Just A Dream Away

Episode 25: We're Back!

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 12:53:00 -0500

Did you think we were gone forever!? Guess again! Join us for a Episode 25! We went back to Disney, and we want to tell you about it! Tune in to listen to our best and worst things from our August 2017 Disney Vacation.

*Please excuse our poor audio quality. We recorded while on the road travelling.

We would love to hear from you! Find us on Twitter (@justadreamaway1), Facebook (/justadreamaway1971), and Pinterest (@justadreamaway1) or send your thoughts, questions and comments to justadreamaway1971@gmail.com

One Disney Day: Hollywood Studios Edition

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Tue, 9 May 2017 12:26:00 -0400

So you only have one day to explore Hollywood Studios? Well, you have nothing to worry about. Hollywood Studios is in the middle of a major expansion and many attractions have closed to make way for whatever wonderful things are coming. This means the park can easily be done in a day!

Before you arrive - Schedule your Fastpasses in advance. Hollywood Studios is a little weird in the way it handles Fastpasses. Essentially, you have two tiers. You can make one selection from Tier 1 and two from Tier 2.

For your Tier 1 selection, go with Rock 'n Roller Coaster. While I usually choose Toy Story Midway Mania, I have recently rethought this philosophy. Nine times out of ten, you get in line to ride for what seems like a short wait for Rock 'n Roller Coaster and then it doubles or triples while you are standing in a queue without any theming, out in the heat, ages before you even get inside for the pre-show. Instead, I could be standing in just as long a line in the air conditioning with delightful theming for Toy Story Midway Mania. Actually, wait times for TSMM have gone down with the addition of a third track, so the wait may not be extravagantly long as it once was. If I have to choose, I want some good ol' Air Conditioning. *If you have littles in your party who do not have height or roller coaster affection on their side, then go with Toy Story!

For your Tier 2 selections, choose Star Tours and Tower of Terror. *Again, if you have littles who would not or could not ride Tower of Terror, then choose Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

Arrive At Park Opening or even a little before just to get through the gate as soon as possible. Once in the park, move move move right to Toy Story Midway Mania! Go straight towards the Great Movie Ride and then take the stairs on the right. You will see Pixar Place down far on your left. This is pretty much your one shot at Toy Story Midway Mania, so if the line is only 30 minutes or less after you get off the ride, get back on. Believe me, you will want to ride it immediately after enjoying this addicting, interactive attraction.

Next, backtrack over to The Great Movie Ride. I like getting to this ride early in the morning so you can look at the movie props/costumes in the line without being rushed. I think Robert Osborne's introduction on the movie screen before you load is fascinating, so it will be a little disappointing to waltz straight through this educational bit. The only other downer is that you will get the Gangster interaction, instead of possibly having the Cowboy. (This will make sense if you have ever ridden this attraction.)

Next, claim your Star Tours Fastpass. I would have this scheduled for 10:30 to 11:30 just to be safe. The goal here is to minimize time spent walking all over the park. Try to hit certain areas and complete everything in that area. Star Tours is "never" the same ride twice as the computer randomizes the planets/scenes you will experience. You will want to ride this more than once.

*Special Tip for Star Tours: One person in the simulator will be chosen as the Rebel Spy. Do not put your 3D glasses on until the Cast Member tells you to! A Cast Member is trying to get your picture to select the Rebel Spy and your chances are better if your glasses are off (and you are a child or look totally clueless).

Have an early lunch since you have a lot of shows still to do and getting a lunch reservation out of the way early is a must! I suggest either the Sci-Fi Dine-In (you sit in 50s style cars inside an outdoor movie theatre, if that makes sense) or the 50s Primetime Cafe (where your waiters are your aunts/uncles/cousins and treat you as such). Both are unique experiences that will give you fun memories and a smile!

To digest in peace, go watch Muppet Vision 3D. Kermit and the gang are up to their usual antics with fun that is sometimes very much in your face (in a good, surprising way). Every age will love this attraction.

Walk over to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular for the 12:30 or 1:45 show (depending on what time you ate lunch and so forth). The stunt men and women in the show are sensational, and even if you've never seen the Indy movies (go out and watch them right now, you silly!) you can enjoy this explosive show.
*If you would like to have a shot at being an extra in the show, be there early, wear some kind of bright clothing and be ready to act ridiculously desperate to be chosen. My father has been an extra three times, my mother has been an extra once and I've been an extra too (#lifegoals). If we, normally reserved people, can have such a good track record, anyone can do it!

After Indy, you may be a little tired, especially from sitting in a fairly warm theatre. Go over to One Man's Dream. This is a sort of walk-through museum reviewing the life of the man who started it all! Walt's story is one of great hope and hard work. If you have loved any Disney movie or park, please take some time to respect the man whose dreams have inspired our own. There is a short documentary you can watch as well (if they aren't doing some film preview for their next feature) and this is where you can go, sit down in a dark theatre and catch a few winks. I often get a little misty eyed hearing Walt talk about his life, alongside the lovely narration of Julie Andrews. Though Walt always credited the Mouse for starting it all, we know it was the Man who really deserves our gratitude.

You are now close to The Voyage of the Little Mermaid. I am not a big fan of this show, but if you have little princesses who love Ariel, go ahead and watch this short 15 minute performance. A new show starts roughly every 30 minutes, so you should be able to enter the theatre without too long of a wait at nearly any time of the day. Or, you can always get a Fastpass if you have chosen to skip some of the other, more thrilling attractions.

You're a hop, skip and a jump from the Star Wars Launch Bay. If you're a Star Wars fan, then check this out! If not, it's fine to skip. Usually the wait for meeting Chewbacca and Kylo Ren is pretty short, so you might be able to sneak a meet and greet in. At the time of writing, the BB8 Meet and Greet is very new, so the queue may be a little longer for this delightful astromech.

Are you getting a little hungry and need a snack? There are a lot of options at the beginning of Sunset Boulevard. A whoopie pie, Butterfinger cupcake or carrot cake cookie might not go amiss.

It's time to start your walk down Sunset Boulevard. Watch Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage, especially if you love this movie. Don't expect a Broadway performance here, but if you have any affection for this classic film, then you should watch this show. It shows multiple times a day, but you will probably want to the see the 3:00, 4:15 or 5:30 show.

Claim your Rock 'n Roller Coaster Fastpass. Try to schedule this for 5:00-6:00, or even a little earlier. This is a simply GREAT roller coaster, but don't go on it if you don't like going upside down. It rocks in sync with the music of Aerosmith and there are a few song options meaning your soundtrack could be different each time you ride. Who doesn't want to take a Super Stretch Limo to an Aerosmith concert with Backstage Passes? All I know is, "I'm lovin' that idea." Right, Steven Tyler?

Try to save Tower of Terror until it is dark. This is my favorite ride in Walt Disney World, but it is 100 times more wonderful at night. The view from the top is gorgeous and creepy, all at once. Ride it at night - that's all I'm saying. You won't regret it!

Have dinner at one of the quick service restaurants on Sunset Boulevard or elsewhere in the park. The barbecue at Fairfax Fare is yummy. Or even walk back down to Bill and Mill's Dockside Diner. PizzeRizzo across from the Muppets is good if you are not an adventurous eater, as well as Backlot Express. The truth is, you have some time to spare now before Fantasmic to revisit your favorite attractions - Star Tours, Muppets, Tower of Terror, etc. Have a relaxing meal, do a little shopping, ride an attraction or two. Take your time!

End the night with Fantasmic. People tend to forget that this show takes place in an outdoor Amphitheater and there are (usually) going to be seats for everyone. Don't let the people who stand in line forever or try to push ahead of you in line get you down. Everyone is going to get a spot, close or far away - there really is not a bad seat. This nighttime spectacular takes place at 8:30 and 10:00. The 8:30 show is usually more crowded, but also means you can get out of the parks earlier if you have little ones who are getting sleepy. If you watch the earlier show, you can maybe squeeze in another ride on Tower of Terror or Star Tours after slowly exiting Fantasmic. But, the later show is usually not as full, so there are advantages to that as well.

NOTE: If you are a MAJOR Star Wars fan, then skip Fantasmic and watch the Star Wars fireworks in front of the Chinese Theater. They are the BEST nighttime entertainment Disney Parks has created, in my geek opinion. Don't try to do Fantasmic and the Star Wars fireworks though! Choose one of these spectacular experiences to end your night.

And that's your One Disney Day at Hollywood Studios! Considering the current state of the park, this is a fairly relaxing day, in comparison to Magic Kingdom or EPCOT. There are so few attractions now that you don't have to pick and choose quite so much what you want to do in your One Disney Day. Enjoy the magic of the movies and even feel like you are stepping into them!

*Note: I have never seen the Disney Junior show, since Mr. and Mrs. Dreamer have no little Mouseketeers in the house yet. This is probably a must if you have any little people who love Jake and the Neverland Pirates or Sophia the First or Doc McStuffins. It plays at least once every hour until 5:40, so plan accordingly if you know there are wee ones in your party who will lose their mind seeing their favorite Disney Junior stars before their very eyes.

Home for the Holidays - Wishing We Were in WDW For Christmastime in the Parks

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 20:07:00 -0500

Everyone wants to be home for the holidays (well, most everyone). And for those of us who are addicted Disney fans, that means a desperate longing to be in Walt Disney World for the Christmas season. Chris and I have been having major Disney Christmas cravings this year...we often turn to one another out of the blue and say, "I wish we were in Disney right now." Now, to be fair, we do this the year round. And, the reason we are home bound is the best in the world - awaiting the arrival of our little girl. We can't wait to receive our sweet Christmas gift (though, she is actually more expected to be a New Year's Baby, but who knows?!). Still, WDW is always calling; especially in December.

Because for those who know, there is something breathtakingly magical about the World at Christmastime! There is absolutely nothing like it. When the Parks are decked out in all of their festive glory, it is the best time of year in every possible way.

Christmas in Walt Disney World is a special time for us for personal reasons too. My first two trips with my family as a child and teenager were over Christmas week. To experience the Parks for the first time while they were celebrating the holidays was absolutely mind-blowing. Chris too got his first taste of WDW during the Christmas season as we went on our honeymoon in mid-December. Due to these wonderful first memories, Christmas just means something incredibly special to us at Walt Disney World.

So, though it will probably just make our longing even worse, here are all the reasons we wish we were in Walt Disney World for the Christmas season. There are seasonal staples that we adore, an old friend that we miss, and new additions to the celebration we can't wait to experience some day!

Things We LOVE
The Christmas Trees - It seems funny but this is genuinely my favorite thing about Walt Disney World at Christmastime. The tree in each Park and Resort fits the theme of that location perfectly, and, as you can imagine, each one is a wonder to behold. Disney does nothing by halves (except those awful trees on the Tree Trail at Disney Springs - yikes!). I'm not sure I even have a favorite. The Magic Kingdom is classic Christmas cheer. Hollywood Studios glories in the movies and the 30s-40s, which I love. Epcot brings light and life from all the countries. And Animal Kingdom's African-inspired decorations of animals/animal masks is fun in its own unique splendor. Each Resort participates in the fun with a perfectly themed tree (or trees) to match its character. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a Christmas Tree. Still, nothing fills me with the holiday spirit like walking into a Park and beholding a magnificent Christmas Tree!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - First off, I'm so glad that this is still the "Very Merry Christmas" Party, not the "Happy Holidays" Party. Sorry, soap box moment there. Chris and I experienced this Party for the first (and only thus far) time during our Honeymoon. Maybe the romance of our trip added some extra magic in the air. Still, we fell head over heels for this special ticketed event; much more so than the Halloween Party. The nighttime charm of an evening in Magic Kingdom celebrating Christmas whole-hardheartedly is simply the best. Snow on Main Street and a twinkling Cinderella Castle is a sight every Disney fan needs to behold at least once. Add on endless cookies and hot chocolate (well, now they have other offerings too, but I'd keep it classic, personally), and you've got the makings of a perfect evening! The Christmas Parade, though it can be watched during the afternoon of Christmas week, is somehow more sparkling and magical at night. Snuggle up with your family and enjoy the sights. I also enjoy this special ticketed event a bit more than others because when we went it didn't feel like Disney oversold the event, as they tend to do with Halloween. We could stroll, hand in hand, and soak in the beauty of the Park as we celebrated our most favorite holiday of the year. (*We're not ones to meet characters but this event really gets the job done with very special personalities, pairings and costumes. There are also special stage shows and dance parties, but we're not super into them either, though they have their value for those who enjoy them.)

Christmas Decorations in Each Land - Disney thrives on theming, so you know Christmas presents their talented teams with special challenges. Of course, it isn't enough to just put candles and ornaments around the Parks and Resorts. No way! Disney Cast Members/Imagineers find a way to still make every land's Christmas decorations completely unique and fitting. I LOVE Main Street's Victorian charm set against the gaudy glam of entering Hollywood Studios. Everything is PERFECTION wherever you look. Frontierland's decorations must look completely different from those of Dinoland, U.S.A. Take the time to really appreciate the creativity displayed in every nook and cranny. At Christmas, the creative team really outdoes themselves!

Christmas Window Displays - I suppose this one falls under the above decorations conversation, but I'm setting it apart for two special displays. First, the window in Hollywood Studios with the dancing, Minnie Mouse ornaments. Those little leg-kicking ornaments make my day. Anytime I see them in a picture or video, I smile. I love those things! Second, the Mickey's Christmas Carol vignettes or tableaux or whatever you want to call them have a special place in my heart. Actually, they are a family joke. I remember the first time we saw them when they were in Epcot of all places (in 1998, anyone else remember this?). My sister was taking FOREVER looking at them, it was the end of our vacation and I was just done. My mom got a picture of us standing next to the displays and my face is so grumpy...a real Scrooge McDuck. I told Chris this story at some point, probably as an explanation of old trip photos. Well, now they are an inside joke, so anytime we see them he makes sure to heckle me. Don't get me wrong - I love them for themselves and the film they represent. Still, the family story gives it extra appeal.

