Bob Sehlinger's Blog, page 1251

Walt Disney World To Increase Ticket Prices On Sunday

By Rikki Niblett

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For the second time in less than a year, Walt Disney World is increasing the price of its single day tickets.

According to an article in the Orlando Sentinel, on Sunday, February 22, Disney will increase the price of Magic Kingdom park tickets to just under the $100 mark: single day tickets for those ages 10 and up will cost $99. This is an increase of $4.

In continuing with a precedent set during the last ticket increase, park admission for Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will cost just a little less. Single day tickets for those three parks will cost $94 for ages 10 and up. Again, an increase of $4.

As of right now, the ticket increase appears to only be for single day tickets. The most recent ticket price increase occurred in June 2013.

For a full listing of Disney ticket prices, go to www.disneyworld.com/tickets. And remember that our Price Comparison Tool can help you find the least expensive tickets for your needs (although you will not find much in the way of discounts on one-day tickets).

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SATURDAY SIX: Six Reasons To Check Out Universal’s Mardi Gras 2014

By Derek Burgan

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This week’s SATURDAY SIX covers Six Reasons To Check Out Universal’s Mardi Gras Grand Celebration. The Universal Orlando Resort knows how to throw a party and Mardi Gras is their wildest celebration of the year. Universal’s Mardi Gras brings in big name musical acts, authentic New Orleans food, and a party atmosphere like no other and on top of it all the price is included in the price of regular admission.  If you need more reasons than that to attend, here are an additional six.

Please remember to click on any picture to see the full size version.

Daughtry (photo courtesy of Chad Evetts)

# 6 – The Concerts

The music acts that Universal books for the Mardi Gras Grand Celebration are second-to-none in the theme park concert world.  While the Epcot Flower Power series of concerts will be featuring acts like Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Village People and Chubby Checker – people  you may have literally heard a thousand times before – this year’s Mardi Gras concert lineup includes a mix of classic and contemporary artists. Daughtry, Barenaked Ladies, Weezer and The Roots are just a few of the musical acts that will be headlining this year’s event. There’s also country stars like Gavin Degraw, classic rock groups like Foreigner and Lynyrd Skynryd, and even a Christian rock band with Skillet. Whether it’s Nelly, Collective Soul, or Huey Lewis and the News, you can pretty much count on Universal delivering an act you want to see perform.

More Daughtry at Universal Studios Florida

As we just found out with Robin Thicke, all concerts are subject to change. You can find the full list of Mardi Gras featured artists and the dates they are playing at Seth Kubersky’s Complete Guide To Mardi Gras 2014. Some of the more well known acts can draw pretty big crowds, and it’s not unusual to see people lining up at the Music Plaza for the concerts just after rope drop, despite the concerts themselves not taking place until around 8PM.

A much more sane idea is to enjoy your day at Universal Studios Florida and then plan on enjoying the concert farther back in the New York area of the park. There will be large video screens set up for  you to see the artists and you’ll also have much easier access to the New Orleans style food and drink options.

 

 

 

Limited Edition Mardi Gras 2014 pin

# 5 – The Merchandise

Since the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2010, the quality of Universal’s merchandise has skyrocketed faster than the resort’s attendance. Mardi Gras continues the trend with some really interesting and unique items. The main design, which you will find featured on shirts and pins, is almost reminiscent of a steampunk version of Epcot’s Dreamfinder character. Another great idea was using the Minions from Despicable Me in some of the products with the phrase “Minion Mania.” Mardi Gras celebrations are known for beads and you will find a large assortment of beads to wear or giveaway at a relatively inexpensive price of 3 for $10, all of which contain the official Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold (these colors represent justice, faith, and power.)

My favorite piece of merch this year was the Mardi Gras themed mason jar cup. It’s only drawback was that it was made in hard plastic and not glass like the “toothpick holders” and hurricane style glasses. I was disappointed that they did not release a new Uni-Mini figure as the one released for last year’s Mardi Gras event was fantastic and the Jack the Clown Uni-Mini for Halloween Horror Nights 2013 was even better. It also wouldn’t have hurt to include some Mardi Gras themed merchandise as prizes for the Games of Skill, especially the temporary ones put up in the KidZone area of the park (they have regular Minion plush as prizes).

