Canada Pavilion

I find it so funny when I go to Epcot and go to the Canada pavilion. Some of the merchandise and even the pavilion itself is so typical "Canadian" and I find it really funny. Though I do feel quite at home while I'm there. The only thing I fine missing from it is a typical VERY Canadian food, poutine. It is french fries with cheese curds and gravy poured over it. Probably the best thing ever invented. I think that this dish should be made an option at the food and wine festival since it is very Canadian and can't get it really anywhere else. I think that Disney does need to put a little more effort into the pavilion itself, since some of the buildings are not in use anymore. But I still love being there and talking to the Cast Members about their hometown. I remember back in 2000 when we went, my father had a huge conversation with a Cast Member since he was from Toronto like we were. It was a special moment and I will never forget it. Canada is also a great spot to watch IllumiNations from. And thank goodness they re-did the Canada movie. It is so much better now with Martin Short. I have yet to go to Le Cellier but I plan on it in the near future. 

I think the World Showcase is great and I find it even better when people from those countries seen what others think and see that country as. It's a little home away from home. 

@Disney

@Disney

Letoa

This is one of my favourite gravestones outside of the Haunted Mansion and I am glad that they put it back after the next generation queue. 

Disney Social Media Moms Conference

I was very confused for a week on twitter when the hash tag #DisneySMMoms was used. Usually I am in the loop about everything Disney going on, but I had no clue what was happening. I finally used the power of the internet to look around and saw that it was Disney Social Media Moms Conference. It is for bloggers. I do not know all the details, but what I do know is that the person goes down to Walt Disney World and enjoys VIP experiences while listening to talks, etc. Apparently this is a very prestigious opportunity for people and there is a huge waiting list to be accepted. It is a three day conference. And that is about all I know... If anyone has anymore information about this event, please let me know. It sounds like an interesting idea. I am in no way able to go because this blog is virtually unknown. But that's okay. I am writing this blog to make sure I don't kill myself, friends, boyfriend, or parents with info about Disney. 

It does sound like it would be fun though. 

Interactive Queues

The interactive queue for the Haunted Mansion was open for the first time Monday. Disney does not promise that it will be opening everyday right now. It seems like they are opening the line during certain times and seeing how the guests like it. Imagineers are still putting final touches on a few of the items when the queue is closed. All of the tombstones are still there, with Master Gracey's in the middle. There are also stones for the hitchhiking ghosts at the end of the ride. Gus, Ezra, and Phineas. 

I know that there has been a lot of debate on whether interactive queues are good or not. One of the first rides to get this new innovation was Soarin' and Space Mountain. I like how everyone in the line can play the games and you don't have to decide to go that way or not. For Winnie the Pooh and Haunted Mansion, I do not agree with the fact that one can choose to go the fast way or choose the fun way. I think that everyone should have to go through the new line and experience everything. For me the question would be, why go through the longer way, when I'm just trying to ride the Haunted Mansion? Personally, I want to get on and off the ride fast so I can do other things. I will try out the queue when I go in October, but I cannot see how effective the new queue will be.

I personally think Walt Disney would have love this new idea. I know certain Disney fans think this is crazy and it is getting away from the story of the Haunted Mansion, but I think it's a great idea with some problems. Disney wanted to entertain guests and I think the new queue does exactly that. I'm excited to try it, but I know that regulars will want to skip it most of the time. I can only hope that there won't be any problems or break downs like in Winnie the Pooh's Tigger bouncing area. 

You can see great, detailed pictures on MouseSteps and a video on the Disney Parks Blog. 

Bubbles and water sprays out into the crowd. 

You can touch the instruments and they make sounds. Represents the band from the graveyard scene. 

Can also play the organ, air and mist comes out. 

Flying High in the Sky

I know, I know, I know. I am late on my post again. 

But I promise I will try! School is getting crazy right now. 

So here is a picture that is over due. 

To my memory, I have never been on Dumbo. My mother says I have, but I just don't remember. But in October I will be going on Dumbo for sure! 

My friend and I have started to plan our Disney trip and I am getting more excited with every passing month. 

Can't wait to be back in Disney again!

