Disney World PF Gathering and Tips for Disney Mania!

  • Thread starter ZapperZ
  • Start date
In summary: This couscous and tagine restaurant is quite popular and usually has a long wait. Try coming at night when it’s less crowded.9. Yacht Club at the Epcot resort – This club has a beautiful view of the fireworks show at Epcot. However, this is a “resort” so it’s quite pricey. You may be able to get in if you call the club in advance and ask if there are any openings.10. The Living Seas – Usually there are long lines for this aquarium, but it’s worth the wait. You get to see all kinds of neat fish and amphibians.
  • #2,521
I did my "mini grand tour" last May/June, where I visited Disneyland, and then flew directly to Orlando to finish of my trip at Walt Disney World. In reality, I would rather do what these people from Australia did, visiting all of the Disney theme parks in a single, grand tour trip.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20060925/ap_tr_ge/travel_trip_disney_world_tour_1

I'm so envious!

Zz.
 
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  • #2,522
Wow! This is what I would call a GLORIOUS pin.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10905129.jpg

It is a jumbo pin that celebrates the 35th Anniversary of The Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney Resort. It has all the Fab 5, plus Chip 'N Dale, and Tink. Now if they include Daisy in it, it would have been a perfect pin.

Zz.
 
  • #2,523
These are the most recent pictures from Walt Disney World.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-278.asp

Gone are decorations associated with the Happiest Celebration on Earth. The castle looks rather "nude". There are also Halloween decorations, and new features to welcome the Year of a Million Dreams.

Zz.
 
  • #2,524
We had recent pictures from Walt Disney World, so now here are the most recent pictures from the Disneyland Resort, all decked out for their big Halloween festival.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Lotion-View-279.asp

It also appears that they are finally "serious" about having a more elaborate special event for Halloween.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/money/homepage/article_1288596.php

I didn't realize that Knots Berry Farm relies that much on its Halloween event.

Zz.
 
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  • #2,525
Wow! Working at Disneyland's parking toll booth could be more dangerous than at a convenient store!

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1291046.php

Zz.
 
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  • #2,526
Disney's http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...rnationalFoodAndWineFestivalSpecialEventPage" starts today.

As expected, a slew of http://eventservices.disney.go.com/pintrading/event?id=20605" are also released for this event, although it appears that it isn't as many as in previous years.

I've always thought that if there is ever a good time to have a PF Gathering at Walt Disney World, it would either be during the Christmas/New Year holidays, or during this Food and Wine Festival. We could eat through so many countries, we would embarass even Napolean! We could have separate trip report in here and in the Food Thread!

Zz.
 
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  • #2,527
Today, Oct 1st, 2006, is the first day of the Year of a Million Dreams. On any given day at any time, there will be at least a thousand prizes and special dreams being given to Disney Guests at various Disney resorts all over the world.

Today also marks the 35th Anniversary of The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Happy Birthday, Magic Kingdom! It is just the beginning of a very special time at the Disney resorts. One of the things they will do is this:

Beginning in October 2006, Disney Cast Members and Guests at Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort will have a new way to create magical memories for others in the place Where Dreams Come True. Pixie Dust Pin Packs feature two Tinker Bell pins. These pins are presented spontaneously by Cast Members to Guests who are observed performing random acts of magic for others at Disney Parks.

Once awarded a Pixie Dust Pin Pack, Guests are invited to keep one pin and share the second pin with another Guest they see creating magic.

"We wanted Cast Members and Guests to recognize the many random acts of kindness that happen every day at Disney Parks," said Steven Miller, Project Manager, Disney Pin Trading. "This new Cast-to-Guest-to-Guest recognition tool encourages Guests to continue a legacy of sharing the magic started by Walt Disney."

This is the pin and card that the guest will receive.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/PixieDustPins.jpg

I'm homesick already. :(

Zz.
 
  • #2,528
Happy 35th Birthday, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World!

mkxx1.jpg


With love and kisses...

Zz.
 
  • #2,529
On this day also, we must not forget that it is also Epcot's birthday. So Happy 24th Birthday, Epcot. Next year, you will have what we hope to be a grand 25th Anniversary!

disney5ch3.jpg


Zz.
 
  • #2,530
A bunch of pins are being released today at WDW. A notable one will be this pin celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney.