Mardi Gras 2014 merchandise

 

# 4 – The Atmosphere Around the Park

If you like to see characters walking around on stilts, Universal is already the place for you, but Mardi Gras takes it up to an “11″ with a whole slew of new characters out and about interacting with guests. Traditional Louisiana Creole cajun zydeco and blues music can be heard while the bright colors will immerse you in the party setting. Street performers are everywhere and more than willing to pose for a picture. When you walk into Mardi Gras, everything feels different and there is so much more than your average day at USF.

Soul Project

 # 3 The French Quarter Courtyard

The French Quarter Courtyard is  your hub for Mardi Gras and you will find a lot of activity in this area. With walk-around characters, larger-than-life props, food, drink and live music, the Courtyard is your best chance to get a taste of the Big Easy without traveling to New Orleans itself.  The courtyard opens at 4PM each night of Mardi Gras and a temporary stage as been set up at one end that featuring bands from Louisiana and playing authentic blues and Zydeco music.

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment and pour our a glass of VooDoo Juice for a member of the Courtyard experience that is no longer with us. The popular Fried Peanut Butter, Jelly and Banana sandwich is nowhere to be found this year, and I’m 100% behind whoever wants to start up a Change.org petition to bring it back.

# 2 – The Food

Foodies rejoice! Mardi Gras is destination dining for those of us that love to eat at theme parks as Universal delivers a whole bunch of New Orleans–style eats. Jambalaya, Shrimp Gumbo, Andouille Sausage Po’Boys and Red Beans & Rice are some of the selections you can order but our favorites are in the area of snacks. Beignets,  fried dough sticks, and the King Cake are brought out for Mardi Gras and all three should be on your list of must try desserts. All the various food options during Mardi Gras make the event like a mini-version of Epcot’s Food & Wine festival and allows us the opportunity to eat favorites such as Twister Taters, Muffuletta sandwiches and Fried Sweet Potato Chips.

King Gator

# 1 – The Parade

There are very few parades that have the “Wow” factor. Most are pleasant distractions, but very few are interesting enough to have you really looking forward to the next float. When the theme parks deliver us a great parade, like Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade, it can become something you want to base you’re entire park day around. The Mardi Gras show is that type of parade and is something you need to see. The traditional floats like King Gator, the Jester, and the Riverboat are wonderful to see each and every year. Each year Universal also has a new theme and creates new floats to go along with it. This year’s theme being based around Jules Verne’s classic tale of adventure, Around the World in 80 Days. Similar to the exotic nature of the walk around characters we wrote about earlier, the floats themselves evoke a sense of exploration to foreign lands.

Of course, this being Mardi Gras, people on the floats are throwing out beads to guests on the street. I have had many arguments with people on how getting candy at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a waste of time as you could just buy your own candy cheaper at a store, but it’s just plain fun to trick or treat at Disney and it’s just as fun to catch cheap beads thrown at you from a float.

It can be even more fun to throw beads from the floats and Universal has a current promotion with American Express that offers guests the opportunity to ride a float. Even if you do not have an American Express card you can always go to the parade float sign up area (located in the KidZone area of the park) about 1 1/2 – 2 hours before the parade to see if they are accepting volunteers. Annual Passholders can also sign up online.

Universal’s Mardi Gras Grand Celebration takes place on selected nights in February through May.

Friday Nights: March 14, 21, 28

Saturday Nights: February 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19; May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Sunday Night: February 16

Thee is no special ticket needed as the celebration is included with your regular park ticket. More information can be found at UniversalOrlando.com

So there you have it: Six Reasons To Check Out Universal’s Mardi Gras 2014. See you next weekend for the latest edition of the Saturday Six where we just may take a closer look at some of the food options available at Mardi Gras. 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 Chad Evetts, Disney Blogger extraordinaire Morgan Crutchfield and Universal NOW!’s Brandon Glover for their assistance with this article.