Updates from around the World

Hi everyone!

It has been awhile since I've posted but not a ton of note-worthy news around. But here is what I do have to say about some of the events going on.

The Epcot Flower and Garden show started March 2 and runs till May 15th. It is a beautiful event with blooming flowers and amazing topiaries. The event is included in theme park admission and is worthy of a trip around Epcot. Lots of things to see.

Disney has announced that when Mickey Mouse arrives to Town Square, you will be able to get a Fastpass to meet him. I think that this is a great option for those who want it. So many times people do not know or miss the times for the characters and this will allow people to meet their favourite without the upset. They have updated the name to Town Square Theatre. 

There has been many updates with the Haunted Mansion. The next generation queue is opening up soon, sometime this week. There are pictures up on MouseSteps of the outside look. The old tombstones are back so thats good news. The hitchhiking ghosts at the end of the ride are getting re-done, but there is no for sure news on what is happening with them. 

El Pirata y el Perico has turned into Tortuga Tavern with a Pirates of the Caribbean theme. 

Just want to take a moment to send out my thoughts and prayers to Japan. 

And I hope the recovery comes easily. 

New Segment

So I have decided to begin a new segment called photo's from around the World. Each week usually on sunday's I will upload a picture of Walt Disney World that is one of my favourites. It might be taken by me or by others (I will always cite where they are from). But since I just thought of this, I will post one today and most likely tomorrow as well. 

From Mousesteps. 

(http://www.mousesteps.com/)

This is my current favourite picture coming from the Epcot Flower and Garden Show. It shows Sleeping Beauty and Prince Phillip looking toward France. It's just beautiful. 

New 40th Vinylmation

How badly do I want these new Vinylmation figures. They are the new Walt Disney World 40th anniversary figures and are available in the parks and on the Disney Store website. 

Splash Mountain Refurbishment

Splash Mountain re-opened yesterday after an almost month long refurbishment. Now Splash Mountain includes lap bar. Lap bars on this ride have always been an issue with Disney. Some people that have never been to Walt Disney think that when the ride stops, that it means to get out of the log and run around the mountain. To the regulars, this is a huge change and is seen as a bad idea. But Disney has said that the lap bars should not increase wait times or decrease the number of people allowed on the ride. I have it on good authority from Banks Lee of WDW News Today that the lap bars are not that bad and are similar to the ones on Big Thunder Mountain (From his Twitter feed). So if anyone is going to the Magic Kingdom, let me know how they are!

Magic Kingdom News!

Recently, Walt Disney World had a press conference to show off the new "The Magic, The Memories, and You!" show at Magic Kingdom. The new show uses projectors to show over 500 pictures taken from the day to project it onto Cinderella's Castle. Of course you can opt out of the show if you really want to, but really? Who doesn't want their picture to be displayed on Cinderella's Castle?

You can watch the show here if you don't want to wait for your next visit. 

Star Tours

The opening day for Star Tours was announced by Disney last night. 

May 20, 2011 will be the first day to go along with the Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios. 

Excited? I know I am!

New Star Wars Vinylmation. 

Fastpass

At Walt Disney World, in all four theme parks, some of the most popular attractions have Fastpass.

Fastpass or FP, is designed to help guests take in more attractions without having to wait in huge lines. Usually if you get a Fastpass then you only have to wait a little or no wait at all. The ticket gives you a time to come back to hold your place in line.  At the same time while your waiting, you can go around the rest of the park and try another ride. You can get another Fastpass after a certain time that is printed at the bottom of the ticket. Here is a list of rides in each theme park. 

Magic Kingdom

Big Thunder Mountain

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin

Jungle Cruise

Peter Pan's Flight

Space Mountain

Splash Mountain

Winnie the Pooh

*Mickey's PhilharMagic

Epcot

Soarin

Test Track

Mission: Space

*Living with the Land

*Maelstrom

Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Mania

Rock N Roller Coaster

Tower of Terror

*Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

*Voyage of the Little Mermaid

** Star Tours

Animal Kingdom

Dinosaur

Expedition Everest

Kali River Rapids

Kilimanjaro Safaris

It's Tough to be a Bug

Primeval Whirl

All the * attractions sometimes don't have Fastpass when it's not needed or its not busy. 

