If you’re like me, your electronic devices have become absolutely essential at Walt Disney World. Cameras to capture memories, phones for keeping in touch with others in the park, or smartphones for making last-minute dining reservations or Fast Pass Plus changes. We are lost without power! Finding a place to charge your devices can be a challenge…
Recently I found the perfect location in the Magic Kingdom; no, not the “Tangled” themed restrooms that everyone talks about, but the secret spot over in Story Book Circus!
It is the perfect spot for a quick recharge, both for your devices and YOU! Located next to Pete’s Silly Side Show and behind Big Top Treats, the location is a perfect spot to sit in the shade and enjoy a treat from the Big Top.
The location was the Fast Pass distribution location for the Dumbos and Barnstormer (Featuring the Great Goofini). When the classic Fast Pass locations were closed, this location became a hidden gem. There is really no reason to venture into this back corner of the Magic Kingdom, making it a perfect hideaway. Complete with seating, couches, and lounges you just can’t get any better… As long as you have a nice cold treat from Big Top Treats that is!
The location is occasionally used for character meet and greets, specifically during special events – Like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s VeryMerry Christmas Party, but is typically wide open! Take advantage of it while you can! Remember – Keep it our secret.
Experience the magic of New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World! If you’ve ever envisioned the electrifying countdown, spectacular fireworks, and exclusive events, you’re not alone. It’s a dream on my bucket list, and I’m determined to witness these enchanting moments in person one day. Until that magical day arrives, join me in savoring the next best thing—a captivating birds-eye view of the New Year’s Eve Countdown at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!
The Mill Stage is the home for the Canadian Lumberjacks
After nearly 17 years of continuous performances, Off Kilter, the Canadian Celtic-Rock Band played its last set at “The Mill Stage” on September 28th 2014.
The Canadian Lumberjacks
The Mill Stage was quickly updated and opened just 7 days later on October 5th, 2014. This time the sounds of Celtic Music were replaced with the sounds of Chain Saws.
I just happened to be in Epcot for the first day of soft opening; in fact, it was the second show ever. I had my camera and captured the moment. I was a little surprised and didn’t have my tripod, but I did my best. I know Off Kilter has some diehard fans, and many were upset by their removal from the Canadian pavilion. Only those on the inside know exactly why the decision was made; regardless, here is the second-ever “Lumberjack Show” from Epcot’s Canadian Pavilion.
The Premier Theater is a hub of activity at Star Wars Weekends. See one you like? Get a fast pass!
For years now, Star Wars Weekend has taken advantage of the space provided by Hollywood Studios “Premiere Theater”. The space, behind Muppet Vision 3D near the Streets of America, was originally used for the Beauty and the Beast Stage Show (1993-1994), then the Spirit of Pocahontas (1995-1996), then The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996-2002), and most recently the Frozen “First Time In Forever Sing-Along” (July 5th, 2014 – today) and has been used seasonally for special events including Star Wars Weekends (2008 – now). The recent closing of the American Idol in the “Superstar Television Theater” has many people speculating that the Frozen Sing-Along will move to the bigger venue in early 2015, allowing Star Wars Weekend to once again utilize the Premiere Theater.
The Premiere Theater provides an indoor facility for some of the most interesting Star Wars Weekends presentations. The presentations change each weekend based on the celebrities attending and new for 2014, they all have Fast Pass+ reservation options. The “high-energy” shows available the weekend I attended included:
Behind the Force: Stars of the Saga
Behind the Force: Star Wars Rebels (Listen closely as host Ashley Eckstein-the voice of Ahsoka Tano-and some special guests take you on a behind-the-scenes “sneak peek” of the new television show Star Wars Rebels.
Stars of the Saga: Join Star Wars Weekends celebrity host James Arnold Taylor as he puts on this entertaining 30-minute, Star Wars-themed talk show. Experience the fascinating life and movie-making adventures of Star Wars celebrities.
Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor: Feel the force flowing as Star Wars Weekends celebrity host James Arnold Taylor takes his audience on a fun and fascinating journey into the world of voice acting. In this Star Wars Weekend exclusive, James performs over 200 popular and iconic characters.
Each of the shows happened once a day each day of the weekend. While all of them had a Star Wars theme, I found the last show, Obi-Wan and Beyond as the most entertaining of the three. I would call this show high energy – James Arnold Taylor put on a masterful performance of characters ranging from “Obi-Wan” to “Fred Flintstone” to a “Pop Tart”. Voice Acting is amazing art that is easily overlooked, and James brings a human and humorous touch to the art.