 

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Robin Thicke cancels Saturday’s concert at Universal’s Mardi Gras Celebration

By Derek Burgan

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The Universal Orlando Resort is reporting that pop singer Robin Thicke has canceled his scheduled performance at Universal’s Mardi Gras on Saturday, February 22nd but has agreed to reschedule for a future date. The Mardi Gras grand celebration on Saturday will continue as scheduled at Universal Studios Florida with Mardi Gras themed food (including beignets and the King Cake) available in the French Quarter Courtyard, a performance by an authentic New Orleans band, and the must-see parade.

 “I never want to let down my fans but I have unfortunately lost my voice and cannot perform tomorrow night. I have been looking forward to going to Universal Studios in Orlando, and am very sorry that my concert there tomorrow now has to be canceled. I apologize to everyone.” – Robin Thicke

Thicke, known for the popular song Blurred Lines, also canceled a performance in Atlanta that was scheduled for tonight. It is unknown at this time whether or not Thicke will return during this year’s Mardi Gras event as the rest of the dates are already booked up with music acts including Weezer, Nelly, and Huey Lewis and the News.

Concerts on the main stage will continue on Saturday, March 1st at Universal with Collective Soul being the featured act.

CLICK HERE for Seth Kubersky’s Complete Guide to Universal’s Mardi Gras 2014 and be sure to check back tomorrow as the SATURDAY SIX will also be covering the event.

 

 

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In Case You Missed It: Disney News and Rumors – Week of February 21, 2014

By TouringPlans.com

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Hi friends! We made it the the end of yet another week! While you were busy toiling away, I was finding this week’s best Disney news! What did I find? Read to find out!

In Case You Missed It – Disney News and Rumors

Did you ever wonder what happens to some of the food and liquid waste from Walt Disney World? It turns out, we’re riding Space Mountain and Soarin’ because of it! In this interesting article that was published in the Orlando Sentinel,, they share that one plant is taking Disney’s waste and turning it into electricity. Well, I can say that certainly learned something today!

Got a Disney Cruise planned for this year? Well, here are seven things you may not have known about DCL.

This amazing video has been making the rounds, so I’m sure you may have seen it, but in case you haven’t, you NEED to check out this fantastic version of “Let It Go”. It’s an Africanized Version of the song and it sent chills down my spine. Lexi Walker has an incredible voice…just wow.

Speaking of Frozen, this week, Disney Insider released footage of what was originally supposed to be the first meeting of Anna and Kristoff. It’s a cute little exchange, and it’s all done via preliminary sketches.

Wocka Wocka! Muppets Most Wanted is coming to theaters in one month, and you should see the movie in style! By making and wearing Fozzie Bear ears! Such an easy way for your family to show your Muppet love! How cute are these?

This week, on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the world premiere trailer for “Guardians of the Galaxy” was released. Take a look at it. What do you think?

Looking for a fun game to play during family game night? Check out the 25 Awesome Family Games that are all themed around Disney characters! (I seriously need Tower of Terror Clue.)

Do you have Olympic fever? The folks a Mashable take a look at some eerie similarities between Disney movies and the opening ceremonies! My favorite would have to be the Cinderella Carriage one. Also, make sure to check out this older article (but still super interesting) about Walt Disney and his involvement in the 1960 Olympics.

I’m a fan of stupid humor…and let me tell you…this is at the top of the list. Oh so stupid, but oh so funny. Check out “These Brilliant Snapchat Stories About Disney Princesses’ Secret Lives”

 

In Case We Missed It

What did we miss? Send your idea attached to this Disney Stainless Steel Heart Bead Charm 2 Stoppers Starter Bracelet and send both to blog@touringplans.com with the words “In Case You Missed It” in the subject line.

