It’s 1992 when you received a Disney Transportation Pass when checking into a Disney Resort and your paper park ticket was stamped with a rubber date stamp when entering into the parks! Anyone else have a “Super Duper Pass”???
Category: Disney Articles
The former Blog Two Moms and A Mouse has an array of wonderful articles to read; Please browse through them and ENJOY!
Quick Tip Tuesday ~ Ordering a Specialty Disney Cake
Celebrating a special occasion at Disney is the utmost awesome experience! Everyday at Disney is a day filled with magic and wonder, add into the mix your special occasion and you have a recipe for pure enchantment!
There are many ways Disney helps to create extra magical experiences for your special occasion and today’s tip is all about the CAKE! Who wouldn’t love to receive a specialty cake just for them in honor of their special day or celebration?!
This is an easy magical moment to create. Just call the Walt Disney World Resort at (407) 827-2253 or the Disneyland Resort at (714) 781-DINE or (714) 781-3463, at least 72 hours in advance to order your customized cake, this magical feature is available at most Table- Service Restaurants on property.
Have you ever ordered or received a special occasion cake while at a Disney Parks Restaurant or cruise?
~Maureen
My Magic Kingdom Monday Montage ~ of Sounds
Another Monday~ Another Magic Kingdom Montage ~ The Magic Kingdom is in no way short of magic, it’s everywhere- in its sights, sounds, and smells. All these senses help to create our magical experience when we step foot inside this Kingdom of fantasy, fun and enlightenment. Today I am going to share three magical sounds that make my heart leap every time I hear them.
Liberty Square Riverboat~
First rings the bell, and then comes the sound of a steamboat whistle~ pure excitement and a reverberation that says, “Welcome home friend”. Liberty Square Riverboat is a Magic Kingdom classic; it has been a fixture since the opening day. This is my all time favorite magical Magic Kingdom sound.
Liberty Square Riverboat Whistle
The Ghostly Howl of the graveyard dog ~
Crossing the threshold of Frontierland into Liberty Square there is an undeniable presence, a ghostly presence, the eerie howl of the graveyard dog. Though this may not seem as a friendly welcoming into this magical land, in fact it surly is ~ welcome to the home of 999 Happy Haunts….. Just a bit of tainted magic.
Walt Disney World Railroad~
Here comes the Walt Disney World Railroad! I love the sound of the train’s big brass bell that rings out loud and clear announcing its arrival into the train station. This is a sound that welcomes you into the Magic Kingdom even before you enter through the gates. A sound that says, “Good Morning” – “Good Afternoon” – and “Good Evening”, at the end of the day.
Walt Disney World Railroad Train Whistle
And that’s this weeks Magic Kingdom Montage of Magical Sounds~
Tell me about your favorite Magic Kingdom Sounds!
~Maureen
America on Parade ~ Looking back at the Bicentennial Year
On this happy July 4th of two thousand and fourteen, I would like to look back about 39 years or so to 1975/1976 when Disney introduced America on Parade in honor of the United States Bicentennial, celebrating the 200th year anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of independence. It temporarily replaced the Main Street Electrical Parade making its debut in Magic Kingdom on June 6th, 1975 and Disneyland on June 12, with both parks grand finale held on September 6, 1976.
As I was going through my vintage Disney vacation photographs I found some pictures of this very parade. I was around the age of five at the time these were taken and though I was there I sadly do not recall this parade, but I am more than pleased to have a piece of this significant historical event.
Notice the lamp posts dressed in their Bicentennial decor down Main Street USA and it’s side streets~
This prideful patriotic parade, that I feel Walt would have been so proud of (being a man of great American pride), kicked off with our favorite pal Mickey and his pals Goofy and Donald dressed in their bicentennial best.
The story of our American History was told beginning with early pioneer days to current history (what was current at that time). This parade “spoke” of our achievements and our customs and featured influential figures throughout American history.