Toy Soldiers - Yeah, this is another one that technically fits in other already mentioned categories, but I adore the toy soldiers in Town Square at Magic Kingdom and that march in the Christmas Parade. I grew up watching Babes in Toyland, taped from television in all its Annette glory. So, these toy soldiers have a nostalgic appeal. There is nothing at all like watching them march in the parade, stomping along in total unison. I just love them (almost as much as the Halloween parade's gravediggers. Almost as much.)

Epcot Candelight Processional - I probably didn't appreciate this ceremony as I should have as a child, but now I would give anything to spend a relaxing evening at Epcot's Candlelight Processional. This is a beautiful celebration of Christ's birth taken directly from Scripture. The readers are always mostly/mildly famous and bring their own personality to their style of reading, so every weekend's performance feels unique. You could view it weekend after weekend, year after year and it would always feel fresh. Add on a full orchestra, multiple choirs (of Cast Members and school groups), and the Voices of Liberty and you have the highest level of musical artistry. I would love to make this a yearly tradition in our family; a night to concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas.

Gingerbread Displays at Various Resorts - The gingerbread displays at various resorts are a delicious smelling treat that make your day feel even more Christmas-centric. The most famous and impressive is the life-size gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian Resort. As soon as you step into the lobby, the spirit of Christmas will hit you right through the nose. It's a lovely child's dream and I love seeing it every year, if only over the Internet.

Things We Miss

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights - This was my probably the one special Christmas offering at Walt Disney World that amazed me the most on my first and consecutive trips in December. The 90s version of the Lights, where you wore special glasses to see angels everywhere you looked up, astounded me. I still have my glasses and they still kind of work when you look into any light. The main event though was walking down Residential Street all covered in Christmas lights! It felt too cool to be not only looking at thousands of sparkling lights, but also walking freely where the Tram Tour alone could tread in the daylight. When they made the change to the dancing lights being coordinated to music, that was fantastic too! Again, there's something kind of romantic and exciting to stroll down the Streets of America with the one you love, stopping to watch a visual and auditory overload of Christmas wonder every few minutes. I miss the Lights more than I can say! Once YouTube became a thing, we would watch videos of the Lights on Christmas morning. Nothing says "Merry Christmas" as the Osborne Family could do! Thankfully the videos live on, though I'm terribly sad that my children will never get to experience the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Things We Can't Wait To Experience
Disney Springs Drone Show - I know it is a very short but this is probably the one thing that will get me to ride all the way over to the over-priced and crowded Disney Springs. I want to see the new technology at work with Christmas cheer. It's kind of amazing to see so many drones soaring through the air and actually bringing together (mostly) recognizable sights. It's no Osborne Dancing Lights, but it will do for a taste of something fresh and fascinating. The music seems pretty pleasant too.

Holidays Around the World - Okay, to be fair this is not new and I have at least experienced some of it. The truth is, Chris and I have never dedicated an entire day or two to hearing the many wonderful tales and traditions from around the World Showcase, and we are desperate to do so! The performers are engaging and entertaining, and even at Christmas a little cultural education can't hurt. Peace on Earth, and all that. We can't wait until the day when we can really commit to savoring Holidays Around the World. (Just the storytellers though; the new food kiosks make me unhappy as Disney ever expands the Festival scene, making it impossible to simply stroll through an unobstructed World Showcase.)

If you ever have the chance to experience Walt Disney World at Christmastime, then don't hesitate...do it! The most magical place on earth at the most magical time of the year is a match made in heaven. You will never see Christmas or the Parks the same again.

Merry Christmas to all of our faithful readers! We are so grateful for the time you have taken to read these blogs over the last couple years. You have made us feel like the experts we probably are not, and that's very generous of you. As our little family expands, we look forward to sharing more of our thoughts, tips and adventures with you.

Disney Mom: The Pregnant Lady's Guide To Disney Movies You Should Avoid Until After Baby Is Born

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 5 Nov 2016 21:21:00 -0400

I'm 32 weeks pregnant with our first Mouseketeer and things are great! We are beyond excited for this little one's arrival. We are getting her nursery together, already becoming very Disney-centric as you all would expect. I sing her Disney songs when I'm alone, hoping to get those tunes stuck in her subconscious so she will love them when she is born. And more often than we should, Chris and I spend time chatting about her first trip to Walt Disney World; when we will take her and what she will say and do.

All this baby excitement has taken over my life, but here's one thing I have learned that I simply CANNOT do right now - watch Disney movies with babies in them. I just get too emotional considering how blessed and overjoyed I feel. And if something were to happen to one of these parent-child relationships...Nope! No way! I can't deal with that right now.

So, here is a pregnant lady's definitive list of Disney movies to avoid while you are expecting. (That is, unless you like to cry, which I do NOT.)

Lady and the Tramp - This film beautifully captures the experience of welcoming a new baby into the family. In a short space of time, you see all the stages and emotions: the warm glow of anticipation, as well as the stress. But when the baby comes and Lady sings, "What is a baby anyway?" it is just too wonderful to me. I start blubbering before the song really even gets going, because even as I kind of know what I am getting into with this whole becoming a parent thing, I am asking that same question. And "Little Star Sweeper" is just too special to my family for me to hear without crying, because it's the song my mom has sung to both of her babies and every baby she has ever rocked in nursery at church. Yes, this film handles a look at the splendor of a growing family with so much tenderness that I just can't watch it right now.

Dumbo -This one ends happily, but there are too many rough patches in between for an expectant mama to watch without welling up with tears. Mrs. Jumbo's longing for a baby by itself would get to me. Then, throw in "Baby Mine" and I'd be a scary mess. This is a beautiful film about family and a mother's love (as well as why no one better mess with a mama's baby if they aren't ready to see her crazy come out), but I defy any pregnant woman to be able to watch it without ugly crying.

Bambi - Normally, this movie does nothing to or for me. But right now, it's too dangerous to say. The bond between Bambi and his mother is dear. To have to see that bond erased, blotted out by one terrible moment would probably be a very bad idea at this moment. Sorry Bambi, but you will have to wait.

The Lion King - I've said it before and I'll bore you again, this movie was my jam as a child. I think the relationship between Mufasa and Simba is probably the best parent-child relationship in any Disney film. The love and wisdom shared is to be admired by any future parent. But, having to watch Simba lose that guiding force in his life would be too much to bear. See you in a couple months, Simba, even though my daughter loves your music when she hears it already.

Tarzan - This movie is one of my favorites, in no small part because of its music. The song "You'll Be In My Heart" is a perfect parent-child lullaby. I will no doubt serenade my little one with it later on, but I cannot watch it on film until after her birth. There is also the opening heartbreak for Kala that no mother wants to even consider at such a time. No Tarzan, you will be sitting on the shelf for awhile.

Hercules - I can't watch two previously beaming parents mourn the loss of their stolen child. Nope. It's such a little part of the film and, yes, ends happily, but no...I can't take Hera and Zeus' grief.

Tangled - This film's issue is the same as Hercules. It would be too horrible to watch two parents who so dearly long for this precious girl not only almost lose her (and the Queen), but then have her literally stolen away. Ugh! I can't. But then there is that beautifully painful, silent moment where Rapunzel's parents are alone on her birthday and her father just cries, still mourning his lost princess. Cut out my heart, why don't you?

One Hundred and One Dalmatians - Here we go again. What is it with Disney and babies being stolen? Should I be getting bars on the windows and an intense home security system? I know they are just dogs, but Disney humanizes Pongo and Perdita in such stunning realism that it is impossible not to sympathize with their peaceful satisfaction when expecting the puppies and then the absolute heartbreak when they are stolen. Who doesn't get completely destroyed by the scene when they think they've lost Lucky? That scene goes from ridiculously heavy to gloriously rapturous, and the audience has to go along for the ride. I love you One Hundred and One Dalmatians; we just need to be distant from one another for awhile.

Chris' Pick: Frozen - No pregnant person should watch this film in fear the baby will become subconsciously obsessed with it.

Why I (Naively) Wish I Had Been in Walt Disney World for Hurricane Matthew

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 16 Oct 2016 08:55:00 -0400

Hurricane Matthew has been over and gone for a week now, and talk of it has basically died in the Disney community. Still, I can't help feeling a sense of envy for all those poor, unfortunate souls that were stranded at Disney Resort hotels for the duration of the "storm of the century." I know, I know. I wasn't there, so I'm being hopelessly naive about what it must have been like to be trapped on Disney property without the Parks being open.

Yet I wish I had been! Like really, really badly!

Here are all the probably crazy reasons why I wish I had been stranded in Walt Disney World for Hurricane Matthew. (Feel free to call me out for my senseless insanity after you read this post. I totally understand.)

*First off, I want to establish that Chris and I have fallen in love with having our own car while visiting the World. I think our happiness level would be largely determined in this situation by this factor. Without a car, I can see how things might be a lot more miserable.

*Secondly, let me acknowledge that the Orlando area was EXTREMELY fortunate and was not hit as hard by Hurricane Matthew as the original reports anticipated. I know that this hurricane was no joke in many parts on the coast and in the Caribbean. I don't want to make light of the loss of life that was endured in this event. This post probably makes it sound like Hurricane Matthew was "not that bad" but I know that was only for some parts of Florida and those areas not intensely affected were quite blessed indeed.

1.) The Parks were EMPTY on Thursday - Whilst everybody and their brother was fleeing Florida in droves, the Parks became essentially empty on Thursday. And it was SUNNY most of the day! You couldn't even tell there was a hurricane on the way until later in the afternoon. Yes, the Parks were only open until 5 p.m. but that is still a lot of time to enjoy the World. I mean, look at our most recent trip - we were only in Epcot from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. This is like a regular day at Animal Kingdom before they added nighttime entertainment! To be at a Park from rope drop until 5 p.m. is nothing to complain about in my eyes. And with no crowds, we could have gotten so much done! Oh man, I so desperately wish we had been there!

2.) Disney Park Tickets For Later - Because of the early closing on Thursday and all Parks being closed on Friday, Disney reiumbursed guests affected by the Hurricane with two Park tickets that will remain good for another 15 years or so. One ticket was your standard base ticket, but the other was a Park Hopper! The latter is like gold in our family as we probably won't be forking money over for Park Hopper in the near future. While giving tickets is something that Disney management basically had to do, as they closed the Park and needed to give people their money back, I would still be thrilled to have two (not exactly) free Park tickets to use at a later date. This means the family HAS to get back to Walt Disney World at some point, and when we do, it will feel discounted. Hurray for us (even if it is kind of a psychological lie)!

3.) RESORT PIZZA Stockpile, Baby! - Resort guests were told the Food Courts would be closed the next day so they needed to buy meals on Thursday to cover Friday. Chris and I would still have been stuck in the hours long line to get food, it's true, but our game plan would have been simple...Resort Pizza stockpile, baby! Yes, we will take two Resort Pizzas, thank you! A $12.99 box of food? Uh, no. I wasn't born yesterday. (At least, I would like to think I am not that dumb.) And, honestly, I can eat cold pizza from Disney Resorts with such pleasure that any excuse to eat it for every meal would not be a problem. So give me all the Resort Pizza, please! Indulge my sick obsession.

*Sidenote: We always bring our own snacks and breakfast foods anyway, so we might not even have had to stand in that massive line on Thursday night. We probably could have gotten by on our own snacks. Or, having a car, we could have gotten off property right after the Parks closed and grabbed some Chic-Fil-A or another quick bite of an establishment still open.

4.) Saying You Were There and Getting To Experience a (Mild) Hurricane - Disney has only closed four times due to hurricanes. What an ultimate fan I would be to be able to say that I was there! I'm a loser, I know. I'm in it for the story that makes me one of a smallish group of people who have experienced Disney history.

And for the other side, I live in a part of America where a hurricane is not going to happen, EVER. Maybe intense winds and some rain will travel the great distance, but that's all. To get the hurricane experience, you have to go to a children's science museum exhibit. And while this storm was far from your typical Hurricane experience for those in Walt Disney World, as the storm basically missed Disney property apart from some wind and rain, it was still a legitimate hurricane. It counts!

5.) Disney Movies ALL DAY LONG - To make a day stuck in your room bearable, management played Disney films all day long on the in-room TVs. Sounds good to me. If I have to be locked in my room (not that people ended up actually being cooped up in their rooms), then watching Disney movies is the best way to get through it! I'm sure their selection was top-notch. Sign me up for a lazy, rest day with a Disney marathon. I'm there.

6.) Free Arcade - As guests were stuck at their Resorts, Disney made the Arcade (you know, the one at each Resort that pretty much no one ever uses regularly except for the 100 credits or whatever you get in your Resort package) FREE! That's right, something free from Disney. It's a miracle (especially after those $12.99 sandwich boxes)! I am sure it was crowded in there, but for a 90s child that was raised on Chuck-E-Cheese, I would have thrilled to play free skee-ball to my heart's desire. Just one game of skee-ball would have made me happy.

7.) Characters at the Resorts - Here's one you almost never see...Characters at the Resort. Especially at the Value Resorts! Now this is a special occasion! I don't even like meeting characters that much, but if they come to me essentially, then yeah, I will gladly snap a picture and grab a hug from Pluto, Goofy, Baloo, Louie, etc.They weren't just meeting guests either; from pictures and videos, these characters were hamming it up for the guests. Pluto cleaned the Food Court and Captain Hook dancing to Thriller is probably one of the best things ever to come across the internet.

