus on green living. There are all kinds of slick electronics and gadgets to lust after as the tour goes through the different rooms of the house. Even if that isn’t your thing, it’s pretty amazing to see all the advancements that are available. Game rating: 7 out of 10.
Sum Of All Thrills: This is one attraction in Innoventions that you’ll want to visit early in the day because it will get a line. Here you design and ride a virtual version of your very own roller coaster! Planning on going upside down? No problem, the robot arms are ready to take you on the ride of your life! Would you rather take it slow and not too rough? They can handle that, too. Since you design the ride, it can be exactly what you want, making this a ride that is fun for everyone. Be sure not to miss it! Game rating 10 out of 10.
Stormstruck: Being a homeowner in Florida pretty much turns me off this 3D movie attraction that details the damage your home can suffer in hurricane type storms. Of course, it also goes through construction choices that can make your home more resistant to harsh weather. The closer we get to hurricane season, the more likely I am to skip this one. Unless you’re interested in a movie brought to you by a group of insurance agencies, you can put this one on the skip list. Game rating: 4 out of 10.
Take a Nanooze Break: This is just what it sounds like, a break area to sit and relax. There are large and comfortable seating areas and some interesting displays. So what’s a Nanooze, you ask? It’s a term for the latest news in nanotechnology or the study of really tiny things. The surrounding displays have some neat information on that subject. While this is a nice place to relax, I don’t really consider it an exhibit. It can also be loud later in the day when kids are playing in nearby areas. Game rating: N/A
Test the Limits Lab: Have you ever been stuck in the park with kids that have limitless energy? If so, this should be your destination. Test the Limits Lab encourages you to try to break things! There are also loud noises and flashing lights – it’s absolute sensory overload! Perfect for kids (or husbands) that need to run off some steam. Game Rating: 7 out of 10.
Habit Heroes: This experience leads you through different simulations to teach you the value of exercise, hydration, and healthy eating. A large group goes into this game at the same time, and the quality of the experience can depend on the group. It’s a little hokey, and if you get stuck with folks who aren’t willing to play, it isn’t nearly as much fun. However, if you get a fun group it can be entertaining. Overall, I wouldn’t miss a ride for it, but it’s worth 20 minutes if you’re just bumming around Innoventions. Game Rating: 7.5 out of 10.
So what’s you’re favorite display inside Innoventions? Do you agree with my ratings, or do you have a different favorite? What old display do you miss from Innoventions (or CommuniCore!)? Please let us know in the comments below. As always, thanks for reading!
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
Innoventions Uncovered is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
March 29, 2014
The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! March 2014 Photo Report of the Disney Outlet Store
By Derek Burgan
We’ve made it to March, home of Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, two of the biggest holidays of the year that involve adult beverages. Is it any surprise that with all that alcohol flowing that March is also the host of If Pets Had Thumbs Day? While you ponder that existential question we’re gearing up for our monthly trip to the Disney Outlet Store! This week we’ll be wearing our I Love the Lone Ranger t-shirt, applying our Stitch-in-a-bikini hat pin, and slipping our Mickey Waffle Air Freshener onto the view mirror. Now that we are geared up, it’s time to hit the outlets!
While the month of February had Valentine’s Day, there was almost no items related to the romantic holiday except this Be My Valentine Duffy Bear.
If Strawberry Shortcake and the bear from the movie Ted had a baby, it would probably look like this.
I thought these Bolt plush were really cute and I don’t understand how these Crush and Squirt plush are at the outlets. I think they are a fantastic bargain.
If you’ve been to the World of Disney store or the larger gift shops at the parks you’ve probably run into these Disney-Characters-as-Babies plush. Part of me wants to say it’s weird, but I grew up on Muppet Babies, so there is a bit of charm there for me.
Although I think she is hardly recognizable as “Boo” from the Monsters, Inc movie, this “Baby Boo” has an adorable mini-monster plush with her.
Enough with the cuteness and on to the things nightmares are created from. Feast your eyes on this Rock ‘n’ Roll Roller Coaster shirt featuring Steven Tyler himself. I’d say this was a nightshirt but good luck trying to ever sleep again wearing this. Originally $36.95 it is selling for $ 19.95. I only got one thing to say to that: Dream On.
I’m writing this article at 3:30AM because I’ll never be able to sleep again thanks to this shirt…
Believe it or not there was another Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster shirt on the racks. This one was long sleeved and only $14.95.
Another WDW attraction had a shirt with this one for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin. I love seeing attraction merchandise at the parks and it joins event-specific merch (like Food & Wine) and DVC stuff as my favorites.