Rounding out the ½ hour procession was more of our favorite Disney friends and for the grand finale on September 6th, 1976 the parade finished with a 1000 piece marching band, an amazing sight to see! Here is a short 7 minute narrated video of this amazing parade, a must see! America on Parade Walt Disney World 1976
This bicentennial parade was created for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort and was the first time both parks worked together on a “production that would appear simultaneously in both parks.” (disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog)
Disney’s celebrations are second to none from their inauguration into the world to this very era; it is just another layer of Disney that draws me in and grasps my heart and holds me tight and why I love my Disney so very much ♥
~Maureen
To read more about Walt and his American pride see Liberty Square a Nod to Walt’s American Pride
Quick Tip Tuesday ~ Disney Park Balloons
Upon Rebekah’s first visit to the Magic Kingdom she begged for a Mickey Head balloon. I stalled her day after day hoping she would stop asking or forget she wanted one – I just felt it was silly to pay such a high price, $10.00 at that time, for something that would have to be carried around all day and could not be put in our suitcase to come home. She did not forget and she did not stop asking, so I did purchase her a balloon toward the end of our stay. We ended up deflating it, to this day we still have that first Magic Kingdom-Mickey Mouse balloon in a scrap book.
So here is my Quick Tip – if they ask, buy that balloon but buy it on the first day. This way you can enjoy it in all it’s glory for your whole vacation stay, then you too can place your deflated balloon in a scrap book. ºoº
Side Note~ You can not bring balloons to Animal Kingdom Lodge
You cannot bring balloons from the parks to AKL. The balloon could float out into the savannah and injure the animals. If you do happen to bring back a balloon they will hold it for you until checkout, but it cannot be taken back to your room.
~Maureen
Another Magic Kingdom Mondays Montage ~ Magical Munchies
I’m back with another Magic Kingdom Montage ~ The Magic Kingdom is full of sights, sounds, and smells that draws us in and helps create that unique magical experience we can’t find anywhere else. Today I am going to share three magical munchies …. Yummy!
Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bar!
I think I will start out with the most obvious magical dessert in the Magic Kingdom, not only for me but probably for many of you. My goodness! It has to be the set of ears atop this ice cream bar that makes it so darn tasty! Creamy Vanilla ice cream with a velvety chocolate hard shell ~irresistible! Would you agree?
The ever famous Dole Whip~
This is actually a new found Magical Yummy Munchie for me. I heard about them year after year but I would never make my way back to Aloha Isle in Adventureland to try one at the end of the day. Then just last August Nicole and I stood in a scorching hot, long line so we could finally claim bragging rights for trying a Dole Whip. Let me tell you, no kidding, I think we just about melted before we made it to the counter to order (hence the melted faces in our picture)! It did take us a moment to understand all the varieties and decide which was the best one for us, after all- if it had taken us this long to try one we had to get it right the first time! We took those cups of gold to the side, had a seat and enjoyed every last bit. We will be back and will stand in a line practically melting all over again just to enjoy another Dole Whip!
Caramel Apple Tart from Liberty Tree Tavern~
First I must tell you, sadly this dessert is no longer available and I have been mourning the loss for quite some time. It was such a favorite of mine I had to include it in my top three Magical Kingdom Munchies. This was a dessert offered on the lunch menu at the Liberty Tree Tavern; it was made of shortbread crust, sugared apples and cinnamon ice cream- a simple all American dessert that I will never forget!
Well, that’s this weeks Magic Kingdom Montage of Magical Munchies~
Tell me about your favorite Magic Kingdom Munchies!
~Maureen
Quick Tip Tuesday
Today’s Quick Tip can be used in several ways and can cost you little money but leave a big impact!
I am talking about Conservation Hero pins ~
The first time I seen these World Changing pins I was visiting the Conservation Station at Rafikis Planet Watch in the Animal Kingdom. I didn’t realize at the time that there are a series of these pins and the donations are used in such a tremendous and awe-inspiring way. Before I get to my Quick Tip portion, please take a moment to click on the attached link below and read about Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.
Disney World Conservation Fund – protecting the wonder of nature
Now after reading that I know you will love this Quick Tip~
For what ever donation you are comfortable with, be it a $1- or more, these are great souvenirs to purchase for yourself or someone at home. The bottom of each pin will say where the pin was purchased from, so you can find the location that most resonates with the person you are gifting it too – or collect them all for yourself knowing what a wonderful thing you are doing for our planet and surrounding wildlife!
Do you have one or more of these Conservation Hero pins? Tell us which ones!
My Magic Kingdom Mondays Montage
I’m back with another Magic Kingdom Montage ~ The Magic Kingdom is full of sights, sounds, and smells that draws us in and helps create that unique magical experience we can’t find anywhere else. Today I am going to share three scents that I believe add magic to the Magic Kingdom experience.
- The Magic smell of popcorn as I enter Main Street USA~
The only other place I relate this scent to is at a movie theater. When I smell popcorn at a movie theater it heightens my excitement for the show to begin. Same thing at the Magic Kingdom! I smell that popcorn as I step onto Main Street USA and I get excited for the show to start!