8.) Half Price Food on Friday - When the hurricane ended up not being as bad as expected, some Cast Members were able to safely come to work at the Resorts on Friday. Thus, the Food Courts were open for business. Well, the cheapskate in me loves this next one...breakfast and lunch food was half price! Who wouldn't love that? I would almost lose my mind to be getting such a discount on Disney property. Another Resort pizza, do you say? Oh no, I couldn't...probably.

9.) Go To Disney Springs Without ANY LOCALS!!! - Partially because some Resorts were running low on food (and maybe sanity), Disney management decided to open a good selection of Disney Springs eating establishments just to Resort guests on Friday evening. No offense to the locals out there, but the Springs would be a far more pleasant experience if you were not present.

It isn't the general local I really mean. You regular Joes are just there to enjoy the ambiance like everyone else. No, it is the shady folks who are looking to take advantage of innocent tourists that freak me out and make me loathe Disney Springs. Yes, sir, I'm completely sober, don't know you and would love you to take me back to my Resort in your car. Uh no, that's creepy and I wish Disney would stop such people from approaching me.

Now, this whole situation at Disney Springs would have been pleasant. I don't think we would have stood in line to eat even. (All that Resort pizza at our room, you know?) But, to be at a pretty empty Springs, even with all the shops closed, would make it easier to appreciate the great job the Imagineers have done in revitalizing this dining and shopping district on Disney property. It takes a lot for me to want to visit Disney Springs at all...this might just be the thing to get me down there. Wide open spaces and getting to look at all the new details? Yes, I could make a trip for that.

10.) Exploring An Empty Orlando - While everyone without a car would be stuck on Property, how cool would it be to take your rental out for a drive around a deserted Orlando? With the weather on the mend and no longer remotely dangerous, we would have hopped in our car and driven around town without the worry of traffic! To see Orlando in this weird way would have been kind of fascinating. With many businesses closed, it would have felt like the end of the world out there. I would have loved to cruise around and just check out what Florida after a hurricane looks like. Here's another experience to add to the memory books.

Those are my totally naive reasons for wanting to be in Walt Disney World for the duration of Hurricane Matthew. I know that on Saturday when the Parks were again open that things were pretty intensely busy. Oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes. Still, all the other ten reasons above would have made the experience worth it for me. I'm more than a little bonkers, I know. Judge me as harshly as you want. I totally understand!

Episode 24: August 2016 Trip Report, Day 3

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 21:57:00 -0400

Join us for a Episode 24! We continue our August 2016 Trip Report with a day 3 visit to EPCOT. We also review Olivia's Cafe at Old Key West Resort. So sit back, relax, and join us for our day at the Magic Kingdom!

Walt Disney World Confession: Food and Whine (A Sympathetic Post For Picky Eaters at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival)

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 1 Oct 2016 11:21:00 -0400

We have a confession, fellow WDW fans...we don't enjoy the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. I know, I know! This is a major sin against the World and its many loyal supporters, but, honestly, we just don't like Food and Wine. It is NOT for us. While the majority of bloggers are running to this thing with gift cards and cameras loaded, we would do anything to avoid this annual festival.

We do not get the appeal, and, for us, we have some good reasons. They aren't reasons that will resonate with everyone, but they give you a little look into our minds. Maybe they will help you decide if the Food and Wine Festival is for you and your family, if you are a fellow picky eater. We hope we don't offend anyone too much.

1.) We Aren't Foodies - It is a fact. We are picky eaters. We don't yearn for adventure when we pick a meal and we don't enjoy trying new things. Foodie culture is a mystery beyond us. This doesn't at all make it bad, in our view; it simply means we don't understand the appeal. As non-Foodies, Food and Wine holds no glamor.

That isn't to say that the things we had weren't good. I still dream about the lamb meatballs from New Zealand and the duck in the soft bun in China. I wish we had a Belgian waffle while we were there. There are many things, new and old, on the menus each year that I think would be delicious. Obviously the offerings must be good or people wouldn't go ga-ga over them. We just aren't the crowd that this Festival is catering to.

2.) We Don't Drink Alcohol - Okay, we already established that the food of Food and Wine means little to us. Now, we admit that the Wine also is not up our alley. We aren't drinkers of any kind. If someone asked me to pick a wine, I wouldn't even know where to start...and I don't want to start anyway. And, really, I feel like Food and Wine is more about Beer anyway.

Alcohol is easily available all around World Showcase throughout the year, but Food and Wine kind of encourages people to drink and drink and drink. Of course, not everyone loses their heads over the booze, but a lot of people do. I don't enjoy touring Epcot with sloppy drunks. That isn't fun for me. And sometimes it doesn't take people long to hit their limit. Again, some can savor with care, but Food and Wine does up the chances of witnessing some pretty sad guest behavior.

3.) We Have Better Ways To Spend Our Money - You, faithful readers, know that we are cheap. For $18 I can get either three tiny bites at Food and Wine, or I can go to Whispering Canyon and get an All I Care To Enjoy Breakfast Skillet. Yeah, this one isn't hard for us.

The servings are about 3-4 tastes of whatever you have ordered. Don't even think about sharing! Maybe we lack self control or something. I need more than two bites to be satisfied with my purchase. The size to cost ratio just aggravates me. But, that is also because my priorities are not the same as those who adore Food and Wine. If you are a Foodie, then it is worth paying extravagant amounts of money for a bunch of little bites. That's cool; it just isn't me.

4.) We Don't Enjoy Eating On Garbage Cans - Disney does put up some tall tables near the different kiosks. Unfortunately, there is no way they could ever put up enough tables for demand. And people often stake a claim on a table and hog it for ages. (Guilty of this bad guest behavior myself.) So, what is now a Food and Wine joke/tradition has become inevitable - you will end up eating on a trash can or two. And those trash cans get lots of traffic because people need to throw away their tiny plates/carton things, which is fine. But feeling like the evil guard of the trash can is not pleasant. It kind of stresses me out. Add some of those pesky World Showcase ducks and I am done! This is not my optimal dining experience. With so many great restaurants in Epcot, I think I will just reserve a table instead,okay? Great.

5.) It Ruins the World Showcase Atmosphere That We Love (a.k.a. The Crowds) - You know what makes World Showcase simply the best? That completely calm atmosphere where you can promenade at a slower pace and enjoy each brilliant pavilion. No hustle or bustle here. Even in the summer, this second half of Epcot seems set apart.

Not so during Food and Wine (okay, maybe more on the weekends than weekdays). The plethora of kiosks crowds those lovely wide walkways. Add tons of clamoring Food and Wine Festival enthusiasts and there goes my darling World Showcase. Now she is packed with people in confined spaces and it isn't the same. It makes me sad for first time guests who don't know that there is another face of World Showcase that they are missing.

So, for our fellow picky eaters, we want to say that it is okay not to live for the Food and Wine Festival. It doesn't need to be your favorite time of year at Walt Disney World. It isn't ours and we don't feel guilty about it. A lot of fans are completely obsessed with this Festival, but you don't have to be. If you love Food and Wine, then awesome! We are glad it floats your boat! We are going to let our boat float over to Whispering Canyon while you enjoy your foodie thing, okay?

Episode 23: August 2016 Trip Report, Day 2

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 21:21:00 -0400

Join us for a Episode 23! We continue our August 2016 Trip Report with a day 2 visit to Magic Kingdom. We also review Walt Disney World Resort's newest restaurant Jungle Navigation Company Skipper Canteen (or as Chris calls it "Skip-it Can't Eat") So sit back, relax, and join us for our day at the Magic Kingdom!

Walt Disney World on the Cheap - Saving Money When Visiting the Mouse

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 21:18:00 -0400

We all know it - Walt Disney World itself is now a luxury experience. It costs A LOT to visit the Mouse these days. And while many people are accustomed to living beyond their means, there are others who want to make those amazing Disney memories without totally going for broke. Good news! Even the cheapskates, like me, can find ways to save money on a magical vacation in the World.

Don't get me wrong - splurging during vacation is no crime. I mean, it is vacation after all! However, if you are like Chris and me, you don't want to squander your life savings just to escape from daily life for a few days. I don't want to come back from our trip feeling guilty on the amount of money we spent. As a cheapo, I've found that even in Walt Disney World I can get great pleasure out of saving some money on my vacation! Challenge accepted? Here's how to make it happen!

Saving Money on a Resort

Value Resorts - If you want to stay on property, but don't want to break the bank, then Disney's Value Resorts are for you! If you are going to spend more time in the Parks than in your room and even simple amenities (ex. thinner towels and toilet paper) will be enough to satisfy you, then please look into this option. Sure the theming is very gaudy; if you don't enjoy it, you'll only have to look at it for a few days. Still, this is Disney and the bar is raised to a degree above some off-property options. Convenience is key, and being able to stay on property will be an advantage for saving time. (*Warning - All Star Music & Sports are Disney's go-to resorts for competitions and large foreign-teenage travel groups. Things can get loud with this over population of teenagers, so be aware of this in advance. We're not saying you shouldn't book a cheap room here, just warning you of what to expect.)

Keep An Eye Out For The Discounts - It almost seems like Disney runs a perpetual deal on rooms. Obviously this is not the case for all times of the year (holidays, major breaks throughout the school year, etc.), but be sure to check the Walt Disney World website for Special Offers/Packages. A lot of the time, you can get a 15%-30% discount on the room. The discount will be smaller at Value Resorts, but every little bit helps!

Stay Off Property- If you have a car (or even if you don't - many resorts have vans/buses to transport you), staying off property can save you money. If you don't mind adding a few more minutes onto your travel time and you are a good navigator, then by all means consider staying off Disney property to get a discount. Be careful, of course, that you do your research to make sure you really are saving money by not staying at a Disney Resort. Just because a hotel is off-property doesn't automatically make it cheaper.

Saving Money on Food

Split Meals - Disney portions are MASSIVE! In the heat, you don't want to make yourself so totally stuffed that you will be uncomfortable. A great way to stay feeling good and to save money is to split meals, especially at Table Service restaurants. We do this all the time and never leave dissatisfied. In fact, we often regret it when we haven't chosen to split a meal. Many times, the restaurant will even split the food for you, giving each person their own, perfectly portioned plate.

Have A Big Breakfast/Lunch, Then A Little Dinner - One great way to save money is to make breakfast or lunch your big meal of the day. Breakfast and lunch menus are generally (not always, but often) cheaper, even if they are serving essentially the same food as in the evening. This way you will not be hungry for hours, and can easily make do on one of those iconic Disney World snacks and a counter service meal for dinner (maybe even one you can split!).

Don't Obsess Over Table Service - With Advance Dining Reservations causing such panic (as well as the various Dining Plan options), people get really obsessed with eating their meals at Table Service restaurants. Avoid this expensive trap. There are, naturally, so many fantastic sit-down restaurants on property, but you don't need to eat there ALL THE TIME. Counter Service at Walt Disney World is miles and away better than your regular theme park food, especially at the different Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. There have been times when we have stayed in the World for five or more days and only had two Table Service meals. Check out the menus in advance and see how you can save money by choosing Counter Service (remember, you can still split!).

Avoid The Dining Plan (Unless You Can Get It For Free) - We have never purchased the Disney Dining Plan and we never will. We have done the math and we can easily eat cheaper on our own than by purchasing this option. If we are going to split meals and we aren't going to eat dessert everywhere we go, then the Dining Plan is more expensive than it is worth for us. Now, if you can time your vacation up with the Free Dining Plan promotion, then of course you should take advantage of that! Other than tickets, meals are often our next biggest expense on the trip. If you could avoid spending money on food altogether, that would be truly magical!

Don't Order What You Don't Want - At Counter Service restaurants, you will see a lot of the food on the menu comes with fries or a salad. Stop right there! If you don't want that combo, then you don't have to get it. Ask for the entree without those fries or that Caesar salad that you don't really need and Disney will reduce the cost. If you will eat those add-ons, then you should keep them on your order; still, don't pay for food you know you aren't going to eat!

Bring Your Own Snacks - We live and die by this one! People who buy water bottles and snacks all day long are wasting so much money. Argh! A box of granola bars and peanut butter crackers dispersed over your party's luggage or personal items aren't going to weigh you down. Save some money and bring a few of your own snacks. Yes, you still will buy a Mickey Ice Cream Bar and a Dole Whip! But this way you won't have to fork over an exorbitant amount of money every time someone in your party gets hungry from the heat.

Drink Water in the Parks - Make a promise to yourself that you will drink water while in the Parks. Don't pay an arm and a leg for soda. You need the water anyway to make it through the day. If you need flavoring, then purchase some drink packs before you leave on your trip. We have shamelessly gotten a free glass of water from Counter Service restaurants and then poured in the drink mixes we bought before traveling. This tip is just good for your body and your wallet at the same time.

Refillable Mug - If you are staying on property and you simply cannot live without soda, then the Refillable Mug to be purchased and filled at your Resort is a good way to save money on pop. Think about it - if you fill up on your way to the Park, then on your way back to your room in the afternoon, on your way to a Park in the evening and then (depending on the time when you arrive back that night) on your final way back to the room to sleep, you've almost already made the mug pay for itself in one or two days. Plus, you get a souvenir that you can use over and over again at home. And, if you Resort hop, you can fill up your Mug at any Disney Resort as well! Seriously, bring a gallon freezer bag so you don't have a mug leaking in your Park bag, and carry that thing around to get the most out of it. Refillable Mugs may seem expensive on the surface, but you can easily justify purchasing the mug if you need your caffeine/soda fix.

Eat Off-Property - If you have a car and don't mind leaving Disney property, there are always your generic restaurants off site. They'll be cheaper than Disney prices, if you are really that concerned. Obviously don't make special trips to go do this, but it is an option. (*This does NOT apply to Disney Springs, unless you are eating at Earl of Sandwich.)

Bring Your Own Cooler of Food - If you have a car or order groceries to be delivered, you can always bring your own food into the Park. Disney does allow coolers. If you really need to save money on meals, packing your own drinks and sandwiches is a possibility.