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10905115.jpg
I don't collect Stitch, but this is definitely a cute pin that I don't mind having. I would not hesitate at all to say that this is the place that has swallowed most of my money. I do most of my Disney shopping at this location since I get 10% off on most of my purchases.

They are also releasing two rather different Tinker Bell pins. In the first one, it is the usual cute, adorable Tink.
http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10943308.jpg

However, in the next one, she looks as if she's a bit pissed off at something (or someone). The pin description said that this is the "feisty" side of Tink.
http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/10779161.jpg

But look at those eyes!

:)

Not that it matters. Tink merchandise (and especially pins) are huge sellers.

Zz.
 
  • #2,531
For people who still think they need a brief guide to the attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/travel/sns-trvmain3-wk1,0,3610212.story?track=rss

Zz.
 
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  • #2,532
While Hong Kong Disneyland did not get the attendence numbers they were expecting, Tokyo Disneyland continues to be a tremendous success.

http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=1404

So the claim that Disney does not understand "Asian" culture doesn't wash very well here. Hong Kong Disneyland is too small, with too few attractions.

Zz.
 
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  • #2,533
WOW! They already have the first family to get the Red Carpet treatment at the Magic Kingdom!

Disney Press release said:
4 October 2006: Magic Kingdom Opens For Only One (Very Lucky) Family As Disney Parks Kick Off 'Year of a Million Dreams'

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2006) -- For the first time in history, a family today had the Magic Kingdom all to themselves. They entered the park to a view never seen before by any Disney guest -- Main Street, U.S.A. completely empty, no other guests, no Disney cast members, just a red carpet stretching out a welcome.

The family had their pick of favorite attractions. There were no lines. Because no one else was there.

This unprecedented moment in Disney history was all part of the launch of Disney's "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, during which literally millions of dreams will come true at Florida's Walt Disney World Resort and California's Disneyland Resort.

"The Year of a Million Dreams" is a first-of-its-kind event celebrating the individual dreams of Disney Park guests from around the world. So Disney made the Spangler family from Randolph, Ohio -- winners of an online sweepstakes used to help kick off the celebration -- the ultimate, one-of-a-kind Magic Kingdom VIPs. Disney Parks literally rolled out the red carpet for the Spanglers on Main Street, U.S.A. at Walt Disney World Resort.

But there were more surprises in store. As the Spanglers reached the center of Main Street, U.S.A., fanfare trumpeters broke the morning silence from atop the buildings lining the street and the familiar strains of "Be Our Guest" began to play -- a signal for a whole lot of smiles. Appearing almost magically to form a receiving line fit for royalty were 1,500 Disney cast members and Disney characters, beaming and bubbly.

For the Spanglers, their morning was nothing short of incredible. In a park that hosts millions of guests each year, Magic Kingdom attendance was four as Ray and Tammy Spangler and their children, 13-year-old Derick and 11-year-old Ashley, walked toward Cinderella Castle between rows of smiles lining the red carpet. "It was amazing," said Ashley. Derick chimed in, "That was awesome!" With their Disney VIP host leading the way, they rode their favorite attractions, met their favorite Disney characters, appeared on ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" and lived out a dream.

"This is beyond the dream," Ray said. "This is something that you can't even think of dreaming of, yet we have it."

As the lands of the park filled in behind them with other guests, the Spanglers dined with Disney royalty in Cinderella Castle during A Fairytale Lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table and were named grand marshals for the "Disney Dreams Come True" parade. They were to conclude the day with an "unbirthday party" inspired by the "Alice in Wonderland" story and then enjoy exclusive viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks spectacular "Wishes."

For Tammy Spangler, winning this most remarkable experience was a dream-come-true -- but one she figured was probably a proverbial "pipedream" when she entered the sweepstakes.

"I hardly ever enter these things," she said, "but Disney's the most fun we've ever had on vacation, so when I discovered the contest when I was [online], I entered it. But I really didn't figure we'd win, not in a million years."

But this is "The Year of a Million Dreams" and the Spanglers won't be the only ones finding their dreams come true at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

During "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, literally millions of dreams will come true.

"Our guests the world over have told us they believe a Disney Park is the place 'where dreams come true' and that something magical happens when they walk through our gates," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "And that's never been more true than during 'The Year of a Million Dreams' as we bring more magic to life than ever before."

Dreams to surprise and delight guests and unique experiences will be hallmarks of "The Year of a Million Dreams."