Originally $19.95, now $9.95
This Buzz Lightyear photo frame was also available ($24.95 marked down to $11.99). Is the fact that it has four “screws” on supposed to represent the part of Buzz where you replace the batteries?
Another attraction piece as this photo frame comes from Splash Mountain. It’s semi-creepy actually, but I love it. Like the Buzz Lightyear frame it was originally $24.95 but it sells for $12.99, a dollar more than the Buzz one. I would love to know the reasoning behind some of the prices at the outlets.
I like the idea of the classic Mickey Ears hat but I think rapid expansion is delivering some really weird stuff including this Donald Duck version, complete with tail.
One of the Disney things that I collect are the Disney/Star Wars mash-up action figures and seeing them at the outlet gives me the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This month was all highs as I picked up a Goofy-as-Chewbacca for $4.99 (originally $8.95) and a Star Wars Weekends exclusive Bean Bunny-as-Wicket for $2.99 (reduced from $14.99). Great deals and I needed both for my collection. The lows come from when I see the action figures I already bought at full price show up at the uutlet, like Rizzo-as-Yoda from Star Wars Weekends 2012.
These Chip & Dale-as-Ewoks plush are also from last year’s Star Wars Weekends. Originally $27.95, now $16.95.
Speaking of Disney and Star Wars, this insanely priced “Return of the Mouse” poster was reduced to just under $200. You read that right. $200 and IT WAS REDUCED TO THAT PRICE. I’m a huge Disney fan and a huge Star Wars fan and this poster doesn’t even make sense. I guess because “Jedi” and “Mouse” have almost the same amount of letters? I do like the hidden Mickey Death Star. In a previous edition of this column a reader speculated that Disney gigantically inflates the price of art so that it can dramatically cut the price and make it seem like you are getting a deal. And now I’m wondering why the print was limited to 95. Why 95?! I’m going too deep into this rabbit hole, time to jump out before I lose my mind.
Wait, what is this? A Lone Ranger coffee table book?!!!
I only have one thing to say about that…
Thank you to Andy Castro for the Big Al picture as it encapsulates in two words what would take me literally a thousand to write.
Let’s go to something I love. Christmas! This Goofy sweater was fantastic.
A cute Mickey and Minnie one…
And then a football with ears. At least a dozen if not two dozen people had to “ok” this from concept to final product and it still made it’s way into the stores. Inconceivable! At least we finally found an item that makes those old SI football phones look like a good idea in comparison.
If you like your Mickey Mouse dark and brooding, this sweatshirt is for you. Originally $46.95, now $32.99.
From Epcot’s World Showcase comes this shirt.
Here comes a line of shirts targeting the college sports crowd. Assuming they were originally sold at the Team Mickey store at Downtown Disney which is thankfully being turned into a store worth going to with the Marketplace Co op opening up this summer.
The shirts below are for women. A college co-ed who is into Disney and sports? Take my advice and put a ring on that finger.
But if you see a girl wearing this Darth Tater shirt I don’t care how big a Star Wars fan you are, run.
The longer you stare at this Mickey Giraffe shirt the more you will become mesmerized. Originally $29.95, now $14.99.
This is one creature even animal lovers don’t mind poachers taking a shot at.
The official shirt of the Disney Blogging Community is $21.99 (reduced from $54.95!!)
Rare to see any Oswald products at the outlet. This women’s shirt was originally $29.95 and can be yours for $17.99.
Not sure the picture gets across the stunningly high quality in this soccer jersey. Soccer ranks somewhere between lacrosse and watching paint dry in my list of things to enjoy, but I like this jersey a lot.
Fitted NFL hats were half price. I picked up a San Diego Chargers and was surprised to find out my head was a “medium large” as most who know me would surely guess my head was easily an XXL.
Women’s Mickey Jeans. $9.99. Get a load of these.
Eiffel Tower salt and pepper shakers. Seriously, who is the market for this?!!!
Some Mickey Kitchen items were available including this serving tray. Originally $16.95, now $6.99.
And these hand towels. Is that supposed to Mickey running away from a fire on the stove? In my mind that’s what it is. Originally $16.95, now $8.99. And now I have an idea. Disney branded smoke detectors that scream “OH BOY!” instead of the loud beeping. PATENT PENDING.
Sometimes I honestly think I dream these items. Here are $100 champagne flutes reduced to only $50. I didn’t ask if that price was for one or both. The fact that it says “flute” makes me think it’s just one. I bet whoever is drinking out of this has an Eiffel Tower salt and pepper shaker on their table.