Saving Money on Souvenirs

Never Buy From Your Resort Gift Shop - Purchasing souvenirs from your Resort gift shop is a trap! Taxes are higher here, so you're going to be paying more at your Resort than in the Parks. Never buy what you can find in the Parks from your Resort.

Wait For The Discounts Online - Disney Parks Exclusive merchandise can be purchased online on the Disney Store Website or app. Various times through the year, they will run a special of 25% or so off Disney Parks merchandise. Other times, you'll be able to get Parks exclusives on Clearance too. If you can wait, you can potentially get your Parks souvenirs for a discount. This is also a nice way to keep your luggage from getting too heavy on the way home! If you spend enough, you'll have free shipping too. We've purchased Christmas presents for loved ones this way multiple times.

Bring Your Own From Home - Kids aren't dumb, but are they really going to know that plush or T-shirt came from your local Disney Store and not Walt Disney World? Okay, they might, but if you want to avoid the high cost of EVERYTHING, maybe pre-purchase some goodies and bring them along as surprises for your family.

Pack A Small Bag With Little Extra Space - If you take a suitcase that won't fit any superfluous items, then you simply CANNOT go overboard when purchasing souvenirs. No impulse buys here! If it won't fit, you are not allowed to purchase it. This is one (slightly drastic) way to ensure that you save money on souvenirs. (It's actually very freeing for the cheapskate deep down inside of you!)

Orange World and Florida roadside gift shops with "Official Disney" merchandise - For the super cheap individual with a car, there are always the sketchy gift shops on World Drive. If you and your child really don't care about quality and just want something that says "Disney World" on it, then this is another option. Of course, less sketchy are the local Wal-Mart and Targets that have a lot of Disney merchandise, though it may not say Walt Disney World on it.

What are your tips for saving money in Walt Disney World? We'd love to hear from you!

Our Best Advice for First Time Guests to Walt Disney World

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 21:23:00 -0400

There is nothing more exciting than your very first visit to Walt Disney World! Multiple families near to us are about to embark on that first, magical WDW vacation, which inspired us to come up with our best advice to newbies. We aren't exactly experts (I swallowed a lot of pride to type that out), but we hope our knowledge will help others have an amazing first visit to Mickey's happiest place on Earth.

1.) Be At The Parks At Rope Drop - Make being at the Park at opening your priority. To get the most out of your day, you want to be at rope drop. Somehow, even those (like us) who hate waking up early in the morning, find it easy to do at Walt Disney World. Crowds will be much lighter and you can walk-on to many attractions if you plan it right. Use FastPass+ to ride the most popular attractions, then use Rope Drop to ride many of the non-E-ticket attractions. It will actually end up being a rather relaxing start to your day!

2.) Take A Break In The Middle Of The Day - This is your saving grace, especially if you followed our advice from tip #1. When the crowds get heavy, you need to be smart and go back to your room for a break. Take a nap and/or a swim and just recharge your batteries. You will be able to stay out late for nighttime entertainment or Evening Extra Magic Hours and not feel totally exhausted (or cranky). You aren't really going to be losing Park time since you've been able to be there early and stay late. And the biggest advantage - you will maintain your sanity! Meltdowns averted, we can all agree, are a must!

3.) Brita Bottles Are A Must - You need to hydrate, but Florida water is just indescribably nasty! On the other hand, buying water bottles in the Parks is a huge waste of money. Purchase Brita Bottles for your whole crew. It is worth the investment! You will actually be happy to drink the water all day long and not be left with a literal bad taste in your mouth. *Also, you can get free (small) cups of water at any Quick Service Restaurant. We suggest you order water this way and then pour it into your bottle. It will stay cool for awhile, especially with the ice they provide.

4.) Wear The First Time Visit Button - These buttons are free and can be attained at Guest Services, your Resort Check-In and most Shops in the Parks. Cast Members are great about welcoming you to the World, making your first visit feel so special. You will feel like royalty as you get this special attention. And hey, a free Disney souvenir is hard to come by, so take this one for those scrapbooks!

5.) Eat At Off Times - Try to eat a little early or a little late. While Advanced Dining Reservations do make it easier to get into your meal of choice, if the restaurant is full, then you will have to wait because that's just the way life goes. You will be surprisingly hungry by 11:30. If you have a large enough lunch and, let's be honest, enjoy one of those tempting WDW snacks, you will also not need to eat at 5:00-6:00. Another benefit of eating at off times...you'll be able to enjoy lower waits at some attractions while everyone else is at dinner.

6.) Eat Table Service at Lunch or Breakfast - A lot of people get stuck on having a sit down meal for dinner. We've always found it is better to eat that relaxing Table Service meal either for a late Breakfast or an early Lunch. You will get away from the crowds at just the right time of the day, and be able to delay dinner. Anything that helps you stay relaxed and rejuvenated is a necessity.

7.) If You Want to Meet Characters, Character Dining is a Great Time Saver - Of course your family needs to get those heart-warming character meet-and-greet experiences! But standing in line and meeting characters can take up a lot of time. Is it worth it? Naturally! Still, you already know you will be eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Might as well pay a little extra to not only have a fabulous meal with lots of options (as these are usually buffet-style restaurants), AND be able to meet 3 or 4 characters as well! It's a win-win all around!

8.) If You Must Park Hop, Make It Easy On Yourself - If you have paid for the Park Hopper option on your ticket, then be smart how you use it. Don't stress yourself out by rushing directly from Park to Park (taking the monorail from Epcot to Magic Kingdom is the exception). Transportation at Walt Disney World is a great perk, but you can lose your mind after being on a bus a little too much with crowds of people. You lose momentum by sitting on too many buses, believe us. Go to one Park in the morning, take a break in the middle of the day, then go to a different Park that evening. It gives you variety and helps you cut down on the travel time. *Also, do NOT Park hop to get to a dining reservation. This is majorly stressful, no matter how much time you allow yourself. Be in the Park you are going to have your table service meal in. Period.

9.) Bring Some Snacks - The Florida heat is a killer. You should indulge in Disney snacks from time to time, yes, but to buy a Park treat every time you feel like a little nourishing boost would be handy could really deplete your funds. Pack some snacks for your trip. We suggest granola bars and peanut butter (or cheese) crackers. While standing in a queue, you can get just enough of a snack to help you make it through to your next meal. All that walking is going to make you constantly hungry. A well-timed granola bar has saved our pace and attitudes on many occasions. They don't take up that much space in your luggage and will be far cheaper than buying snacks in the Park. Even if you have gone in for the Dining Plan, I'd say that some small snacks brought along for your crew will not go amiss.

10.) It's Okay Not To Do Everything On The First Trip - You will discover very quickly in your planning or just being in the Parks that Walt Disney World has more to offer than can possibly be conquered on one trip. Just come to terms with the fact that you will not get to do absolutely everything, and that's perfectly okay! You will enjoy every moment and memory you do get while on this vacation. Don't sweat the things you have to save for your next trip to the World. And yes, it's good to leave things left undone because it makes that perfect excuse to return again someday!

There are so many other things we could tell you to do or not do, but these are the biggest ten in our book. We hope these tips help you have the best possible vacation you can have! Remember, you'll never get another FIRST TRIP TO WALT DISNEY WORLD again, so do your best to keep a joyful perspective. Things are not going to go according to plan at every turn, and other guests are not always going to be the sweetest. That's okay. You are going to have a magical trip, First Timer! Do your planning in advance and buy into all the wonder when you arrive.

If you are a First Timer, feel free to contact us with any questions or Trip Reports at justadreamaway1971@gmail.com! We'd love to hear from you. With your permission, we'd also love to put your message and our response on our Podcast.

Disney Love Letter to Whispering Canyon Cafe

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 4 Sep 2016 09:02:00 -0400

Dear Whispering Canyon Cafe,

I love you so much. We have only met on two occassions, but I have fallen for you in a big, big way. I hope this confession doesn't make things awkward between us in the future.

The truth is, I love everything about you.

Even before I arrive at your door, I love the soothing boat ride one takes to get from the Magic Kingdom to your home, the Wilderness Lodge. This is a boat ride full of both expectation and peace, and I love every minute of it.

I do love your home, as well. There is something majestic and, again, so calming about Disney's Wilderness Lodge. I will probably never stay here as I am too thrifty and not into an outdoors-y feel, but I do enjoy a nice walk about your abode full of babbling brooks and one especially spectacular geyser.

But you, my beloved Whispering Canyon Cafe, you are the main event. It is you that I come for and adore.

First, off, I will just come out and say it - I am in love with your food. It might not be adventurous or the cuisine of foodies; that matters to me not a jot. You are AMERICA! Your portions are massive and every bite is safe and comfortable. You give me sustenance to make it through a long day in the Parks. It's the food that made this country great, that sticks to your bones and so forth. Cowboys on the prairie would be proud. I rely on you so!

While I have enjoyed your lunch before, it is your BREAKFAST that I just can't get out of my head. That All You Care To Enjoy Breakfast Skillet is life giving. It is delicious in every way. Bacon, sausage, eggs, Mickey waffles, biscuits and gravy and Southwestern potatoes! Again, an explosion of all that is good in America. You are my heart's desire. I could reasonably live on this meal alone and be perfectly contented in life. You are my inspiration, Whispering Canyon Cafe breakfast! You have made my life better on so many levels. I will return to you for this special meal, you can be sure. We will not be parted forever.

Secondly, I love your sense of humor. While not every experience is the same, I guess depending on your server and the time of day, you do make any meal full of Wild West fun! I won't spoil your secret inside jokes for others who have never had the pleasure, but you are a raucous bundle of joy. You keep your guests on their toes and their belly laughs rolling. I do so love a dining experience with personality and you are it.

Thirdly, I am a fan of your decor. Your cowboy carpet, chairs and light fixtures are a celebration of the Wild West. You are proud of your heritage. I like that. I also like your location right off the lobby of your resort. It is so cool to have an open space where you can still behold the awesome splendor of the Wilderness Lodge lobby. This works far better than Chef Mickey's, for instance. You have something other resort dining locations lack.

Fourthly, your name is ironic. Anyone who understands irony wins my heart. I love you and the Imagineer who named you.

So there you are. I stinkin' love you, Whispering Canyon Cafe. You have won my heart by bringing joy to my belly and my mind. You are a classic and you must never change. For those who don't appreciate your sense of humor, they will still be able to appreciate your fine down-home cuisine. Everyone should give you a chance to win their heart's devotion.

I miss you, dear Whispering Canyon Cafe, but while we are parted, please know...I LOVE YOU!

With More Affection Than Is Safe or Normal,

Mrs. Disney Dreamer

The Beauty of The Spontaneous Trip to Walt Disney World

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 28 Aug 2016 09:23:00 -0400

If you have been following along, you know we recently took a totally spontaneous trip to Walt Disney World. Thanks to two complimentary nights that had been burning a hole in our pockets for exactly a year, we decided to get away from it all for a very quick vacation to see Mickey. As we anticipate the arrival of our first child at the very end of the year, we also knew this was Mommy and Daddy's last chance to travel to WDW as a couple (not that we aren't ridiculously excited to start bringing our little Mouseketeer to the World when she is big enough).

So, on a Monday we decided to take a Thursday through Saturday getaway somewhere, probably not too far from home. That notion didn't last long! By Tuesday, we picked WDW (not close to home by any standards) and booked the resort, airline tickets, dining, Park tickets, car rental and FastPasses before the night was too far gone. On Thursday, we were in the happiest place on Earth!

I am not a spontaneous person. Actually, we are both crazy planners. This trip was completely not our usual style. But after the smoothness and stress-free nature of this random jaunt to the World, it is going to be hard to wait for months or years for an impending trip. The 180 days out dining reservations and 60 days for FastPasses are for the birds! We were probably extremely lucky, but we got all the dining reservations and FastPasses we wanted (except for Frozen Ever After, which didn't matter as we rode it at rope drop with a 10 minute or less wait). I mean, we almost even booked an Ohana reservation! How is such ease possible?

(*Sidenote: This is probably only a good idea for the weathered guest. This should not be any first-time visitors go-to kind of trip. You know I stand by planning with an obsessive belief. But, for those who can plan a Disney vacation anytime anywhere, this one's for you!)

The stress of planning early suddenly became a silly waste of emotion. We booked and planned a trip in TWO DAYS and it was the smoothest trip we have ever been on! Here are some of the reasons the spontaneous trip for us was such a success:

1.) We Had To Keep It Short - We could only visit for a few days. This was a big advantage - fewer days meant less to plan. We had three days (not even full days at that) to get just enough Disney fix to be good for awhile. (Or so we tell ourselves.) Even though it was short and sweet, we still got to do way more than I ever expected. There was really nothing that we missed out on.

2.) One Park Per Day - No crazy park hopping meant less travel! We did resort hop a little for meals (ex. took the gloriously leisurely boat ride to Wilderness Lodge from the Magic Kingdom), but not having to drive or bus all over property was a treat. Everything was simplified by staying in one park for the day. Again, we simplified the planning by not having to look at more than one Park's hours, FastPasses, show times, etc. We could conquer one Park without worrying about getting to the next place or what we would leave for other days. Yes, it meant that we did not visit one of the four Parks, but, truthfully, we had such a great time everywhere else that we didn't miss it.

3.) Don't Feel Like You Have to Make Dining Reservations - We made a few reservations before our trip, but found that pretty much none of them were necessary. If you are planning a trip just days away and there is A LOT of availability, chances are that those reservations are not going to be eaten up. We watched and watched Whispering Canyon around brunch time for days and there was availability pretty much every fifteen minutes. So, no reservation was made, we simply went for it. It felt so nice not having to give credit card information, and just moseying up to the dining location of choice and asking to be seated at the latest availability. It was lovely. And we pulled this off in summer! It might not be a perfect system without risks, but if the My Disney Experience app shows a plethora of reservation times then you probably don't need to book in advance. (We certainly didn't need our 7:30 A.M. reservation for Olivia's Cafe where we were the only guests in the restaurant for at least 15 minutes and even when we left there were only about four tables full.)