2. The scent of the water while riding the Pirates of the Caribbean~
I guess this may apply to any water filled attraction within the Magic Kingdom, but there is something specific about the Pirates of the Caribbean. Whether it is just the dampness or the chemicals in the water or maybe even the smoke screen that adds to the over-all scent, I just love the smell while embarking on a“Yo Ho, Yo Ho It’s a Pirate’s Life for Me!” ride.
3. The strong order of gasoline while “speeding” down Tomorrowland Speedway!
Any other time I am inhaling such strong odors of gasoline you will not see the huge smile on my face that I wear when “zooming” down Tomorrowland’s Speedway. Add the sound of the cars in with the smell of gasoline, boy oh boy it’s a Magic Kingdom winner for me!
Well, that’s this weeks Magic Kingdom Montage …… of Magical Smells~
Now tell me about your favorite Magic Kingdom smells!
If you missed last Monday’s Montage, you can check it out here, Magic Kingdom Monday’s Montage ~it’s all about the Magic!
~Maureen
Four Magical Cast Member Experiences
Continuing on with our Magical Theme this week >>>>> I would like to talk about the Disney Magic within Disney’s Cast Members.
Walt Disney Parks are known for their stellar hospitality and I have to say in most cases I am in agreement. I want to share with you some great experiences my family has had with Walt Disney Cast Members:
At the Caribbean Beach Resort a manager walked by the pool area and stopped to inquire how my family was enjoying their vacation. My husband shared with the cast member of management how Rebekah just learned to swim right at that moment in that pool. She took a Caribbean Beach Disney pin off her shirt and presented it to Rebekah to congratulate her for this accomplishment!
While dining at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot with Rebekah and my sister in-law, we spotted a cast member with a little extra Disney Magic. As he was cleaning and straightening tables he would stop and ask near by guest’s their name and then serenade them with their own personal song. As he came closer to our table he asked Rebekah if it was her birthday, she replied “no”. He began to sing a “very merry unbirthday to you” and incorporated her name in the song; he was very sweet and entertaining!
At Whispering Canyon Café my husband, Rebekah and I had a knee slapping experience with our CM waitress. We were very tired that morning because it was toward the end of our Magical vacation week. We soon pepped up, this hooting hollering CM had us practically rolling on the floor with laughter. She knew just what we needed to spark up our magical day!
While on our Two Moms and A Mouse trip to WDW, Nicole and I met a lovely young lady who was a cast member in World Showcase Germany. Her name was Christina. Christina was more than eager to start up a conversation with us. We had ordered the Wine Flight and were ready for take off…….just as Christina came aboard. She asked how we were enjoying our beverages and began to answer our many questions about her country. Since Nicole and I were in such a celebratory mood she also talked to us about Germany’s celebrations and taught us how to say “Cheers!” in German. “PROST! to Christina!”
There is a wonderful cast and crew that help to create the abundance of magic Disney displays! I have had so many wonderful encounters with many Cast Members, but sometimes you just find some extra special magic in a few of them!
Tell us about your magical encounters with the Magic Making Disney Cast Members!
If you missed out on Monday’s Magic Kingdom’s Montage of Magic check it out!
~Maureen
A Mecca of Entertainment ~ Downtown Disney- WDW
Welcome to those of you joining me from Rolling with the Magic and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.
Need a day off from the parks? Looking for a leisure day of shopping, shows, action, and a variety of cuisine?
Then Downtown Disney is the perfect place for you! Day or night this place is hopping with excitement! This Mecca of diverse amusement is divided into three sections.
Marketplace,
Pleasure Island,
and West Side.
I would suggest finding a map or using My Disney Experience on your smartphone to help navigate through this island of entertainment.
Let’s begin with shopping ~ Shopping in Walt Disney World is a MUST! Where else can we get our fix of a multitude of Disney merchandise?
Clothing to Crystals, Pins to Vinylmation -it’s here! Let’s start out in Marketplace, this is where the majority of DTD (Downtown Disney) retail locations reside. You can design a special Disney Family T-shirt,
find that special family holiday ornament,
and visit Mickey’s Pantry for a unique culinary utensil.
Browse through a shop of extraordinary works of art, or are the kids begging for something a little more fun? Check out the magnificent Lego Imagination Center, where you can build your own Lego car and enter it in a race amongst other Lego enthusiasts!