Anyone need a 3 foot by 5 foot flag of Mexico?
I’m honestly surprised to see all these It’s a Small World items show up at clearance prices so fast.
Okay, what you see below is a Goofy-with-a-mohawk bandana. Like I could make that up.
Not to be outdone, here’s a Mickey Ears baseball cap with this weird afro. WHAT IS GOING ON?!!!
I mentioned before how much I like seeing DVC items at the outlet. Aulani DVC? That’s like the holy grail. These key rings were originally $12.00, now $6.99.
So many questionable things about this Miss Piggy figure, but the biggest is “why $41.99?” Interesting discount. From the Muppets Least Wanted collection.
This Rapunzel glowing lantern looked pretty cool. Originally $24.95, now $17.99.
Here’s an Old Tyme Mickey Mouse baseball shirt. I know it’s supposed to be the style of the early 1900s, but when I saw this shirt the first thing that came to my mind is even the Mickey Mouse baseball player is “juiced.”
Seriously, look at the Mickey baseball player compared to the Mickey basketball player. This Mouse has been taking some PEDs. Shirts were $12.99, reduced from $29.95.
Is it already time to go to my favorite part of the store?
Here’s the vinylmation that was for the 2013 Unleash the Villains event at Disney Hollywood Studios (A.K.A. #IgerWatch). If you can make sense of it, please explain to me in great detail. Imagine all the cool and great villains they brought out to the party (including Oogie Boogie, the Big Band Work and Pain & Panic) and this is the vinylmation that encapsulates all of them.
I remember when the Disney Parks Blog talked about this night terrors-inducing super size Mickey vinylmation and thinking quite honestly it was the scariest piece of merchandise I have ever seen in my life. Low and behold this figure, which had a limited run of only 500, has shown up at the outlets. I bought # 41/500. I spend $14.99 for it. Want to know the original cost? Take a look at the figure and make a guess. I’ll reveal the price after.
$49.95. Can you imagine?! $49.95!! I know that I should be concerned about Crimea, health care reform and the pollution in China but it’s stuff like this that keeps me up at night.
But that wasn’t even the highlight of the trip. I now present to you the ultimate piece of Disney Outlet Merchandise. An item that combines almost every element that leads to being almost unsellable to a human being. Please pay your respects to the runDisney “medal” for your Disney vinylmation.
It may ring up as 99 cents at the register, but it’s priceless to our soul.
There are actually two Disney outlet stores in Orlando. Both are in Orlando Premium Outlet shopping complexes, and they are called Disney’s Character Warehouse, presumably because The Land Of Misfit Toys was already trademarked. There is one Character Warehouse located on International Drive close to Universal Studios (4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819), and the other is on Vineland Avenue, right across I-4 near the exits to Disney World (8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821). For this edition of MMM, we went to the location near Disney.
Previous editions of Magic, Memories and Merch: July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, & February 2014.
If you liked what you read here, you may enjoy THE SATURDAY SIX articles every week on the TouringPlans.com blog, as well as the Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast.
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! March 2014 Photo Report of the Disney Outlet Store is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
SATURDAY SIX: Six Reasons We Love Epcot’s 2014 Flower & Garden Festival
By Derek Burgan
Peter Pan and Hook topiaries at Flower & Garden
(photo by Brandon Glover)
This week’s SATURDAY SIX covers Six Reasons We Love Epcot’s 2014 Flower and Garden Festival. While there are a lot of annual events in Orlando that are near and dear to us for varying reasons (the wild party atmosphere of Mardi Gras, the scares of Halloween Horror Nights, the incredible parade and fireworks of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the food and, uh, wine of Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival), one event stands out from all the rest because it stresses the fact that we should - literally - stop and smell the roses.
That’s right, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is back, and this year just may be the best yet. What really makes Flower & Garden special is how amazing it is just to walk around Epcot and take it all in. Most events in theme parks are limited in the size and scope of their overall effect on the individual park, but you can see the beauty and tranquility of Flower & Garden everywhere you go.
This week’s Saturday Six is going to look at six of our favorite parts of this year’s festival, and we’re going to start with one of our favorite subjects: food.