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Get Your St. Patrick’s Day On at Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World

By Rikki Niblett

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We are less than one month away from St. Patrick’s Day, and Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World is getting ready to celebrate it up big! The full celebration will take place from March 7 – 17, with the main focus obviously being on the weekend of March 15 – 17.

The main celebration will take place at Raglan Road, the Irish pub and restaurant found in the Pleasure Island section of Downtown Disney. The dining establishment invites guests to take part in the “Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival.” Here, guests will be able to enjoy live bands, partake in Irish dancing known as Céilí, get their face painted, and more!

Highlights of the celebrations at Raglan Road will include:

 

©Disney

Performances by The Willis Clan, Elevation, Goitse, Three Dollar Band, We Banjo 3, The Raglan Rebels, The Brazen Heads and Raglan Road house bands Creel and The West Coast Trio
The Raglan Road Dancers, performing daily
Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, leading Irish Dance Workshops “From Roots to Riverdance”
Ceili traditional music and structured set-dancing event, during which host Ronan McCormack invites guest participation

 

The talented band performances will take place nightly from March 7-14 starting at 5 p.m. and lasting until 1:00 a.m. On March 15-17, the party starts daily at 12 p.m. and lasts until 1 a.m. March 15-17. Stages will be located both indoors and outdoors. Showtimes for the events are:

©Raglan Road

 

Raglan Road has released all the details of the artists performing on their website, if you want to find out more. There are some incredible talented performers that will be on hand celebrating the holiday.

©Raglan Road

Of course, additional activities will be set up all around the area, including more than 50 musicians and dancers, face painting, stilt walkers, living statues and giveaways.

For the kids this year there will be the Muppets Mighty Family Zone on the West Side. This new offering will be where guests can snag a photo with Kermit, learn how to draw everyone’s favorite frog, take part in games and DJ dance parties, and more. Also, be sure to look down as the pathways of the Downtown Disney area will feature talented chalk artists transforming the sidewalks with Muppet characters all in tribute to the upcoming release of Muppets Most Wanted. In addition, at the AMC Downtown Disney 24 Dine-In Theatres, they will be showing The Muppets and during the screenings, it will include a 7-minute sneak peak of the upcoming film Muppets Most Wanted.

It will be St. Patrick’s Day, so you’ve got to eat something fitting right? Plenty of restaurants at Downtown Disney will be offering up special delights.

©Disney

Raglan Road will be serving up traditional Irish flavors, thanks to Master Chef Kevin Dundon, with dishes available like loin of bacon and cabbage, and guests will find a hearty selection of beers on tap.

Do keep in mind that on St. Patrick’s Day, guests who wish to visit Raglan Road will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, there will be a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. Reservations will be able to be booked for other festival days by calling (407) 938-0300.

Also, the Food Trucks will be on hand to serve a delicious St. Paddy’s Day themed cupcake and the World Showcase of Flavors truck will be serving the delicious Fisherman’s Pie from the Ireland booth that’s found at Epcot’s International Food and and Wine Festival.

The remaining list of restaurants participating in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities are:

Paradiso 37 – try popular treats and Irish cocktails, like the specialty beverage known as The Giant Leprechaun.
Planet Hollywood – will feature festive options and select specialty drinks.
Bongos – will serve seasonal food and beverage items including Havana-inspired offerings.
T-REX – serving featured food items and specialty beverages like the Candy Apple Cotton-Tini.
Portobello – you can enjoy a Fiddler’s Dream—mixed with Jameson honey simple syrup, Fever Tree ginger beer and a splash of lemonade.
Fulton’s Crab House – serving a specialty drink known as Limey Leprechaun, which includes Cuervo Gold, Midori, pineapple juice, sour mix and ice.
Wolfgang Puck Café – will be kicking off the festivities with Shamrock Martinis, mixed with Midori, green crème de menthe, ice cream and a chocolate swirl!
Forty Thirst Street – fill up your mug with delicious Irish Coffee.

So make sure to don your green (unless you want to get pinched!) The big question however is: do you have the luck of the Irish?