Some specialty shops that intrigue me are Lefty’s, where gifts are geared to that special left handed someone in your life, Marketplace Fun Finds- everything is $25.00 and under, a great place to find souvenirs that won’t break the bank! And my all time personal favorite store Tren-D!
The most awesome Disney Designed clothing and accessories!
If you don’t have the patience to visit all these specialty shops then I suggest two places, World of Disney and the brand new amazing Marketplace Co-Op. World of Disney just about covers every shopping need one may have, if you need it, most likely World of Disney has it. The brand new Marketplace Co-Op houses an array of specialty items, many of which are Disney themed.
We can keep on shopping but we have other places to visit, anyone hungry? Let’s eat! Just want a snack, need something sweet? Want to sit down and relax while you enjoy a delicious meal? You can do all that at DTD. You can find food trucks, pubs, candy shops, fun dining, and fine dining.
A fairly new addition to DTD cuisine is food trucks offering dishes inspired by each of the Disney theme parks. These trucks will be finding their permanent home this summer in the West Side area.
Some of my favorite inexpensive in price but rich in flavor eateries are, Earl of Sandwich and Wolf Gang Puck Express both found within Marketplace. Food is fresh and made to order, I am never disappointed when dining at either location.
If you are looking for FUN dining, my all time favorite is T-Rex, located in Pleasure Island.
Each room is themed in varied prehistoric landscapes with a raining meteor shower every 15 minutes.
Right outside is a Dino Dig Bone Yard to keep the kids entertained while waiting for a table.
If Fine Dining is more your speed, Fulton’s Crab House or Portobello can both be found in Pleasure Island. Fulton’s is located in a large paddleboat permanently docked at the entrance to Pleasure Island and centers most of their menu on seafood, though chicken and steak are available as well.
Portobello is Italian cuisine in a Mediterranean setting; indoor and outdoor lakeside seating is available.
Looking for that laid back pub feel? Head over to Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant located in Pleasure Island. They have an amazing menu along with a great array of beverages to help make your smile even brighter!
You may be treated to some Irish Step Dancing while dining; if you choose to dine later in the evening you will be entertained by a live band.
Take a little BBQ, some outdoor seating, live entertainment and a great cocktail and you have The Smokehouse at House of Blues in West Side. It doesn’t get more laid back than this!
Time to get your sweet on! We can stay in West Side and check out the Candy Cauldron or hike it back to Marketplace to Goofy’s Candy Co.
Either one promises to delight with their brightly colored sugary concoctions! What’s that? You wanted ice cream? Then come on, we’re going to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop!
You can smell the aroma of warm fudgey chocolate even before reaching the door!
So are we full? I’d say so! Ready for more fun?
DTD has an range of entertainment; rain or shine they have it covered! Most of this amusement takes place in West Side, let’s take a look at what’s going on!
Have you ever been in a Hot Air Balloon? Me either, but we can at DTD’s Characters in Flight Balloon Ride! Travel 400 feet in the air for a 360 degree view of Disney Property!
Disney Quest is out next stop. This is not just your ordinary arcade; in this building you will find 5 stories of cutting edge technology – check out what Disney Imagineers dreamt up for these interactive experiences.
24 screens, 5,400 seats ……. A stadium? Close, it’s AMC Downtown Disney 24. Check out the latest flicks and enjoy a little lunch or dinner at the same time!
How about checking out the new Splitsville Bowling Alley……. And so much more, see the video below to find out what else you can experience in this entertainment complex!
Splitsville at Downtown Disney West Side
We must not leave without seeing Cirque Du Soliel – La Nouba – A theatrical circus presentation. I have read this is the best live entertainment venue in Orlando! You will not see this show anywhere else; it is made specifically for Disney! I have been told it’s a “not to miss experience” and it is at the top of my “Must See” list!
Besides all this you can find great street entertainment throughout the streets of Pleasure Island and the outskirts of West Side. Look for a times guide for information on which bands are performing when you are visiting or find an updated entertainment schedule on this website wdwent.com
Well that’s going to do it for this tour of Walt Disney World’s entertainment Mecca, Downtown Disney!
I think we may need help carrying all these shopping bags 😉
Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is Ashley Aspires.
Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:
1st Stop ~ Disney Babies Blog
2nd Stop ~ Rolling with the Magic
3rd Stop ~ Two Moms and A Mouse
4th Stop ~ Ashley Aspires
Final Stop ~ 400 Miles to Disneyland