4.) Be Ready to Change Those FastPasses - The latest changes to the My Disney Experience app has made FastPass scheduling and changes easier than ever! We made our FastPass reservations in advance, for sure. But with Extra Magic Hours at Magic Kingdom, we ended up riding attractions we had a FastPass for with no wait. This meant that we could cancel and change our FastPasses to another experience that would have a longer wait later in the day. We ended up not even needing to add a fourth FastPass after our original three were used. Everything fell into place beautifully by being able to change our FastPasses by phone while in a short queue for the attraction we thought we would need to "cut the line" to enjoy.

5.) Packing Light = Saving Money & Time - When you go on a spontaneous, short trip to Walt Disney World, you don't have time to overpack. You can't overthink what you are going to take with you. (We also chose an airline where even a carry-on cost a fee, so we ONLY took one carry-on.) You only pack what you need for each short day of your trip. This means you have no extra room for making purchases. Knowing you really can't shop is sort of a gift. You can't spend money (hurray!) on things you probably don't really need, so you don't waste a lot of time in gift shops. It is incredibly freeing knowing you won't make any impulse purchases, because, let's face it, you could never get it home in your small luggage.

These are just five of the reasons we ADORED our completely out-of-the-blue trip to Walt Disney World. We got our Disney fix for the year (or the next few years) and, despite what you might expect, it was a totally stress-free occasion. We didn't have time to stress because we were there just two days after booking!

Though we live in a 180 days/60 days out reservation madness culture, the truth is that the sense of urgency is really bringing us more stress than is actually necessary. Of course you must make those reservations early; I would NEVER argue otherwise. Still, here's a word of hope - if you look back extremely close to your trip, those impossible reservations and FastPasses might magically appear. You just can never lose faith (and trust and pixie dust).

Every trip doesn't need to be spontaneous, by any means, but have the Devil-may-care bravery to just go for it once in your life. We think you will find it to be a care-free experience like you've never had before in Walt Disney World. Chris and I certainly found it to be maybe the first or second best Walt Disney World trip we have ever been blessed to enjoy!

Episode 22: August 2016 Trip Report, Day 1

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 20:11:00 -0400

Join us for a very special Episode 22! That's right, a last minute, spur-of-the-moment, very unlike the dreamers trip to Disney World. On part 1 of our August 2016 Trip Report, we give you all the details on the Art of Animation Resort, and the first day of our trip. So sit back, relax, and join us for our afternoon/evening in Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Pregnant in Walt Disney World...And Loving It!

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:07:00 -0400

In the first week of August, we took a brief Babymoon to Walt Disney World. I was 18 weeks pregnant at the time and absolutely thrilled to be getting one last couple's trip to the World before baby. But people kept saying, "You aren't going to be able to ride anything." What downers! Of course, they had a point. Still, where was I going to be happier than in my place, my WDW?

In fact, I had an absolutely, flawlessly magical time bring pregnant in Walt Disney World. Seriously, it was utterly perfect. Here are all the wonderful advantages of and tips for being a pregnant lady when visiting the Mouse.

1.) Enjoy the Slower Pace - Chris and I have been saying for a long time that "On our next trip, we will take it slower." We never do. Actually, we didn't on this trip either (we were only there for three days!). Still, the fact that we couldn't ride thrill rides meant that some of our usual "must do" attractions were off the table and our daily plans looked far from the norm. This meant that our FastPass choices looked very different this trip - they looked charmingly peaceful. And other than Frozen Ever After, we didn't have to rush like crazy people to E-ticket attractions at rope drop. We took it easy. We strolled. We stopped and took pictures while the crowds were light. We rode the Main Street Omnibus down to Cinderella's Castle because, hey, we had nowhere to hurry off to. It was wonderful! Use your pregnancy as a reason to stop and smell the roses. You won't even miss the hectic pace. I certainly didn't.

2.) Wear a Button - You know those generic "I'm Celebrating" buttons that are totally free? Get one! Because, yes, you are celebrating! I wrote (though typically the Cast Member will offer to write) Baby #1 on the button. Throughout each of our days, Cast Members were kind to ask, "What are we celebrating?" When I told them, every one made such a big deal about our bundle of joy on its way. They had lots of sweet questions about the due date, gender, etc. (One Cast Member told us, "I'm getting cold chills for you right now." That was kind of an interesting reaction from a stranger.) It made us feel such overflowing happiness! I will always treasure these memories. When you are pregnant, you wish everyone you meet could feel the excitement you are feeling - for three days in August, it actually felt like everyone I came across got that feeling.

*Silly Aside: A couple Cast Members (some of them management, it looked like) told me "Happy Birthday." While they were way off, I appreciated that they tried to give the personal touch. Be prepared for that too.

3.) Meet Characters & Get Fun Family Photos - We are not Character Meet and Greet people. On this trip though, we started becoming parents, I guess. We already wanted to get pictures of our little one with their (okay, "our" on this trip) favorite characters. These are unique photographs of our little family that will make the baby book, for sure.

And because I was wearing the "I'm Celebrating" button, each face character made sure to ask about the baby. Rapunzel was adorably thrilled and Tiana made us promise to bring the baby to her restaurant when baby was big enough to eat gumbo. Non-face characters just had to listen to us blabber about our little person on the way; after hearing us out, they demonstrated more than the required amount of enthusiasm. We had awesome interactions with every character we met. This was certainly NOT a waste of time. And hey, good training for making time to meet characters when we do bring our little Mouseketeer to the Park for their first visit and so on.

4.) Eat Well - I don't necessarily mean eat healthy; I mean well. Granted, this all depends on how far along you are and how things are going in the nausea department. As a lady in her second trimester, I was feeling great and really, really HUNGRY! Even though we were only in the World for a very short time, the most important part of our planning on this trip fell in the Dining category. We wanted to eat meals that were on our Wish List. So we enjoyed the Breakfast Skillet at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Let me tell you, I tore through that thing! It was a pregnant lady's paradise! We visited Olivia's Cafe for breakfast and started our morning out right. And we absolutely had to visit the Skipper Canteen as it was our first time being in the Park since it opened. We did more table service meals on this trip than we usually do when visiting for 4-6 days.

And snacks! I was hungry every few hours, so we went for it! I had the Blue Milk Shake at Hollywood Studios, a Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom and at Epcot we might have purchased a Croissant Donut (one for each of us), School Bread and Lefse. Overboard? Maybe. But after all those days of nausea and zero appetite in the first trimester, I earned the right to eat well. Besides, I was eating for two! Savor those meals in the World in a fashion you wouldn't usually enjoy. I'm sure your baby won't be complaining. If the child comes out having a taste for Cronut...so be it.

5.) Don't Believe You Can't Ride Attractions - Bad grammar there, but please listen to these words of hope. You CAN enjoy lots of attractions and entertainment while pregnant! Those E-ticket thrill rides are out, true. Who cares? You have plenty to do in the World as a pregnant lady. Magic Kingdom is packed with attractions for you to enjoy! Epcot too. Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom have a few attractions for you, but enough shows and other experiences to keep you more than busy. The people who tell you that you aren't going to be able to ride ANYTHING as just wrong. You'll be riding lots of things. It's worth making the trip.

6.) Watch More Shows - Yes, you can ride attractions. Also, take in the shows that you might usually choose to or have to skip. You have time this trip to sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Besides, you're going to be so happy to be off your feet, even in the most uncomfortable of seats. So watch the shows! Savor the air conditioning and a place to rest your feet. If nothing else, catch a light snooze (Hall of Presidents and American Adventure are the best!). When you start to feel tired, find a show to dodge into for a refreshing break. It's not like you are going to be miserable having to watch WDW entertainment; they're all good (especially when you're tired).

7.) Get Free Stuff, Maybe - This isn't a promise, so don't take this as Gospel truth. However, Cast Members are often happy to make extra magic for guests. We weren't showered at every turn with free stuff or anything. I'm not saying that. We did come away with something small and free on two of our three days. That's pretty fantastic odds, if I do say so myself. Disney didn't have to do this for us. I certainly wasn't wearing the button to get free stuff. But, a perk is a perk. So wear the button and maybe, just maybe, you'll be sprinkled with pixie dust and get some little treat for free. (*I just want to stress that the two free things we got were quite little and inexpensive. Don't expect anything, especially anything large.)

I am SO GLAD we decided to take this short Babymoon to our second home! Being pregnant in Walt Disney World was a total delight. Even in the high heat of summer, I had the time of my life. I would encourage anyone to take a pregnancy celebration trip to the World. There are still so many things for you to do, and even more things for you to eat. Best of all, you'll make beautiful memories at the very start of your baby's story. I can't wait to show our little one pictures of this trip someday and tell her about what was her first trip to Walt Disney World.

Breakfast At Walt Disney World: Are You Doing It Wrong?

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 7 Aug 2016 16:35:00 -0400

This one is from a person who used to NEVER pay to eat breakfast at Walt Disney World. I come from a family who always brings our own breakfast for our Disney vacations. It is second nature for me to pack Muffin Bites for the trip. I would scoff at the people wasting time to eat breakfast in the Food Court as we walked to the bus stop to ensure we would be on time for rope drop. (Okay, I actually still scoff at these people, but wait for it.) Breakfast in WDW was a distraction that we avoided to squeeze out as much park time as possible.

But I've learned something in recent trips...Breakfast at WDW can be magical, IF you do it right.

Those people eating in the Food Court are just doing breakfast at WDW wrong, in my opinion. Sorry folks, you are robbing yourself of glorious culinary and character experiences. Convenience doesn't have to be your only consideration; probably on vacation it shouldn't be! There is a better way to do breakfast and make it memorable, instead of "meh."

First lesson I've learned about breakfast is that time matters. There are two ways to be a Disney breakfast winner:
1.) Get a reservation for well before Park opening OR
2.) Eat a late breakfast that will cover you until an early dinner

If you've read this blog long enough, you know that my one rule for a great Disney day is to be at the Parks by rope drop. The first few, quiet hours at a Park are everything! Unfortunately for them, but great for you, is that so many people are wasting their time eating at their Resort. Before the crowds arrive, you need to be at the Park, getting things done. Breakfast way before or an hour or two after rope drop will make your day go much more smoothly.

On our most recent trip, we did breakfast both of these two ways and found they didn't cut into our Park experience at all. In fact, they improved them!

Getting a reservation well before your Park of choice is open means you have time to relax and enjoy your meal. You can fill up for those first priceless hours, giving you the stamina to get through the day until a mid-morning snack or until lunch if you have eaten enough. A 7:30 breakfast for a Park that opens at 9 a.m. is a great option. One, you may be the first people in a restaurant at opening, making it seem even more relaxed and peaceful, all the while getting you speedy service because no one else's order is in front of you. Secondly, you know that even if your meal takes you into 8:00, you still have a pretty good amount of travel time to get to the Park where you need to go (if you aren't already there, depending on your restaurant of choice). Early to rise will pay off when it means that you get a less crowded experience within the Parks.

However, if you can make it a couple hours into Park opening on just the sustenance of peanut butter crackers or a granola bar or two, you can also have a marvelous time eating breakfast late. A 10:00-11:00 breakfast reservation is also excessively relaxing. There will probably be fewer people in the dining location, especially as the morning rolls along, and you will already have hit the major attractions that you were hoping to conquer in the quiet early hours. You have nothing to worry about! You have your FastPasses for later in the day, like the smart planner that you are. We have indulged in a late breakfast at both Tusker House and Whispering Canyon; now, we're in love with the late morning breakfast! A brunch-like setting allows you to take a breather, fill up and recharge for the rest of your afternoon plans. The late breakfast is calm and, depending how hearty you go at it, may also save you time by erasing the need to eat lunch.

So time is important. Great. The second lesson goes along with that: location is key. Make sure the location fits into your plans and does not require excessive travel. Proximity is always important when looking at your dining options. Eat close to the Park you want to be in, or the land where your next planned attraction will take place.

MAJOR SIDENOTE: Look, if I have never said it before, you plan the details of your day around your dining experiences. Disney already makes you feel the need to do this by opening reservations 180 days out from your trip. While this is not always necessary (we decided on a Tuesday to go to WDW on that upcoming Thursday and still got all the reservations we wanted, and in August no less!), planning well in advance where you want to eat helps you magnify your excitement for those delicious experiences. Plan great meals for yourself, then when you can plan FastPasses, etc. you know what times to look for.

Okay, back to breakfast business..

When thinking of a breakfast reservation before Park opening, consider either eating at a character breakfast in the Park or any breakfast at a Resort very close to the Park where you will be traveling to.

Eating a character breakfast in the Park will get you early access to the attractions. It also will provide an empty Park where you can get family photos to your heart's delight with no one else around. Of course, all this depends on getting your reservation for well before rope drop. 7:30-8:00 is what you are shooting for!

If you eat at a Resort before Park opening, make sure the Resort is near your final destination. You don't want to add too much travel time into your plans. Even a 7:30 breakfast will feel rushed, if you have to worry about bus transportation or distance in general. Let's give an example. Chris and I had a 7:30 reservation at Olivia's Cafe at Old Key West recently. Our main goal that day was to be at Epcot long before 9:00 a.m. so we would be able to very quickly walk over to Frozen Ever After. Old Key West is a hop, skip and a jump away from Epcot, so that earliest of reservations meant we got speedy service and were already through bag check and waiting for rope drop by 8:30. We rode Frozen in ten minutes, folks! That early reservation at a Resort close to Epcot made our morning a blissful one that we still can't believe went off so swimmingly.