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Star Wars Weekends Adds Fifth Weekend and Additional News

By Rikki Niblett

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©Disney

Star Wars Weekends is a fantastic event for the Star Wars lover in your family and this year, you will have FIVE chances to experience the power of the Dark Side. That’s right. Just announced on the Disney Parks Blog today, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be home to an additional weekend of Star Wars fun. (The previous weekends had been announced in December.) Star Wars Weekends (all are Friday through Sunday) for 2014 are:

May 16 – 18
May 23 – 25
May 30 – June 1
June 6 – 8
New – June 13 – 15

During Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios, guests can take part in special meet-and-greet opportunities with Star Wars celebrities, meet with characters who were in the film (like Princess Leia and Darth Vader), take in special presentations, enjoy a special parade, and purchase one of a kind merchandise.

The theme for 2014′s Star Wars Weekends is: Join The Rebellion.

This year, there will also be a fireworks show! It will be the “Symphony in the Stars” fireworks spectacular, and the show will feature Star Wars music and will be performed each night of Star Wars Weekends.  (Likely the same show that was shown for Limited Time Magic on May 4, 2013.)

Update:  Of course, with additions, it appears that the infamous Hyperspace Hoopla, a nightly dance off between Star Wars characters, will no longer take place.  Here’s a video from last year, so you can see what it was about.  Instead, there will now be a nightly curtain call moment featuring the Star Wars characters.

Also announced, James Arnold Taylor will be back, yet again, as the Host for all five Star Wars Weekends. He is a talented voice actor who is the voice of hundreds of animated characters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi on Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He usually gives an incredible presentation at the Premiere Theater, so I cannot wait to see what this year has in store for us.

It looks like it’s shaping up to be an intriguing Star Wars Weekends already, and we’re just getting started!

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15 Iconic Photos You Must Take At Disney World

By Erin Foster

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I’ve seen several sources estimate that about 4% of all amateur photography in the United States happens at the Disney parks. If you’re planning a visit to Disney World, there’s a good chance that you’ll contribute to that number. While the possibilities for great shots at Disney are nearly endless, there are some classic pictures you’re all but obligated to take. These are the Kodak Nikon moments that will show future generations that you did Disney right. Here are my votes for the top 15:

1. Weenie in the background. Walt himself called the big landmark that draws you into the park the “weenie.” At Walt Disney World, these are: the castle in the Magic Kingdom, Spaceship Earth at Epcot, the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom, and (for now) the Sorcer’s Hat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You are 100% obligated to take a photo in front of each weenie.

2. Posing with Mickey. You may be the person who gets a photo with absolutely every character know to man or mouse, but if you don’t get a shot with the Big Cheese, then you’re not doing gouda-nough. P.S. You are never too old to get a hug from Mickey.

3. Magic Kingdom Liberty Square pillory. I’m not sure why it’s so amusing to imagine your family members imprisoned in a public square, but it gets a giggle every time.

4. Flying on Dumbo. Flying elephant? Photo or it didn’t happen.

5. Oversized sombrero at Epcot’s Mexico. You’ll want to get shots of many other silly hats as well, but the sombrero is key. I’ve never seen anyone buy one, I assume that they’re only there for the photo op.

6. Slaying the troll in the Epcot Norway gift shop. They put the faux weapon display right next to the giant troll statue. The combination is inevitable.

7. Cleaning up the Kitchen Sink at the Beach Club’s Beaches & Cream restaurant. It contains an entire can of whipped cream and it’s served in a sink-shaped vessel. Don’t have to eat the whole thing, but it’s a cute photo if you pretend that you did.

8. The turkey leg. The smaller the kid, the better the photo. (Look Ma, the turkey’s bigger than little Billy’s head.) Here again, you don’t necessarily have to eat it, but you do have to pose with it.

9. Tasting Beverly. Beverly is the Italian representative at Epcot’s Club Cool free international beverage dispensary. Nearly everyone (at least everyone raised with a typical American diet) finds it revoltingly bitter. Feed it to an unsuspecting victim and be sure to have your camera ready to capture the grimace. Consumption is mandatory on this one.