# 6 – The Outdoor Kitchens
Beijing-Style Candied Strawberries, Lotus House ($4.25)
Frushi, Hanami ($4.50)
The Outdoor Kitchens made their debut at last year’s Flower & Garden and bring a little bit of the Food & Wine dynamic to the festival. What they don’t bring with them are the outrageously long lines from Food & Wine, allowing you to sample various food and drinks from throughout World Showcase with very little wait. The Outdoor Kitchens are also very vegetarian and vegan friendly, something that can’t be said about Epcot’s fall classic.
Frushi made its return at Hanami (Outdoor Kitchen located in Japan) and is one of those items (like Twisted Taters at Universal) that needs to be featured year round. It’s unique, delicious, and can be used as a sort of gateway drug to get picky eaters (or kids) to try new foods. There are still many items that involve meat including the Pulled Pork Slider and Smoked Turkey “Rib” at the Smokehouse, and even the Piggylicious cupcake, which includes bacon within the cupcake batter itself.
Tequila Flight, Mexico ($12.50)
With the current state of Epcot being as it is, you’re probably going to want to have an adult beverage while you walk around and Outdoor Kitchens have you covered. While not technically a drink, the Don’t-Call-It-A-Dole-Whip Pineapple Soft-serve with rum is almost a rite of passage. Afterwards you’ll wonder two things: 1) why aren’t they serving Dole Whips with booze in the Magic Kingdom? and 2) could they possibly make these cups any smaller?
Highlights include the Kung-Fu Punch at the Lotus House and the Kronenbourg Blanc at Fleur de Lys (which I also got at the Be Our Guest restaurant), but as person who generally finds myself just getting Miller Lite on draft when I go out to the sports bars, I found myself more than satisfied with the Magic Hat #9 and Fat Tire craft beers found at the Smokehouse. Be prepared; while there are some tremendous values in the food items, you are more than likely to encounter some “sticker shock” at the price of some of the drinks, especially when you see the size of the cups.
# 5 – The Garden Passport
The Garden Passport not only tells you everything you need to know about what’s going at the Flower & Garden Festival, but it has a checklist of every single food and beverage item, and you can get it stamped like a regular passport at various places throughout Epcot. Pick one up at Guest Services, the Festival Center,or any of the Outdoor Kitchens. It’s like Wilderness Explorers at Animal Kingdom for adults.
# 4 – Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House
Walking through Tinker Bell’s Butterfly House is the best relaxation technique there is. Topiaries, glass sculptures, flowers, and thousands of butterflies. Just the thing you need to bring down your blood pressure after realizing your only FastPass+ options are for the Character Spot, Captain EO, and the Seas with Nemo and Friends.
# 3 – All the Additions Throughout Epcot
A miniature Mater topiary added Germany’s village display
Epcot is neck and neck with the Magic Kingdom as the best park to just walk around in, and Flower & Garden makes it even better. Everywhere you go there are little touches that make the park different from how it is on any other day of the year. One of our only complaints about the hard ticket events at Magic Kingdom is that pretty much only Main Street, U.S.A., is elaborately decorated, but you will find evidence of Flower & Garden throughout the entirety of Epcot. This is the Disney Difference.
# 2 – The Concerts
The Artists Formerly Known as ELO
The Flower Power Concert Series may not have artists who are currently on the Billboard charts, but you are going to recognize the music being played. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the America Gardens Theatre you’ll find a classic music act rocking out.
# 1 – The Topiaries
Cogsworth and Lumiere
One of the most well known aspects of the Flower & Garden Festival is the display of amazing topiaries throughout the park, and this year it has been taken to the next level as many of these amazing creations have been given life-like faces to make them really stand out.
Louis (from Princess and the Frog)
From returning favorites like Mickey Mouse, Lightning McQueen, and Goofy to new additions for the Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, there are almost 100 topiaries across the park that will have you wondering how-did-they-do-that?! The Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs topiaries have become almost jaw-droopingly good with the added detail.
Lightning McQueen
So there you have it: Six Reasons We Love Epcot’s 2014 Flower & Garden Festival, but this article barley scratches the surface of everything that the festival brings to the table. At the festival center there is so much to see and do, including seminars with celebrities from HGTV. There is one Outdoor Kitchen (“Urban Eats”) that focuses on sustainably farmed foods and another - ”Florida Fresh” – that brings a little bit of local flavor to Epcot. Anything that brings more Florida to the parks is a good thing. See you next weekend for the latest edition of the Saturday Six, where we will look at Universal’s new Cabana Bay Beach Resort. If you had fun, be sure to check out The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! articles or, for your listening pleasure, check out Pardon the Pixie Dust podcast.