Also talking about location, be sure to think about the next thing you have planned in your day. If you have FastPasses scheduled or plan to watch a specific show at a specific time, don't plan your breakfast too far away from the location/land you need to go next. Study your maps, knowing that the Parks are bigger than you think, especially after your legs have gotten sore and tired after multiple days of hitting the pavement. Give yourself a breakfast break, by all means, but don't put it too far away from where you want to be next. Plan around your dining choices ALWAYS!

Finally, let me say, you don't have to do Table Service to have a nice breakfast at Walt Disney World. Eating something in the Parks from counter service can be good too. There are unique flavors to be had away from a sit down meal. Take for instance, the Croissant Doughnut at the Refreshment Port in World Showcase. I LOVE this snack, and it certainly makes for a great breakfast treat too. The famously massive Cinnamon Rolls that you can get at many locations in the Parks can also be a fabulous breakfast option. A nutella and fruit waffle from Sleepy Hollow Inn in Liberty Square could do the trick. The quick service location in the Polynesian Resort, Captain Cook's, has the legendary Tonga Toast for cheaper but the exact same flavor. These examples are just a very few of the many ways to do a more memorable breakfast, much better than that too standard breakfast at a resort Food Court.

As always though, make sure your breakfast adds to your day, rather than cutting into it! Don't get there at rope drop and go have breakfast. No! You're doing it wrong again. Think about timing and location, and you'll make fond memories. You don't need to eat a sit down breakfast every morning, but you should make time for this pleasure a few times in your trip. If it means cutting out lunch, then you're also not hurting your budget or losing time.

The joy of a Disney vacation is not just in the attractions, shows, nighttime entertainment, character meet and greets, etc. Eating at Walt Disney World should feel special too, and that should extend to your breakfast experience.

Disney Love Letter to Whoever It Is That Is Keeping The Muppets Alivein the Parks

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 14:02:00 -0400

Dear Whoever in Disney Up & Ups Is Responsible For Saving/Resurrescting the Muppets in the Parks,

You, ma'am, sir or collective group are heroes! And...I love you.

There has been talk for years that The Muppets in Hollywood Studios, in particular, was probably going to be a thing of the past. Forget the fact that this attraction was Jim Henson's final project while he was alive, the rumors of Star Wars Land made many think Muppet Courtyard would be bulldozed to make room for the expansion of a galaxy far, far away.

It was a bit frightening when the Muppet gift shop started getting smaller and smaller in its offering of Muppet merchandise.

Then, the Muppet sitcom on ABC got cancelled, to the weeping and gnashing of teeth of many fans. Here was proof for the naysayers that The Muppets were no longer relevant and probably in queue for the chopping block. We who love Kermit and the gang got pretty nervous.

But you, whoever you people are in Disney and Disney Parks management, your belief in The Muppet brand was stronger than the voice of the haters! You have stood up for our beloved Muppets and swooped in to save the day.

First, we are getting PizzeRizzo in Muppet Courtyard. This is not just a name change. There is actual construction adding on to the building. This seems to denote a permanent residence (or so we can hope). Muppet Courtyard seems to be safe for a good while. Just making Muppet Courtyard consist of more than one Muppet centered attraction is encouraging. While I don't expect PizzeRizzo to be anything spectacular as far as the food goes, I am just incredibly happy to have a Muppet themed restaurant of any variety.

Thank you to whoever pushed for this! You could have just gone the easy route and made this a Swedish Chef restaurant, but you thought harder for the true Muppet fans. You dove into Muppets Take Manhattan references and gave us a Rizzo themed restaurant. No longer are the rats stuck back in the kitchen! You've made it, Rizzo! You own and run the joint! Good for you! Remy would be proud.

Secondly, we got the exciting news that the Muppets are coming to educate and entertain the masses in Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom. Thank you! The world needs more Sam Eagle anyway, but we get other Muppets too (namely Kermit and Piggy) in live performances throughout the day. I can't wait to see this! A live Muppet show that I will get to witness?! Oh joy! Oh excitement! And the costumes? They look amazing! I just...I just can't wait! Paul Revere retold by Muppets? How did you know everything I wanted in life?

Thank you to whosoever came up with this idea! Humor and education from the Muppets in a land that just doesn't get enough respect, in my opinion. This is the BEST! You sir or miss are a genius! I stinkin' love the way your mind works, my friend!

So, whoever you people are who believe in the long-lasting glory of the Muppets in an ever changing world, THANK YOU! Thank you for standing up for Jim Henson's creations and their relevance in the Parks. We do want the Muppets and you were intuitive enough to know what we Muppet-lovin' folks want. We want more inspirational, Muppet-tational goodness and you have delivered. Thanks friend and feel free to not stop there!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Disney Dreamer

The Many Reasons to Be Infatuated and Infuriated About the Guardians ofthe Galaxy in DCA Announcement

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 17:06:00 -0400

San Diego Comic Con is a magical place. Yesterday, for Disney Parks fans, there was a special reason to pay close attention to the Con. The Marvel Studios panel promised loads of stars and inside looks into our favorite super hero film franchises. But, it was near the end that everyone got super glued to their Twitter accounts. It was expected (especially with Joe Rohde, now in charge of Marvel development in the Parks, tweeting all weekend from SDCC) that we would get some word about those pesky Guardians of the Galaxy overlay rumors. Well, the penny dropped and the world will never be the same.

Well, not the World, thankfully. For now, WDW is safe. It is Disney's California Adventure that is getting the goods (or bads, if you tend that way). The Tower of Terror will be losing its old Hollywood look and Twilight Zone storyline. The Collector will take over and the Guardians of the Galaxy will need to break out of his collection.

There are a lot of emotions to have about this news. I am torn to no end. So, as a kind of Disney Parks fan therapy session, let's go over all the reasons we can be psyched and demoralized by this news.

I'm Loving That Idea...

1.) Joe Rohde is in charge! - The Great Joe Rohde, that man with the amazing earring, the man who created Animal Kingdom is responsible for this attraction. In a video on the Disney Parks site, Joe explains the new attraction and it is hard to resist his infectious passion. You know the theming of this attraction is going to be immersive to the max, because that is Joe's specialty. It's hard not to put your faith in this unique Imagineer.

2.) Guardians will have an attraction! - The Guardians of the Galaxy is a fantastic, fun film (for certain ages, I would probably go on to say) that I love. The music alone has made it a fan favorite. The characters are quirky and the world is a visual delight. The humor and adventure make it a perfect IP to bring to a thrill ride. And really, it's just exciting that this great film is going to be represented in the Parks.

3.) Marvel Land is coming! - The subtle truth hidden in Disney's announcement online is that this Guardians attraction is essentially going to be the first addition to an upcoming Marvel expansion. Disney has a gold mine in Marvel Studios and it's time for them to take advantage of these beloved characters and franchises beyond a little meet and greet. A Marvel Land will be stupendous. I can't wait!

4.) The Queue will be Amazing! - The concept art shows the Collector's wonderfully bizarre collection of space oddities. This, we can infer, will take over the lobby section of the Tower of Terror (or maybe the Boiler Room, which is possible too). To walk through these displays will be a visual wonder! There will always be something new to see each time you visit. I can't wait to see this brought to life.

5.) Coming Soon! Like really soon! - Remember when Frozen Ever After took like two years to be completed in Epcot? Well, this overlay is going to take roughly 6-7 months. That's it! Apparently things get done at a quicker pace over in California. It's exciting to think the attraction will only be down for part of a year. As Walt Disney World fans, we're amazed when anything gets completed in a year or less. I mean, Pandora...who knows when we'll see that addition completed. And Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land...forget about it.

6.) It's in DCA, not Hollywood Studios (or Epcot) - This permanent overlay is only announced for Disney's California Adventure (right now). Our glorious Tower of Terror (which everyone readily admits is 100 times better than DCA's version) is safe and sound. Rod Serling and that old Hollywood charm remains for us. In addition, the rumors about Guardians demolishing Universe of Energy in Epcot have also not been confirmed. What a relief! Maybe this is rather rude, but I feel like this is really why I, personally, am excited about the Guardians coming to DCA's Tower of Terror...because it isn't happening to me.

Reasons to Be Upset

1.) Goodbye Twilight Zone - For those fans of classic television, this is a tragedy. No more Rod Serling, no more Twilight Zone tie-in. It's more than a little devastating that Disney feels the need to make this attraction "more relevant." Just because an IP (which, okay, Disney doesn't own) is not new, doesn't mean it is not beloved. Okay, Twilight Zone isn't Frozen, but it deserves to exist. Nostalgia is just as powerful as hype.

2.) Does Not Fit in with the Park's Concept - Located in Hollywoodland will stand a space monstrosity. Yeah, that fits really nicely in the concept of Disney's California Adventure. How will Disney explain the presence of Guardians of the Galaxy in California? If the Park was based around movies (like Hollywood Studios), then this could maybe work. But a Park based around California...uh, no.

3.) Just Another Overlay - Instead of getting an original attraction, Disney is cheaping out and just doing another overlay. Frozen Ever After simply took the track and show building of Maelstrom and pieced in something new. Well, here we go again. Why is Disney in love with this overlay thing these days? Why can't we get something brand new that would fit with the film's story, as well as the story of the Park?

4.) Doesn't Even Fit in the Story of the Movie - Remember that great elevator scene in Guardians of the Galaxy? No, me neither. The drops of an elevator don't even go with the Guardians story. If Imagineers would have created an attraction up from the ground for this film franchise, they could have made an attraction ride system that would have worked with space travel. Instead, we've got some utterly random attraction that doesn't do justice to the great movie it tries to represent.

5.) Screens - It's going to need a lot of screens. Granted, the current attraction also relies heavily on screens too, but I'm pretty sure this is going to have to go to the next level. Bummers (though, I admit, not confirmed).

6.) Joe Hasn't Even Finished Animal Kingdom Yet - It has to be said. Why is Joe Rohde developing new attractions when Avatarland and the long MIA Rivers of Light are not even finished yet? Let's see how those things turn out before we get moving forward with the Marvel development. Joe doesn't need his attention torn between two coasts, Bob.

7.) Marvel Land Means Something Else is Leaving - DCA is pretty land locked, right? So, to create a brand new Marvel Land in the future, some other part of the Park is going to have to go away. Is Bug's Land's days numbered? Who can say? DCA just wrapped up a Park wide rebranding. How is Marvel Land going to affect the concept of the Park as it finally stands in some sort of cohesion? It's a little scary to consider.

There you have it, folks! Lots of reasons for Twitter to be blowing up right now in favor and in opposition to this new attraction. No, wait, this new overlay. Take your pick on what side to choose. Everyone is welcome to their opinion! Me, I think I'm more torn than ever over this one.

Episode 21: Where to Live in Walt Disney World

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 20:08:00 -0400

Episode 21 is here! Have you ever wished you could live in Walt Disney World? We all have at some point or another & on this week's show we give our top 10 locations where we would love to reside in the parks. Also on this show, we give the latest updates from around Disney Parks. Join us!

Episode 20: A Visit to Marceline

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 17:26:00 -0400

Episode 20 is here! On this week's show, we have a very special trip report. A few weeks ago, we were privileged to travel to Marceline, MO, Walt Disney's boyhood home. We talk about our experiences on this episode. We also talk about the color purple in our segment "Colors of the World". Join us!

A Theory: Why Disney Fans Obsess Over WDW Trash Cans

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 17:01:00 -0400

You already know what I am talking about. From their following on Instagram to the Park exclusive salt and pepper shakers and now ornaments, Walt Disney World trash cans have become their own phenomenon. They have existed forever, in their unique glory. Easily, one could toss one's refuse and move along, ignoring the design changes as you move across lands. And really, you are probably supposed to do just that. The story is so strong in Disney World that even trash cans become part of developing the lands; they are supposed to feel so ingrained and natural that you don't draw attention to them, because they're just part of the world. And yet, Disney fans are determined to draw that attention to the point of flipping out more than a little. We have started something even we must admit is pretty strange. I mean, trash can fanboys or fangirls? Weird.

Before I go on, I will confess to being a part of this infatuation. I have taken more than my fair share of Disney World trash can photos. I wouldn't mind owning some trash can ornaments in the future.

So why is this a thing? How did this happen? I have some theories to pose. I don't know if they are true for everyone, but here's my take on why I think we love these cans. First, there is a need to show our superior fandom. Second, and less offensive, it all comes down to Imagineering Appreciation. (Can I trademark that RIGHT NOW, please?!)

I think we have to start with a need to feel superior. I know that is harsh, but it is true for me. We are the creme de la creme of Disney Parks fans, right! When you love something as obscure as WDW trash cans, you are essentially saying, "Look at me, I love and know everything about WDW down to the garbage." We aren't the casual guest who buys a pair of Mickey ears. Oh no, how dare you! We are so much more! Our ideal merchandise to bring home is a piece of the parks, a really random piece of the parks. We want to set ourselves apart from those other people who really know nothing about this place they keep visiting. We are the next level Disney fans and we want everyone to know it. We have a sincere passion for Disney that we need everyone else to know we possess.

Hey, I am right there as guilty as anyone else! It's kind of sad, isn't it? (And glorious! Bow to my knowledge!)

I think we have come to be this way, because we have learned something special about Disney Parks that others haven't yet discovered (until we teach them, right?). This gets to the nicer, more specific reason I think this phenomenon has occurred - Imagineering Appreciation.

There is a large body of Disney Parks fans, young and old, who have gotten and embraced a Disney-specific education. You have heard about Art Appreciation. Well, I doubt anyone reading this would argue with the idea that Imagineering is a high form of art and storytelling. Through books, T.V. specials, blogs, social media, etc. many of us have been taught to appreciate the subtle work of Imagineers that surround us in Disney Parks across the world. We have stopped and smelled the roses after someone has taught us to do so. We have made Legends of men like Marty Sklar, Bob Gurr, Tony Baxter, Joe Rohde, etc. considering them revolutionary artists in the same vein as Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Dali, among others. We have learned to appreciate the hard, creative work of men and women who have designed the Parks down to the smallest detail.