10. Getting soaked. The attraction cameras at Splash Mountain can sometimes capture a mid-ride drenching, but if you want to have an up close and personal shot of your family members wetter than Nemo, head on over to Kali River Rapids at the Animal Kingdom. Even a poncho won’t protect you.

11. Exhausted kids. Walking around Disney can take a lot out of a young kid (or a middle aged dad). Be sure to snap a photo when they pass out on the first moving vehicle they encounter.

12. Your future on Spaceship Earth. The back end of Epcot’s Spaceship Earth features a personalized video of what your life might be like in the future. Better save the image for 20 or 30 years to see if they were right.

13. Dress-up. With the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Pirates League, Face Painting, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, chances are someone in your group is going to go into dress-up mode at some point.

14. 3-D glasses. If you’re wearing 3-D glasses, then you’re having a good time.

15. A family reenactment. Disney theme parks have been around long enough now so that generations of people who visited as children have now returned as adults, often with kids of their own. If you’re in this category, consider reenacting an old family photo, either with the same people or with the next generation. Character and weenie photos work particularly well for these purposes.

The first photo below is of my husband with Pooh at age five and then at significantly more than age five. The second is of my husband as a child with Goofy and then our daughter with Goofy. Sing with me now … It’s the Circle of Liiiiife ….

Bonus photo. I had initially wanted to include a photo of PUSH the talking waste bin in this list, but it appears that PUSH has been junked. Farewell my trashy friend.

Have you taken all these photos during your Disney vacations? Do you have any suggestions for alternatives? Is there anything more iconic that these shots? What am I missing? Let us know in the comments below.

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AT&T is Mobilizing Magic to Make Connecting Easier at the Disney Parks

By Rikki Niblett

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For those who are AT&T customers and are visiting either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort in the near future, you’ll be seeing better cell phone coverage, more reliability, and faster data.

You see, AT&T recently signed a deal with Disney to become the official Wireless Sponsor for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts, and we are now seeing some of the components of this partnership coming to life.

To create a better experience for guests, AT&T has deployed more than 350 small cells, which are used instead of the big towers, as the small cells can be placed in more locations, can be obscure, and are more compact. Currently, the coverage has been better for offices, administrative areas, and the utilidor tunnels that are used by cast members. AT&T has also applied specialty network solutions to all the Disney theme parks, as well as the Disney Vacation Club resorts found in the United States.

The work is not done yet, as more cells are set to be installed at Walt Disney World in the near future.

An additional feature of the AT&T partnership is that AT&T is the official sponsor of the My Disney Experience app.

For more information, and to see a short video, make sure to visit AT&T’s website.

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Science Thrills Live Presented by Raytheon Plays All Week at Epcot’s Innoventions West!

By Morgan Crutchfield

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It’s a mad scientist’s lab explained in the Innoventions Engineers Lab at Epcot’s Innoventions West pavilion! Presented by Raytheon, Science Thrills Live is a twenty-minute show that celebrates National Engineers Week by demonstrating some everyday scientific reactions in a fun and engaging way.

 

A team of scientists including chemists, physicists, and astronomers, led by Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle of Science from Scientists , takes the audience through three different experiments full of popping, bubbling reactions and caps off the show with a pair of impressive diet soda fountains. The reactions taking place are explained in basic language and pictures so that the kids in the audience really become engaged. The presenting scientists do a great job of keeping the show moving and background music from Meet the Robinsons doesn’t hurt the experience at all.

Dr. Erika Ebbel Angle of Science from Scientists at #ScienceThrillsLive presented by Raytheon

Science Thrills live shows daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. through Friday, February 21. Don’t let the lines scare you; the FastPass+ kiosk line runs right by the attraction and makes it look like you’re going to be waiting forever. Each guest gets a free cinch sack backpack, and there are live demonstrations throughout the pavilion of everyday science that might surprise you. Oh, and don’t forget to get a glimpse at Dr. Erika’s tiara. She’s a real-life princess, having won Miss Massachusetts before going on to obtain her Ph.D. in Biochemistry.