As part of the celebration, extra-special dreams will be awarded through a random process as part of the unique Disney Dreams Giveaway. With the sprinkle of a little pixie dust by day, a vacationing mom might be chosen to spend that night with her family in a new royal suite inside Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, or at Disneyland, a lucky guest may be surrounded by All Things Mickey that night in a new Mickey Mouse Penthouse overlooking the Disney domain in California.

Disney Vacation Club memberships, traveling around the world as a parade grand marshal in each Disney theme park, sporting exclusive pins and Mouse ears -- dreams from fun to fantastic will shower down on guests during the celebration. Other amazing dreams-come-true: magical Disney Cruise Line sailings; Adventures by Disney vacations; a private shopping spree for Disney merchandise; Dream FASTPASS badges to enjoy many popular park attractions; special park after-hour events; or a visit to Walt Disney's apartment at Disneyland including a dining experience.

For the overnight stay in the Cinderella Castle Suite, a Walt Disney World guest at the parks or Downtown Disney will be selected randomly by early in the afternoon almost every day beginning in late January. The guest and up to five members of their party will begin their dream-come-true night that evening at Cinderella's Royal Table, the popular restaurant located in Cinderella Castle.

Can't be in the parks? You may still have a dream-come-true through a mail-in entry (details at www.disneyparks.com/rules). For example, mail-in winners could win prizes such as the Disney Vacation Club membership, grand marshal of a Disney parade around the world, exclusive trading pins or Mickey Ear Hat. (Some prizes, such as the Castle and Mickey Mouse Penthouse stay, require same-day use so mail-in winners will receive a prize of comparable value.)

Dreams will be awarded every day at Disney parks and Downtown Disney in Florida and California. While workers complete the Cinderella Castle Suite (opening late January 2007) and Mickey Mouse Penthouse (opening December 2006), the other fantasies begin Oct. 1 as Disney launches enough dreams to make Tinker Bell blush.

And all it takes: a tap on the shoulder by Disney cast members on special assignment as the Dream Squad during the magical year.

Meanwhile, thousands more Disney cast members -- famous for guest service every day of the year -- will be creating an unprecedented number of Magical Moments during this magical year. They're taking Disney friendliness to new heights with personal interactions marked by special surprises.

Amazed guests might find themselves leading the countdown and sprinkling pixie dust to open a Disney park in the morning. Or they might join the performers on a float in "Mickey's Jammin' Jungle" parade. Or aboard Cinderella's Golden Carrousel they might suddenly find a Disney princess sidesaddle on the next horse.

More pixie-dusted Magical Moments: being selected to be guest of honor in daily park parades; getting a Tinseltown rush doing a celebrity-style handprint ceremony; being Official Wildlife Spotter on a Disney's Animal Kingdom safari.

"Disney cast members have a rich history of making this magic, treating guests to legendary service and special moments," Rasulo said. "During 'The Year of a Million Dreams,' those moments go stratospheric as our cast members reinforce Disney parks as the place where dreams come true."

A first-of-its-kind Disney spectacular, "The Year of a Million Dreams" also includes a whole lineup of immersive entertainment that draws guests into the middle of the action.

Guests can enter into magical worlds, living the buccaneer life by being a pirate of the Caribbean, "getting royal" with a Disney prince or princess, or joining in the dancing and singing "High School Musical" pep rally. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort might be welcomed to saddle up cowboy-style with Woody and the Disney-Pixar gang.

As if thousands of dreams bestowed daily aren't enough, Disney guests will also be treated to major new attractions and shows debuting at Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts as part of "The Year of a Million Dreams."

On top of an already magical year, special entertainment and programs will be in place at the parks and resorts so guests can follow their dreams, whether it's a princess or pirate, adventurer or space explorer. Guests will be able to customize their visit to a Disney park to pursue the Dream Paths of their choice with online planning tools and technology to help them become the hero or princess they've always dreamed of being.

For more information about "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, guests may visit www.disneyparks.com[/url]. For more specific information about the Disney Dreams Giveaway, visit [url]www.disneyparks.com/rules[/URL]. [/quote]

[PLAIN]http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/04/disney.alone.ap/index.html

This is pretty special! I would DIE if I get one of these. You'd have to scrape me off the ground in front of the castle.

Zz.
 