When we Imagineering Appreciation students go to the Parks, we go to study the masters. We want to pinpoint the countless ways Imagineers have made us believe that each land is a genuine world of its own. We love the bicycles and homemade business signs of Harambe. We squeal over the peanuts in the cement of Storybook Circus. There are a million minuscule details we are supposed to overlook, to silently absorb as we pass through each land. On the other hand, the Imagineers revel (as they should) in pointing out how every shade of paint, every mark of aging, every conscious choice was made to put guests in the story. While most casual guests are too busy looking at their Park guide maps and My Disney Experience app to notice these things, students of Imagineering Appreciation are off to the side taking literally hundreds of photographs of the artistry all around us in the Parks.

Students of Imagineering Appreciation are an unabashed community of super fans. Maybe we have a right to flaunt our superior passion for the Parks and our heroes who have created them. After all, we've put in the time, research, and photos to prove it. Now, we have also invested our hard earned cash for collectibles that let us put our Imagineering Appreciation on display for others to see and for us to savor. Even the trash cans at Walt Disney World are art, part of the story, part of the immersive experience. We want others to see what we see and appreciate what we appreciate. If flipping out over trash can ornaments helps others to stop and think, "Wow. The trash cans are all different depending where you are in Walt Disney World. That's neat," then we have been good, little students, passing on what we have learned in Imagineering Appreciation.

Do you love the Trash Cans of Walt Disney World? Why have you become a fan? We'd love to hear your theories on the subject.

Getting Patriotic at Walt Disney World - An Ideal Fourth of July

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 2 Jul 2016 12:01:00 -0400

Happy Birthday, America! I hope we are all feeling proud to be an American this weekend as we celebrate the freedom we enjoy in this unique land of ours.

Today, let's imagine what an ideal, ultra American Fourth of July would look like in the Parks. You want to really get your nationalism on at WDW, here's what we think would be a perfectly American day. Go U.S.A.!

Okay, here are your MUST DOs for a patriotic extravaganza at Walt Disney World:

EPCOT
1.) Voices of Liberty - Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, celebrates America in more glory than the Voices of Liberty. This a cappella group that performs in the rotunda of the American Adventure's first floor, prior to the American Adventure show, produce astounding harmonies with vibrant emotion. Every tune is a an American classic (even "Let It Go," unfortunately) and may, potentially, move you to soggy eyes if you are feeling especially patriotic. This talented group represents the beauty and creativity of our great nation. If you don't listen to the Voices of Liberty, you are downright un-American!

2.) The American Adventure - Let Mark Twain and Benjamin Franklin tell the story of America, with more than a few John Steinbeck quotes thrown in. This is an unabashed look at what made this country great. The Audio Animatronics, sets and songs make this a highly entertaining and touching show. (Okay, some songs are so corny it hurts, but that's a pretty American thing to be, in my opinion.) If you don't leave singing "Golden Dreams" for the rest of the day, then you missed the point. We live in a great land of opportunity, where heroes and heroines have tread before us. We may be young, but we have an amazing history. Let's thank those who worked so hard and gave so much to make America the place she is today.

3.) Funnel Cake - Yes, you read that right. I think you should eat a Funnel Cake from the American Adventure pavilion. What says America like food you can only find at the Fair? Fried batter, especially if you get a slab of ice cream on top, is so SO American. Junk food = America. Sorry, but it's true, and I for one am grateful because Funnel Cakes are delicious, especially when eaten in Walt Disney World.

Hollywood Studios

1.) Muppet Vision 3D - The most American thing you need to do in Hollywood Studios is here - time to enjoy a Tribute to All Nations, But Mostly America with Sam the Eagle. Honestly, what says America more than The Muppets? Jim Henson = American Treasure. Go, enjoy his goofy creations! (And ignore the fact The Muppet Show was filmed in England.)

2.) One Man's Dream - Walt Disney was a proud product of the American Spirit, as this blog about patriotic splendor in Walt Disney World clearly shows. He loved his country and its adventurous history. Go see the story of one, regular American boy who followed the American Dream to success, sharing his imagination and youthful joy with generations across the planet.

Magic Kingdom

1.) Main Street U.S.A - It is the Fourth of July every single day in/on the first land of the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy the American patriotic and show tunes of the background loop as you stroll through this idealized look at small town America. The waving flags and smiling faces will make you feel right at home. Step back into a simpler world where we were all eager to celebrate America as a community on the Fourth of July.

2.) Flag Retreat - Want to really be moved? Watch the Flag Retreat Ceremony in Main Street Square at 5:00. As Cast Members lovingly take down the American flag for the evening, the Dapper Dans and the Main Street Philharmonic sing/play "America the Beautiful," "The Star Spangled Banner," and "God Bless America," as well as an Armed Forces Medley at the end. What is especially emotional is the inclusion of a member (retired or active) of the Armed Forces in the ceremony. This hero is given the respect he/she deserves as this service member is recognized during and following the Flag Retreat. This ceremony has taken place at Disneyland and Walt Disney World for 60 years, and I know that Walt Disney would be proud.

3.) The Hall of Presidents - You don't have to like every man that our country has voted into office to enjoy this Audio Animatronic show. Sit back in the plush theatre and hear how our presidents have shaped our nation. We have certainly had some very wise and brave leaders in our time (as well as the opposite, but the show is quick to skim over them). What should astound you is the fact that each of these men were just that - ordinary men. No aristocrats or men given the power because of lineage (in theory). Nope, we, the people, have chosen our leaders, men who have proven themselves up to the challenge of guiding our country towards greater liberty and justice for all. If nothing else, celebrate the artistic feat of having every president on stage, given personality and life during the presentation.

4.) Liberty Tree Tavern - This is your quintessential American eatery. Every day is Thanksgiving here! Sit in the Revolutionary-era themed rooms and feast on American, comfort food. I have simple, American taste when it comes to food, so this is my favorite restaurant in Walt Disney World.

5.) Liberty Belle Riverboat - Again, let Mark Twain narrate this steamboat journey around the Rivers of America. Riverboat culture is supremely American from one of the first authors to be recognized as telling the distinctly American story. There are no thrills, to be fair, but a quiet ride through the waterways of our nation feels like a pleasant way to relax on America's birthday.

6.) Casey's Corner - Baseball is America's pastime, so it just feels right to have a meal or snack from Casey's Corner. Hot dog or corn dog, you won't go wrong. It's all so very American! Get into the home team spirit and pretend you can hear James Earl Jones reading "Casey at Bat."

7.) Fourth of July Fireworks - This is a given, right? The Fourth of July fireworks at Magic Kingdom are basically INSANE! To get the full 360 degree view, it may be better to watch them from one of the Resorts on the Seven Seas Lagoon. No Disney characters during this firework display - it's all and only about America!

Honorable Mention: While not really that American in the classic sense, there are aspects of Dinoland, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom that draw on the classic, roadside attractions of America's famous Route 66. It's a part of America that people will travel internationally to experience, so you could always count Chester and Hester's, if you were so inclined. Not the greatest, most patriotic thing to do, but it is an option.

Five of the Best and Five of the Worst Disney Film Fathers

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 07:08:00 -0400

Happy Father's Day, Disney Dads! As part of a trend this year on the blog, we will do a special post for this holiday. Here are five of the best Disney film dads, in our humble opinion.

1.) Walt Disney himself - To Dianne and Sharon, he was just daddy. And in some regard, Walt is sort of a father/grandfather to us all. We wouldn't have Disneyland if Walt had not been a loving father who wanted a place where whole families could have fun together. He took the girls to school and made sure they got Saturday to be with daddy. Good on you, Walt!

2.) Maurice from Beauty and the Beast - Crazy, old Maurice was an eccentric inventor with no sense of direction, to be sure, but he did love his daughter dearly. I think I actually prefer Maurice from the Broadway musical version of the film, as he and Belle sing "No Matter What." Despite the tragedy in their lives, father and daughter held together and utterly accepted one another. Belle wanted adventure and to improve her mind and imagination and Maurice never told her that these pursuits were out of the question for a person of her gender. Bravo, Maurice!

3.) Mufasa from The Lion King - He gave his life for his son. Do I really have to say anything more? Being James Earl Jones doesn't hurt either.

4.) Pongo from One Hundred and One Dalmatians - Pongo is kind of awesome. He loved his puppies before they were ever born and supported his pregnant wife with such gentle kindness. When the puppies were being born, he was a wreck, as is right. When they thought they lost Lucky, his heartbreak was genuine. And the joy when they knew Lucky was alive and well is just delightful. I adore the family, TV night scene; those kids are crawling all over him and Pongo is eating it up. When the puppies are stolen, you know Pongo will do anything to get them back. Then he ends up adopting over 80 children into his home and heart. Pongo is a great dad, period.

5.) Marlin from Finding Nemo- Okay, Marlin starts off as a not so great father. He loses his cool too easily and embarrasses his kid in the worst way possible. Now, granted, he was just thinking about his son's safety. Still, Marlin blew it on an epic level. Then, he became an awesome dad and crossed the ocean, risking his safety a hundred times (and his sanity by sticking with Dory) to get his boy back home to his loving fins. Marlin became a hero for his child and learned a lot of parenting lessons in the process.

Honorable Mentions: Mr. Flaversham from the Great Mouse Detective, Tiana's Dad from The Princess and the Frog, Carl Frederickson (became a surrogate dad/grandpa to Russell) from Up, Mr. Potato Head to the Little Green Aliens from Toy Story 2 and 3, Tarzan's dad while he was alive, Fa Zhou from Mulan, Mr, Hopps from Zootopia

On the other hand, there are an unfortunately large number of really terrible fathers in Disney films. We just couldn't ignore some of these 5 absolutely horrible Disney dads.

1.) King Triton from The Little Mermaid - Sorry, Triton, but you are the worst! I mean, the guy is a jerk for nearly the whole movie. When he finally signs himself over to Ursula to save Ariel, we almost don't believe it. He has been cruel for so long that it isn't realistic. She was a 16 year old with a crush on someone she would probably never have actually met again. Ariel fawning over that statue was like a teenager with a One Direction poster in her room saying she is going to marry Harry. Why did he go ballistic and destroy all her junk? You are so mean, Triton. I wish you would have stayed all gross and sickly. Also, he shouldn't have been ecstatic that his sixteen year old was in love. SHE WAS ONLY SIXTEEN! Ew!

2.) Darth Vader - He knew he was Luke's father and still cut off his hand. Darth, this is no way to persuade a long lost child to join your side. And he tortured Leia in A New Hope, then blew up her home planet. You aren't winning the dad of the year award any time soon, Anakin.

3.) Elsa and Anna's Father from Frozen - It might be mean to slander someone who died young, but I think Arendelle's king was a pretty rotten father. He had this exceptional little girl and didn't nurture her gift. Instead he freaked out, took Granpabbie's words and went all worst case scenario. He didn't have to lock the poor child up from humanity and make her feel like a threat. He separated the girls from one another in a huge castle where they were the only two kids anyway! You failed as a father, King whatever your name was. Frankly, you don't deserve a name, jerk!

4.) Han Solo - My favorite character of anything for all time, but a not so awesome father. Spoiler alert, he does try to do the right thing in the end, but it's too little too late, Han, my dear. He was always a selfish one and he never gave that side of himself up for his family. (Sidenote: What is your opinion? Did Han and Leia get married or just have a baby together? The movie doesn't say. Han isn't really the marrying kind, right?) He was never around to help Ben feel loved and appreciated. So when the kid went wrong, Han was like, "Bye," and went off to his smuggling ways to avoid blame or guilt. Han, sweetie, you blew it pretty good on the fatherhood front. (Don't worry, I still love you!)

5.) Mr. Darling - He was very stressed out trying to impress his employers, so maybe we should cut him some slack. The guy is way too loud with his children though. They know you are working hard for them, so your job means everything, but that's no reason to scream and yell at your children. He is also mean (only briefly and not abusive) to Nana, the best of dogs. He is probably right to send Wendy out of the nursery (she is getting a little old to be with the boys still); he just didn't have to do it in such a way to shame her for keeping her childlike imagination. Now, in the end, he is redeemed by correcting all his mistakes and rediscovering his inner child. That's why he is only number 5.

What I Missed About Walt Disney World - June 6th-11th

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Sat, 11 Jun 2016 21:03:00 -0400

This is just a silly exercise I thought I would try to see how much I really do think about Walt Disney World within a week. It was actually less than I thought it would be, but probably still more than is healthy. I miss Walt Disney World constantly, for varied reasons, and I bet you do too! Here are all the wonderful things I missed this week about my favorite place on Earth.

Monday, June 6th

-There was a cricket and some other bug in our bathroom last night. So much nature! When I woke up this morning, I missed being in WDW at an All-Star Resort and seeing frogs and lizards when you walk to and from your room.

-VBS Theme next year is space centered. Chris immediately decides we will play the Space Mountain queue music in my classroom. Now I have to listen to that space music glory. This makes me want to be in the Space Mountain queue, with its grippy stars, dusty smell and beautiful air conditioning in the dark.

Tuesday, June 7th

-Dang it! It is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. I want a ice cream cookie sandwich from Sleepy Hollow Inn right now!

-Liberty Inn has added an alcoholic Frozen Coke. Keep the booze for some one else. I am now dreaming of an ice cream funnel cake and Frozen Coke eaten in an empty Liberty Inn while everyone else awaits Illuminations. I miss that quiet moment of American food goodness.

Wednesday, June 8th

-Ate a tasty chocolate cup cake today, but all it did was make me miss my soulmate, the Butterfinger Cupcake from Starring Rolls. Oh man. Butterfinger Cupcake, I miss you so much!