Can’t get to Walt Disney World this week? Check out the full video of Science Thrills Live here:

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A Trip Around The World: France

By Daisy Lauren

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Bonjour, mes amours – and welcome to France! I hope you’re ready for one of the most beautiful lands around the entire World Showcase. The day I went for photos was just perfect. The weather was crisp and sunny and the crowds weren’t too bad. I could almost hear the soft music from France before I crossed over from Morocco. When coming from this direction the first thing you will see on your left is Les Chefs de France. I haven’t eaten here in ages! Does anyone love it or hate it? I’d love to hear in the comments below.

When entering France on your right you will see Crepes des Chefs de France. It’s just a little cart, but the crepes are yummy. We pop by this cart pretty often. It’s sort of like a year round Food & Wine Festival cart.

Next door is Les Vins des Chefs de France, home of the world famous Grand Marnier & Grey Goose Orange Slush! Be careful, though. There are no snacks served here so be sure you don’t go on an empty stomach.

Just next to these two permanent carts is a little section for outdoor artists. Under the umbrellas you can find caricature artists and other portrait artists. There’s also a cart for custom, hand painted umbrellas. (Am I the only adult that really wants to buy one of these umbrellas? I know I have no use for it. I know they are supposed to be for kids. But the temptation is always there. Tell me I’m not alone!)

Moving along if you glance back to your left you’ll see another, pretty much identical, entrance to Les Chefs de France. However, if you take a glance to the right of the photo below you can see more of France sneaking in frame.

And here is the full view looking back into the pavilion. On the right and left are some lovely shops that we’ll take a look at. Just ahead is Impressions de France. If you look towards the middle of the photo you’ll get a little peek at the Eiffel Tower. While this is a major landmark for the pavilion it’s a little tough to see when you’re actually in the area.

Continuing towards the left there’s another little alcove just behind Les Chefs de France. If you turn that way you will find the entrance to Monsieur Paul. It’s tucked around the corner so I would bet people miss it when they’re just touring casually.

Here’s the view down this little alcove when you’re standing at the entrance to Monsieur Paul. To the left is an amazing ice cream shop, L’Artisan des Glaces Artisan Ice Cream & Sorbet! Straight ahead is Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie, a gift shop and bakery. On the right are a couple shops that connect back over to the main area. Though I wrote down the shop names, I’ll spare you all that French!

Here is a closer look at the sign for the ice cream shop. There are also some custom painted windows. It’s an adorable little spot and the treats are to die for! This is a must hit spot on a hot, summer day.

Below if a shot from inside the gift shop side of Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie. I have to say – this was one thing that really burned me. All the things in the photo below are the exact same things sold at Disneyland Paris! (Instead of printing “Disneyland” Paris they print “Epcot World Showcase” Paris.) I’ve always complained about lack of unique merchandise between the US parks but I was shocked to find this! Of course, the cast member said in her 10 months working in the shop I was the first person to ever notice. So maybe I’m just not Disney’s target market. Of course, I’d be willing to call it even if they’d just bring some Shellie May to Japan!

Here is another look at the gift shop. It’s a lovely, wide open area.

Below is looking in the the quick service dining location that opens early. I was there a little after 10am and this place was already bustling. I’m sure the cast members directing folks that the “French Bakery” was open didn’t hurt business. In the mornings before 11am you’re able to walk from Canada to France without being stopped but this is the only spot I found open.

Here is a look at the seating area for the restaurant with the gift shop in the distance. It’s a little embarrassing, but I was standing at the entrance to a restroom to get this shot! I bring it up because this bathroom is pretty well hidden and the sign is in French. I think most people think it is just there for decoration. If you’re in need of facilities I normally skip the very busy (and always messy) restrooms in Morocco in favor of these.

If you exit this building and head back towards Monsieur Paul, you’ll see there are little shops on your right. Below is a look at the one closest to the Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie exit. The store contains mostly home goods and decorations. The shops are all open and connected to one another.