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  • #2,534
ZapperZ said:
Wow! Working at Disneyland's parking toll booth could be more dangerous than at a convenient store!

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1291046.php

Zz.

They've released the hold-up tape of the latest incident. Have you seen this man? :)

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1297085.php

Zz.
 
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  • #2,535
In the cuteness category, this pin gets a 10! It is being released tomorrow at Disneyland!

A perfect pin for Halloween!

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/11087371.jpg

Zz.
 
  • #2,536
ZapperZ said:
WOW! They already have the first family to get the Red Carpet treatment at the Magic Kingdom!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/04/disney.alone.ap/index.html

This is pretty special! I would DIE if I get one of these. You'd have to scrape me off the ground in front of the castle.

Zz.

OK, view this while you can because there's no telling how long it will be up. There are videos of this glorious event with this one, very lucky family. It is astounding what they got to see and do!

http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/25613/

Zz.
 
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  • #2,537
Oh no, here we go again!

A man fell sick after riding the Rock 'n Roller coaster at Disney/MGM Studios!

http://www.wesh.com/travelgetaways/10008163/detail.html

Zz.
 
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  • #2,538
ZapperZ said:
This is pretty special! I would DIE if I get one of these.
Wouldn't that be counteroproductive? :biggrin:

ZapperZ said:
You'd have to scrape me off the ground in front of the castle.
OK, I'll make sure we have a large spatula on hand, just in case. May be we can get a large cushion there before you hit the ground. :biggrin:

So, Zz, do you have your Disney Halloween costume yet?
 
  • #2,539
Astronuc said:
Wouldn't that be counteroproductive? :biggrin:

I don't care. I'll die happy. :)

OK, I'll make sure we have a large spatula on hand, just in case. May be we can get a large cushion there before you hit the ground. :biggrin:

That's fine. As long as it isn't a large pooper-scooper...

So, Zz, do you have your Disney Halloween costume yet?

Nope. I'm scarry enough as it is. :)

Actually, I plan to watch the Halloween parade in my neighborhood wearing the Mickey Ears pirate hat (of course) and a lighted Disney pin. So that should be enough, don't you think?

Zz.
 
  • #2,540
ZapperZ said:
I don't care. I'll die happy. :)
No dying allowed.

ZapperZ said:
That's fine. As long as it isn't a large pooper-scooper...
We'll make sure it's washed first. :rofl: No actually we have a large Zapper Scooper. :biggrin:

ZapperZ said:
Actually, I plan to watch the Halloween parade in my neighborhood wearing the Mickey Ears pirate hat (of course) and a lighted Disney pin. So that should be enough, don't you think?
Needs a sash!
 
  • #2,541
ZapperZ said:
In the cuteness category, this pin gets a 10! It is being released tomorrow at Disneyland!

A perfect pin for Halloween!

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/11087371.jpg

Zz.

I can't believe they didn't think of making this pin before now.
 
  • #2,542
GeorginaS said:
I can't believe they didn't think of making this pin before now.

I know. They probably have some variation to it, but this is so obvious, one would think something like this exists already.

It's an open edition pin, so I'm trying to see if I can get 6 of this.

:)

Zz.
 
  • #2,543
ZapperZ said:
It just happens that I was editing out the videos from this last trip, and one of them was the Jungle Cruise, with Luisa as our boat captain. She was amazing and had quite a few ad lib, as I've reported previously.

So if you've never been on the Jungle Cruise before (which was Walt Disney's most favorite ride at Disneyland) and want to know what the fuss is all about, this video might give you a good idea.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6527818110032483956"

Zz.

This would be a good comparison. I was cataloging the videos that I took in May/June of this year during my "Mini Grand Tour", and I realized that we did videotaped the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disneyland. So here it is. Compare that with the version at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, and you'll notice significant differences.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4520574611735619611"

Note: This attraction at Disneyland was Walt's most favorite attraction.

Zz.
 
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  • #2,544
This is a story that only very few would appreciate (looks at Moonbie). The head vet at Disney's Animal Kingdom is going to Africa to do elephant vasectomies!

I kid you not!

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-snip101006,0,3342191.story

Zz.<crosses his legs>
 
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  • #2,545
The Dumbo Ride

It's no surprise that I love, LOVE the Dumbo ride. Yet, I barely have any video of it (except when Moobie and I were there last January) till now. We videotaped this ride at Disneyland, CA this past May/June during our Mini Grand Tour trip. Try to spot the golden dumbo (as if you can miss it), which was part of their Golden Anniversary celebration (both Integral and I have posted pictures of it on here).