-Chris was singing (his own version of) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo. It made me miss walking under Cinderella's Castle something awful. And right now the new stage show isn't open yet, so you can walk though the Castle ALL DAY! Why am I not there?

Thursday, June 9th

-Twitter is exploding over Chance being the icon of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando, and all I want now is to be in the much more charming Storybook Circus. I miss you, you wonderfully themed little corner of Magic Kingdom!

Friday, June 10th

-Dreamt about Animal Kingdom last night so you can tell what I am missing this morning. Oh for some A+ theming and storytelling right about now!

-The Boardwalk. No reason, just randomly wish I was there. I want to eat all the Ample Hills Creamery cones (and ice cream too, I suppose) and visit the Boardwalk Bakery for more sweet treats I shouldn't have. Just a walk around the pier would be pleasant enough. I miss that place.

-Chris had the WDW itch bad today. He just kept saying, "I really miss Disney World. I wish we were going this year." Me too, babe. Me too.

Saturday, June 11th

-I want to see that third Toy Story Midway Mania track something awful this morning. I feel like I am missing out.

-I also really miss Character Breakfasts this morning. Tusker House, I need you!

-Oh man, they are celebrating the Queen's Birthday in the United Kingdom Pavilion. Guess where I wish I was today? I need to peruse Doctor Who merchandise in a shop full of Tudor and Edwardian charm.

-Randomly started singing "Destiny" from Mission: Space, so guess I am missing that attraction now. I don't even like that song. I might even actively loathe it.

-Speak Like A Whale Day has zero effect on my (lack of) enthusiasm for Finding Dory. It did, however, really make me miss Finding Nem: The Musical, my absolute favorite Disney World show. "That's...my...dad..."

-Chris said he wanted to go back to Port Orleans. Now I miss the beignets at the French Quarter!

Disney Channel Original Movie Marathon

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Fri, 27 May 2016 21:59:00 -0400

As you may know, Disney has announced that in honor of Disney Channel's 100th Original Movie they will be airing all previous 99 original movies in the coming weeks. The majority of these films will be part of a Memorial Day Weekend Marathon which will begin Friday, May 27th at 10 am and run until Monday, May 30th with the final movie, Johnny Tsunami, airing at 3:35 a.m.

I (Chris) have always been a fan of Disney Channel Original Movies. I remember anxiously anticipating the newest release every month. In light of this, I wanted to give our readers my Top 5 DCOM's. I also wanted to tell you which films are worth your while. You can find the full schedule online via a quick Google search. One caveat for my list, I believe 1997-2003 were the "Golden Years" for these movies. That is probably because I was in the age range that these movies were targeted towards during those years. Nevertheless, you won't find High School Musical on this list!

5. Motorcrossed (released 2001)-This movie was a lot better than it sounds. It is about a twin brother and sister who race dirtbikes. When the brother gets injured, the sister must take over and race in his place. However, since girls "can't race dirtbikes", she must pose as a dude. Obviously, things get interesting as she must keep up this masquerade. I remember watching this movie multiple times. (Airing 4:35 p.m. on Sunday, May 29)

4. Genius (released 1999)-I did not see this film when it aired originally, as we did not have the Disney Channel at the time. In fact, the first time I saw it was one morning at 6 a.m. when I had to get up early to leave on a trip. I have always felt as if this was one of Disney's best kept secrets. This movie is about a young man who is academically gifted (a "genius" if you will) and because of this he is already attending college as a teenager. He meets a young lady (Emmy Rossum) and due to his infatuation with her, somehow enrolls in the local middle school as slacker/bad boy "Chaz Anthony". Obviously, things get interesting as he must keep up this masquerade. (Hmmm, I am seeing a theme here.) (Airing at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 29)

3. Phantom of the Megaplex (released 2000)-You probably get the gist of this film, so I won't spend much time on it. Basically, Phantom of the Opera dumbed down for kids, shortened for television, without all the romantic tensions and the music, and taking place in a Movie Theater rather than an Opera house. Also, Mickey Rooney...enough said! Obviously, things get interesting as the Phantom must keep up this masquerade. (Airing Saturday, June 4 at 2 a.m.)

2. Double Teamed (released 2002)-First, let me confess that I was obsessed with sports in 2002 (some may say I still am, although my obsession has waned a lot). That being said, this movie may not appeal to everyone. This movie was actually based on a true story. It was about two twin sisters who moved to a new town and became basketball stars, eventually making it to the WNBA. Obviously, things get interesting as....nope, that actually doesn't work here. (Airing at 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, May 29)

1. The Luck of the Irish (released 2001)-This one also involves basketball but so much more! Luck of the Irish is my absolute favorite TV movie of all-time. This is about a boy who is extremely gifted in life, academics and sports, but soon, life becomes more challenging as his medallion is stolen by none other than Carlton Lasseter of Psych fame. Oh, and he also turns into a Leprechaun. Obviously, things get interesting as he must figure out why he is masquerading. (Airing Tuesday, June 21 at 12 a.m.)

Well, that is my top-5. However, here are a few others that I love but didn't make my list.

Full Court Miracle (released 2003)-This was about a Jewish basketball team and the Maccabees. Trust me, much more interesting than it sounds. (Airing at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 29)
Horse Sense (1999)/Jumping Ship (2001)-I lump these two together because they are very similar. If I remember correctly, Jumping Ship is a sequel to Horse Sense. These two movies both star the Lawrence brothers. (Horse Sense airs at 11:25 a.m. on Saturday, May 28th, Jumping Ship airs Saturday, June 18 at 2 a.m.)
Alley Cats Strike! (2000)-This was about a group of friends who like to bowl. Also stars a very young Kaley Cuoco. (Airing at 4:25 a.m. on Friday, May 27)

There you have it! My opinion on what you should do this Memorial Day weekend. In addition to these, some of you Even Stevens fans may want to check out The Even Stevens Movie. I know this one will bring back good memories for me as this was one of my favorite shows. Even Stevens fans may also want to watch Cadet Kelley (starring Christy Carlson-Romano a.k.a. Ren Stevens) and Tru Confessions (starring Shia Labeouf, although portraying a very serious character unlike Louis Stevens).

Finally, while I haven't really paid attention to DCOM's after 2003, I will recommend Minutemen (2008) and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (2009). I enjoyed both films very much even though I was in college at the time and not part of the target audience.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend Dreamers! Also, take time to remember all those brave men and women who have given their lives for the United States of America!

Memorial Day Weekend Brings Big Changes To The World!

justadreamaway1971@gmail.com (Just A Dream Away) — Fri, 27 May 2016 21:57:00 -0400

Well, folks, Memorial Day Weekend is upon us and you know what that means...hundreds of bloggers will be descending on Walt Disney World to check out all the new offerings. While we won't be there to partake of the exciting experiences, we certainly have opinions (that's what the internet is for, right?) about the coming attractions/restaurant(s)/entertainment/new tracks and so forth. It seems that every Park but Magic Kingdom has something to see this weekend. So, let's get into all the glorious changes!

Hollywood Studios
The Long Awaited Toy Story Midway Mania Third Track - Yes, it is finally here! The third track that we've been hearing about for what?...years? At last, the wait time for TSMM will be cut down a bit (probably only 15-20 minutes, but hey! that is definitely an improvement) and guests will be able to partake of more Hollywood Studios offerings...I mean, uh, well, they can be able to finish the Park earlier to hop over to another Park, Resort or Disney Springs...Hm, this is awkward.

Green Army Men Boot Camp - While this may not be a super thrilling show (certainly no Jedi Training Academy), it's great that these lovable Army Men now have a more formal way to interact with guests. I think younger fans will enjoy being recruited and learning from our nation's finest green, plastic soldiers. Seems like a nice giggle for parents and kids alike. The Green Army Men have always been fantastic as they wandered around Pixar Place, so a formal "show" is well deserved and puts a little life back into this otherwise dead back corner of the Park.

Epcot
Soarin' is Back! - Yes, at last! Soarin' is back open and ready to run its final tours of California. I'm so pleased that Disney Parks management decided to let fans say good-bye to the original attraction before Soarin' Over The World debuts in mid June. Let's be honest, we all need to say our tearful farewells to Patrick, the best pilot ever! Man, I'm going to miss that guy. And I'll miss the original attraction. We all remember our first time being on Soarin' and the wonder that we experienced. The score alone could sweep you to heights unknown! So if you are able, enjoy your last flight over California (with the hundreds of other guests who will be desperate to ride as well - LONG WAITS ARE IMMINENT! Even with the third theatre, demand is going to be very high).

Animal Kingdom
Fangirl Sidenote: It's wonderful to see Animal Kingdom getting the love it deserves as it comes of age and finally will be considered a full day Park! The overall push to help Animal Kingdom live up to its awesomeness is simply well deserved. And we don't even have Pandora yet! This Park has always been the most immersive, most stunning of the four, so it is beyond delightful to look at everything coming this weekend!

Nighttime Safari - The evening safari is back and reimagined. No more poachers, it seems, but still lovely to have a new way to experience this highlight attraction at Animal Kingdom. I'm not sure how I feel about the eternal man-made sunset effect, but who cares? In the cool of the night, maybe the animals will be a little more visible (first reports are saying not so much, unless you see the earliest evening safaris of the night). You really will be able to get a completely fresh view of this beloved attraction; probably very dark and empty, but still different. Hopefully the nighttime setting will also help it drip with mystery and adventure.

The Jungle Book: Alive with Magic - It may not be the long anticipated Rivers of Light, but that's okay. Let's be honest, I am most excited about the new venue more than anything else. The seating area looks impeccably themed and will be a joy to behold. The show itself will be fine; not good, just fine. A water screen is a water screen; always impressive, yet nothing new. However, the Indian-infused music and I'm sure highly-skilled dancers should give this brand new nighttime entertainment a level of interest that will be worth hearing (if maybe not seeing). The Jungle Book was a beautiful work of cinematic artistry. Will it transfer on water screens? First reports say no, but I at least appreciate the fact that Disney didn't just delay Rivers of Light and leave guests with nothing this summer. This filler show will give guests something to do, even if it isn't very cohesively constructed considering how quickly it was thrown together.

Tree of Life Awakenings - Oh my goodness, yes! I am very much looking forward to watching Youtube videos of this nightly transformation of the Tree of Life. The projections on Cinderella's Castle have been a complete success, so imagine how wonderful seeing the Tree of Life come alive each night is going to be! Seriously, what an intriguing canvas! With advanced technology and craftsmanship, I know Imagineers will not be letting us down. I'm not a crazy animal or Earth lover, but visual mastery is visual mastery and I can't wait to behold it on the glorious canvas of the Tree of Life. First reports are saying the show comes to life in fifteen minutes intervals, but you do have to see the Tree from the front of the Park on Discovery Island.

Live Entertainment - It may be unfair to link these two new live entertainment offerings together, so I apologize in advance. Africa will be getting The Harambi Wildlife Parti (which is clearly going to be great because it's "Parti" instead of "Party") which should completely overload the senses with music, acrobats, dancers, etc. I have a feeling it's really going to have a good beat and you'll be able to dance to it! Live performers in Africa have NEVER disappointed and I'm sure the same quality will be seen here. Near the center of the Park, the Discovery Island Carnivale will bring a Caribbean infused dance party. Sounds better than a regular Disney Parks dance party, but still probably depending heavily on pop tunes that really might not fit in Disney World. I could be wrong, though! Even if I'm not, I know the talent will be palpable and the costumes should be a sight to behold!

Tiffins and the Nomad Lounge - A new table service restaurant and lounge at Animal Kingdom was desperately needed and it looks like the Imagineers have given us one to savor. The theming inside seems to be a treat for the eyes. And if recent additions like the Skipper Canteen are any indication, the cuisine should be adventurous and far, far beyond your regular theme park fare. We're hearing that the small plates at the Nomad Lounge are seriously small, but if that's your jam, then you should still be happy (though maybe your wallet will be sad at the expense to food ratio). Having another favorable dining option at Animal Kingdom is a great advantage, especially one in Discovery Island where so much is now happening in the evening!

Blizzard Beach
Frozen Games - I don't know if anyone is really excited about this, but Team Kristoff and Team Olaf (weird love triangle there...just kidding, couldn't resist) will be competing in fun family games at this Disney Water Park. Granted, the time period of Blizzard Beach vs. Frozen makes NO SENSE at all here, but it's always best not to think too long and hard about Frozen in the Parks, isn't it? So, be a family and have fun throwing "snow balls" and doing the limbo and whatnot. Just clean, summer fun.

Disney Springs
STK - This high end restaurant opened in the middle of the week, but I guess it still counts. While I can't see the value of an overpriced steak myself, I know this place is going to do extremely well at Disney Springs. The unholy glamor and fame of it all! Just kidding. The architecture looks stunning, to say the very least, and I am sure the food is superb. If you can afford it, you should try it out! Or, hey, have a splurge night, why not? This is another great addition to what is becoming a very popular entertainment option for Disney Resort guests and Orlando locals alike.

New Bus Loop - Oh my goodness! Now this is what excites me! Finally, Resort guests have another bus stop at Disney Springs. If you had to visit the Springs when it was lowly Downtown Disney with one sad, tiny bus drop-off/pick-up then you know the NIGHTMARE that awaited you. Ugh! But with another spot for guests to get on/off buses, the bus experience should be slightly less miserable.

That's all of it! (I think; am I possibly missing something?!) Often it seems like nothing new is coming to the Parks in Florida, but finally that statement is downright wrong! Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land are ages away, but so much is coming to transform (or awaken, oops, my bad) Walt Disney World this summer that every fan should be extremely giddy. Even if you are unlikely to partake of each and every thing on this list of additions, you have to admit, it's an exciting time to be a WDW fan! One day, we'll tell our grandchildren of these times...maybe.