Moving on the shops take on a wine theme. At the other end of the store is this impressive wine cellar.

There’s also a bar available where you can try samples for a fee. Unlike other lands around the world, France has loads of seating. There are little tables tucked all over the place and benches just about everywhere they could fit one. It would be the perfect spot to grab a glass and wonder until you find a little spot to enjoy.

One detail I wanted to share are these neat light fixtures found throughout this shop. They remind me a lot of the ones I saw in Disneyland Paris.

Upon exiting this shop on the other side you’ll notice a very clear sign! Where we entered there are several different names scrawled onto decorative awnings. I suppose on this side where there is more traffic they want to be clear there is wine available!

So when we went through the gift shop we exited the alcove on the left and entered back into the main pavilion. Just next to the wine shop is Impressions de France. This is a film and the main attraction of France. There is almost never a wait for this one and the air conditioning is great on a hot day. If you’re planning on watching it I would recommend seeing the movie first then exploring the pavilion. It gives you a greater appreciation for everything else you’ll see.

Here’s a quick look inside the waiting area for Impressions de France. It almost feels like you’re outside looking in at the various windows that display information about Parisian landmarks.

Featured prominently is a reproduction of The Spitting Gargoyle. This was made from direct castings of the original from the Cathedral of Notre Dame. This figure was the inspiration for Laverne in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Next we explore the last little section of France. Below you’ll see the building which attaches to Impressions de France on the right. These shops are for the ladies with selections that include makeup, scarfs, purses, and other accessories. This is also where you can find all the amazing French perfume!

This area is a little confused so I didn’t include shop names. There seems to be some signs left over from when Beauty and the Beast were meeting in this area. But that doesn’t detract at all from what is inside. Check out these beautiful scarfs! There are lots more accessories in this lovely shop. The decor is rich woods with red curtains.

I mention the decor because just across a small outdoor walkway is this light, airy shop. This store is just full of high end cosmetics. I used to joke when we were still vacationing here that if I forgot my mascara I could just pick some up in France. Now I wish I had!

Below is a shot of not even half the perfume testers out in this shop. I included this to show you just how many there are available. Also, I bet I spent ten minutes photographing these bottles from different angles while the cashier looked at me like I was nuts. So for that reason alone one of these shots had to make the cut.

Remember when I said that I crossed through an open air walkway between the shops? Well, that was the arcade shown below. These are common in France to protect pedestrians from the elements. The makeup shop is on the right below, and the accessory shop is on the left.

Below is another look at these shops from the garden side. I wanted to take a step back and show you how lovely the building is with the flowers in bloom.

Getting back a little closer we can appreciate a couple details. Take a look at the painting on this building. While nothing in the building is plume or palette related you have to appreciate the work that went into this wall. I can’t imagine the upkeep to maintain this in the Florida sun.

Tucked back on one of the walls is this little sign advertising perfume. (Which is ironic because you can smell it before you see it!) There are lots of cute little signs all over the pavilion that I just didn’t have room to include, but be sure to check them out on your next trip.

Exiting the gift shop and heading back towards the World Showcase Lagoon you’ll see this series of gardens. Typically, this area houses Beauty and the Beast topiaries during the Flower and Garden Festival. On the far right you’ll also see the gazebo where Princess Aurora greets daily.

As we near the exit of France you’ll see this column surrounded by trees. I know there is a name for these but I just can’t find it anywhere. If someone knows could you please share in the comments below? These columns serve as newsstands and advertisements to inform people of events. Of course, in Epcot they are just for decoration.

And with that we have seen all of France. This bridge serves as your exit to start the long walk towards the United Kingdom.

But let’s take one last look in the distance at France. From this view you can clearly see the Eiffel Tower. This replica is roughly 1/10 the size of the real on in Paris.

Thanks for joining me today! Can you believe we only have two more countries to go? If you haven’t already please take a look at Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, and Morocco! And please join me next time to take a look at the United Kingdom. As always thanks for reading!

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