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7371377135616669749&hl=en"

Zz.
 
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  • #2,546
An astoundingly gorgeous OPEN edition pin being released today at Disneyland, CA. Can someone get me some? :)

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/11157081.jpg

Zz.
 
  • #2,547
Disney's Food and Wine Festival

For those of us who can't get to the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, the next best thing we can do is read someone's report of it. So here's one:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/dining/orl-chow1306oct13,0,2509014.story?coll=orl-caldiningtop

One of these days, I'm going to make it to this thing even if it kills me. Being a Disney fanatic and a foodie, this is just too good of a combination to pass up. However, I want to do Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and Mickey's Very Mery Christmas Party first.

Zz.
 
  • #2,548
You did get a disney blog! :smile:
 
  • #2,549
I have way too much stuff that the regular Disney Mania reader would not care about or things that I don't want to post here. So they had to have an outlet somewhere or else I would burst!

Zz.
 
  • #2,550
Another video upload from the "Mini Grand Tour" in June 2006. This time, it is the famous attraction http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3544915256512014256" . I only have one video version of this, so until we go to Disneyland again, this is the best we have (I still don't have a version of the same attraction from WDW that I am happy with to upload).

Note also that you shouldn't miss the end of the video where the front facade opens up to signify the top of the hour.

Be warned though. If you are susceptible to having tunes stuck in your head, this video will do it in just the first minute!

Zz.
 
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  • #2,551
I know that this is still October. While it is getting cooler by the day, it is not even Halloween already. Yet Disneyland, over this past weekend, has started releasing their christmas pins already! Ignoring the fact that they don't even get any snow there in Anaheim over the holidays, these pins are just way too early to be out!

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/11017408.jpg

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/11016586.jpg

http://eventservices.disney.go.com/files/11016661.jpg

Well... ok, so they're cute, and I'd pay someone to get me some, but it's still too early, damn it!

:)

Zz.
 
  • #2,552
Y'know, I thought I write a rather good trip report of my "adventure" to Disney theme parks. I've had several people giving compliments at the report and the pictures that I uploaded.

However, in terms of charm, wit, cleverness, and cuteness, my report doesn't even come close when compared to the Tigger trip reports! This has got to be the most fun, and the most witty trip report I've ever come across. It's so adorable all the various adventures that Tigger got himself into!

You MUST read it! You must read http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=95913"! And he's going again in a couple of weeks!

Zz.
 
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  • #2,553
From the Disney press release:

Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at Disney-MGM Studios Will Be Dancing Under the Stars This Holiday Season

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- By day, the backlot area of the Disney-MGM Studios theme park is alive with "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show." By night this holiday season, it will sparkle with "lights, music, dancing" as the popular Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights presented by Sylvania comes alive in a whole new way beginning Nov. 13 and continuing through Jan. 7, 2007.

The spectacle has been enhanced to include choreographed "dancing" lights which swirl and soar to an exhilarating medley of holiday music every 15 minutes, thanks to electronic wizardry featuring more than 400 dimmers. Every building façade, all the trees, wreaths, bells and holiday figures dance to classic tunes among Florida "snow flurries."

Also bringing the Disney-MGM Studios backlot to life are three-dimensional and motion-based displays -- some originally created at the Osborne home in Arkansas by businessman Jennings Osborne as a holiday display for the delight of his daughter. After the home exhibit grew larger and brighter over the years, the million-light display was transported to Disney-MGM Studios in 1995. Some of Osborne's original creations still sparkling brightly at the park today are a giant Mickey Mouse light, dozens of flying angels and Santa Claus light designs.

<Sigh> We're not going this year. So I'm hoping someone videotape this and put it online. That will be as close as I can get to it. <sniff>

Zz.
 
  • #2,554
Nightmare Before Christmas

Just in time for Halloween, one of my most favorite movies of all time is being released but with a little something special.

Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas, one of the most visually stunning movies ever, is being released in Disney Digital 3D starting tomorrow at select movie theaters. This is the same technique that was used for Chicken Little.

You can go to Disney's Nightmare Before Christmas http://adisney.go.com/disneypictures/nightmare/index.html" to find the theater nearest you.

Zz.
 
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