Special thanks to Disney Blogger Extraordinaire Morgan Crutchfield and Brandon Glover for their assistance with this article. In fact, Morgan put together an amazing “MagMini” dedicated to Flower & Garden which you can check out by clicking this link.
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
SATURDAY SIX: Six Reasons We Love Epcot’s 2014 Flower & Garden Festival is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
March 28, 2014
Photos: Disneyland’s Springtime Roundup Brings Easter Bunny and More to Big Thunder Ranch
Bunnies have invaded Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree. Now through April 20 guests can experience the Springtime Roundup by meeting several Disney bunnies and taking part in some arts and crafts. The characters currently meeting are Mickey & Minnie (in spring outfits), Pluto in bunny ears, Thumper, White Rabbit, Brer Rabbit, and the Easter Bunny. Springtime Roundup is open 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM Sunday through Friday, and 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays.
Mickey and Minnie in their Springtime outfits.
More pictures after the jump:
Welcome to Big Thunder Ranch!
Each set of characters has its own backdrop and queue where guests line up.
Disney’s description of these folks: “Also several times each day, an energetic country band takes the stage, as a group of dancing cowboys and cowgirls come together for a lively hoedown and ‘bunny hop’ that will get you off your feet and joining right in!”
The performers give a lot of energy and will interact with everyone in the crowd.
The Easter Bunny
White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland
Brer Rabbit from Song of the South
Pluto with bunny ears.
Thumper from Bambie
Besides the character meet and greets, there is also a station where artists paint Easter eggs themed after Disney, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. There is a similar station like this during Halloween where carvers create Disney-themed pumpkins. New eggs will be created every day, so be sure to check back every week for new art. 
There is also a merchandise cart, but the only new item I noticed was this limited edition Oswald pin.
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
Photos: Disneyland’s Springtime Roundup Brings Easter Bunny and More to Big Thunder Ranch is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of March 28, 2014
Have you been dreaming, maybe fantasizing, about all the magic and wonder that would take place while you plan your itinerary for a potential Disney Cruise? With the announcement of the Summer 2015 dates, it’s certainly easy to do! (I am!) So, while you were busy yearning about sitting on the beach somewhere, I thought I’d share some other news and fun you may have missed. Enjoy!
In Case You Missed It – Disney News and Rumors
Have you wondered what old school Frontierland used to look like at Disneyland? These photos give us all a glimpse!
Are you ready for a good laugh? Watch as comic Greg Benson cell phone crashes other guests at Disneyland.
We know that Disney Springs (Downtown Disney’s new name when the refurbishment is all over) will house quite a few new shops and restaurants. According to the Orlando Business Journal, one new restaurant appears to be from the Patina Restaurant Group, which is also behind the best pizza in all of Walt Disney World at Via Napoli. It will be interesting to see what they come up with!
If you’ve been on Facebook recently, you may have noticed that there are some impostor Facebook pages going around, masquerading as real companies. This video report shows people how to become more aware. (I know I’ve come quite close to falling for these scams before.)
You have to love technology, because thanks to it, Disney has released a new Smart TV app that will let potential guests use their remote controls in order to research vacations at Disney theme parks and hotels and on Disney Cruise Line and Adventures By Disney. Read on to learn more about how it will work.
An interesting acquisition occurred for Disney this week, when it purchased the YouTube network Maker Studios. The deal will make Disney a major online video distributor. This article shares more. It’s fascinating to watch all the acquisitions that Disney has made ever since Bob Iger took over as CEO.
Speaking of Iger and his legacy, it’s general knowledge that he’s set to step down in June of 2016. But the question is: who exactly will take his place? Anyone who takes over will have certainly have big shoes to fill. This is a great article from Time that I think we all should read. It will be intriguing to see who ends up taking the coveted position in the company.
I love Samantha Brown. Have ever since her Travel Channel days! Because of her previous hosting duties, she obviously is a pro at traveling around airports. She recently shared her “Airport Survival Guide.” I have to tell you, as someone who also loves airports and has been in a few of the situations she’s mentioned, these tips are great. (That first one, leave plenty of time, seems so simple, but I learned it the hard way a few months back, when I checked-in less than 45 minutes prior to my flight and just made it on the plane! Panic ensued the whole time!)
In Case We Missed It
What did we miss? Send your idea attached to this Minnie Mouse Swim Bag (I’m getting ready for my cruise!) and send both to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.
• Facebook • Twitter • Google Plus • Pinterest
In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of March 28, 2014 is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.
Bob Sehlinger's Blog
- Bob Sehlinger's profile
- 30 followers