** Star Tours gets two stars because it's not open right now, but you WILL need Fastpass when it opens back up sometime in May. 

Some of these Fastpass are needed to the point where it will be at least 50 minutes for a ride unless you have a Fastpass. 

Soarin at Epcot. One day in May, when it is not too busy, Fastpass ran out by the time we got there at 2 pm. 

Expedition Everest and Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom need one as well. 

At Magic Kingdom, all of the Fastpass rides usually do need one. 

Toy Story Mania runs out of Fastpasses very early in the day just like Soarin.

There are clocks above the machines to tell you what time the tickets can be used. 

In another post I will give my personal strategy to the parks and to Fastpass. 

Full House

I am currently watching the episode in the first season where Stephanie is so excited to go to Disneyland because she has never gone. 

Then her plane is fogged in and she can't go. 

I feel so bad for the girl. 


"I still can't believe we missed Captian Eo!" - Joey

Full House has all these amazing Disney episodes and when I collect all the seasons and watch all the episodes I will update you on them =)

Loveeeeeee Full House. 

My childhood tv show combined with my passion of Disney. 

There is nothing better. 

Disney Christmas

I was especially excited for this Christmas because all I really asked for was Disney movies. I had gotten my big present which was my new 15" macbook pro which I love with my life so I did not ask for much more, except Disney movies.

This Christmas I received:

- Cars (DVD)

- Toy Story 3 (Blue-ray combo)

- An amazing Disney blanket

- Princess mug

- Princess lip balms

- With my Best Buy gift card: The Great Mouse Detective (DVD) and Fantasia (Blue-ray combo)

So I have been watching Disney movies for the past couple days and it has been great! I had not seen Cars before so when I saw it on tv about a month ago, I had to get it. Such a good movie. All of the Disney movies really get me excited for the new movies coming out in 2011. The newly shown trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean 4 looks really good, even without some of the main characters. Tron:Legacy was amazing so I cannot wait until that comes out on blue-ray next year.

And nobody can forget Winnie the Pooh!

Pin Trading

If you have ever gone to Disney, you must have seen the huge pin trading sites. So if your wondering about it, here's the facts.

One of the newest pins for the upcoming 40th anniversary of Magic Kingdom. 

Image from Disney

Disney Pin Trading. The guest can buy pins from virtually anywhere in the parks, in any shape, size, character, theme and put it on a landyard (usually the best for new traders). Then you can trade any pins with cast members in the parks or at Downtown Disney.  If they have a green/turquoise lanyard, the cast member is only allowed to trade with younger kids. You are allowed to trade up to 2 pins with each cast member that you see, but the only rule is that you cannot trade them a pin that they already have. Which is usually not a big deal since there are so many pins available. 

Now, pins usually costs upwards of $8 to almost 20. So if you don't want to pay tons of money to get into this cool event, then here is my best tip. 

Usually on ebay you can get lots of 20, 40, 50 pins for cheap. This is a good idea because then you trade all the ones you don't want for ones that you like. 

In the morning, cast members have the most hidden mickey pins. Hidden mickeys pins usually have a little Mickey icon hidden on the pin. These cannot be bought in stores and are part of a larger set of the same kind or theme.

As you can see in the bottom right hand corner, there is a small black Mickey. They are not always so noticeable, but can still be seen. Image from Disney. 

I have always been very interesting in pin trading so when I went in May I tried pin trading for the first time. I got a lot of pins from ebay, got a lanyard from Disney, but also had another one that I had found. My princess one that was not from Disney would be for all of the pins I wanted to keep. The Disney lanyard kept all of my pins that I wanted to trade that day with the cast members. Cast members were always amazing even though I was 20 and asking to see their pins. All of the cast members were super nice and were very talkative about the pins and it showed that they liked trading as well. Every time my Mother turned around, I would be off looking at pins and trading. I think it is an amazing way for guests to interact with the cast members and to make interesting memories. 

Some people collect different themes of pins. Like having all hidden mickey pins from a certain year or a certain theme. Others want all the Cinderella pins or Minnie pins. Me, I do not really have a theme to my pins but looking all over the internet I saw lots of people with pins from certain rides. I thought that would be a great idea, but the ones I wanted you had to buy. I did buy one set, it was a package of two and you didn't know which ones you got, but I was lucky and got the Haunted Mansion and Soarin. Both great rides. So currently I do not have a particular theme to my pins, but the next time I go to Disney I might pick one.

I almost had a whole set of hidden Mickey pins. They were heart shaped with a princes holding a butterfly. I have 4 of the 6. You can get them on ebay, but that isn't as fun as searching for them. 

Conclusion: Pin trading is fun. And I think for most people of all ages would have fun with it. It is a very expensive hobby, but think of the different ways you can save money through ebay or getting pins that are on sale. 

Disney Marathon

This past weekend Disney held the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. 

Walt Disney holds 5 marathons throughout the year, then another one at Disneyland. 

The Walt Disney Marathon Weekend that just past. It included The Walt Disney World marathon (26.2 miles), the half marathon (13.1 miles), Buzz and Woody's Best Friends 5K, and Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge (race both the half and full marathons). 

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend includes Disney's Princess half marathon and Disney's Royal Family 5K. February 25-27, 2011. 

Champion 5K includes the Champion 5K at Dick's Sporting Goods which is run through Hollywood studios. March 5, 2011. 

Expedition Everest Challenge is a 5K run with obstacles throughout the course in Animal Kingdom.  May 7, 2011. 

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend includes the Disney Wine and Dine half marathon, half marathon relay, Halloween Family Fun Run 5K. September 30 - October 1, 2011. 

I don't know much about the marathons as I have never run one before. But it is on my bucket list. 

Any information and how to register for the marathons can be found at :

http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/rundisney/

Good job to anyone who ran this weekend and good luck to everyone who's running this year!

Tickets

When going to Walt Disney, there are many different ticket options available to you. If you love in Florida, there are special prices for you and lots of different options. You can get an after 4 pm annual pass for instance. For Florida residents, there is a huge discount so be aware of that. 

For everyone else who travels to Florida for Disney, there are so many different options that many people can get mixed up in. 

For those who visit Disney more than once a year, they should consider getting annual passes. There is the Theme Park Annual Pass which gets you admission into every park and lets you park hop, parking, and discounts throughout the World. 

For ages 3-9 its $479.25 US. 

For 10 and older its $531.44. 

The Theme Park Premium Annual Pass gets you everything the other does, but also gives you admission to DisneyQuest, the water parks, and Oak Trail Gold Course. 

Ages 3 - 9, $603.86. 

10 and older, $669.89. 

For vacationers who aren't as lucky to go more than once, here are the different options.

Magic Your Way Base Tickets. You get to visit one park per day. This is the cheapest option. 

There is the Park Hopper Option. This gives you the ability to move from park to park as many times as you want. In the morning, you could be in Magic Kingdom, then go to Epcot during the day, and finally Hollywood Studios at night. 

The Water Park Fun and More Option. This includes admission per day to any of the water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, DisneyQuest, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Oak Trail Golf Course. 

No Expiration Option. The unused days from your theme park ticket and Water Park Fun and More never expire. Base Tickets usually expire 14 days after 1st use. 

Okay so here are the prices. I am going to use a 7-day ticket. 

1 Adult - 10 years or over

Base - 263.06

Base + Park Hopper - 320.57

Base + Water Park Fun and More - 320.57

Base + No Expiration - 414.29

Base + Park Hopper + Water Park Fun and More - 378.08

All together - 529.31

1 Child - 3 - 9 years old

Base - 238.56

Base + Park Hopper - 296.07

Base + Water Park Fun and More - 296.07

Base + No Expiration - 389.79

Base + Park Hopper + Water Park Fun and More - 353.58

All together - 504.81

So you can see for an adult going for more than 15 days at Disney in a year with the park hopper, an annual pass is going to be more worth it. You get free parking and discounts you can use. 

**All prices are accurate as of January 2, 2011. And are in US dollars.

http://tickets.disney.go.com/buy/TicketTrans

The site I used to get the prices.