Behind the Force: Stars of the Saga
Hollywood Studios Premiere Theater is a hub of activity for Star Wars Weekends
Yep, I’m a Disney Nerd – and I’m a Star Wars Nerd! It should be obvious based on past blog posts, Star Wars Weekend 2013 and Star Wars Weekend 2012. I was able to attend Star Wars Weekend 2014 this past June, and while the blog is overdue, it feels like yesterday! Being a Star Wars Weekend veteran, my focus this year is on what’s new: The “Feel the Force Premium Package”, the Symphony in the Sky Fireworks, and the Galactic Breakfast in the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater.
With so much happening at Star Wars Weekend, it was impossible to get everything in a single video. This episode is all about what’s new for 2014. Star Wars Weekend expanded to 5 weekends in 2014, extending the traditional event by a full week. I attended the final weekend, June 13-15, with celebrity appearances featuring Star Wars Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. It also happened to be Father’s Day weekend, and Disney introduces some cool Star Wars father-related t-shirts including “The Galaxy’s Best Dad” featuring Darth Vader.
Legends of the Force Celebrity Motorcade.
Darth’s Mall was back in Sound Stage 1, its original location. I was just in time for the introduction of the limited edition Star Wars Weekend Magic Bands – available in Green (Yoda) and Red (Darth Vader), they introduced a bonus feature. Within Hollywood Studios, when you return for a Fast Pass using a Darth Vader Magic Band, the kiosk lights up red and you hear Darth Vader breathing!!! Cool – I can also verify that the Magic Bands only work at Hollywood Studios and were still working in October 2014 (Yes, this blog is a little late). Check out the video!
Star Wars Weekends are full of Star Wars-related activities. James Arnold Taylor, the host of Star Wars Weekends, re-caps the day’s events on the main stage right after the celebrity motorcade… Hope you enjoy the preview and future episodes of Star Wars Weekend.
When I tell my non-Disney Nerd friends I’m headed back to Walt Disney World, I get the same reaction and puzzled look, again? My answer is always the same, “Yep, again!” I’ve given up trying to convince most of them. It does bother me to know the only experience some of them will have is a single hot summer day in the Magic Kingdom with huge crowds, no Fast Passes, no dining reservations, and no pre-planning. Ouch! That’s not Disney World at all! Everyone reading this knows exactly what I mean!
So why go back? No matter how many times you visit, you’ll discover something new. Case in point, after dozens of trips into Epcot’s Canadian pavilion, I discovered something I hadn’t noticed before… At the top of the steps next to the totem pole on the left, you’ll find the Northwest Mercantile, a sleepy little gift shop that’s a little out of the way (a little being at the top of the steps). Inside that small shop, you’ll find a hidden adventure that isn’t publicized. You won’t find it on any park map, and you’ll have problems finding references to it on the internet. In fact, you’ll need to ask a cast member or find one of the clues to complete the adventure and become an Honorary Canadian Forest Ranger!
The best of the hidden Canadian secrets required to be an honorary park ranger? Justin Beaver!
You may have noticed some of the clues last time you visited, but just didn’t ask the next question. There is a series of 6 hidden stuffed animals with small Canadian references hidden throughout the store. The best part, is they are NEVER in the same place… they are moved by guests and by cast members throughout the day. Can you find all of the animals and name them? The only thing that will give them away is the name tag they are wearing. Look up, look down, look behind things… they are in the store someplace, sometimes in plain sight.
I’ll give you my favorite, but you’ll need to find the others…
Justin Beaver. You’ll need to find them all. Who could the others be? Make that part of your next adventure in Epcot, and maybe a reason to check out a part of the Canadian pavilion that you may not have explored otherwise! Way to go Canada, ah!
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – My Favorite, Lobster Roll and a Samuel Adams
I’ve said it many times, Epcot is my favorite Walt Disney World Park. In my opinion, Future World and World Showcase provide the perfect blend of edutainment, culture, and family fun although I may not have realized it during my first visit as a teenager. Epcot’s World Showcase also provides the perfect backdrop for special events. The two most notable, The Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (every Fall) fit perfectly. And better yet, the festivals provide “another reason” to visit Walt Disney World. Add to that the emerging “Holidays around the World”, and you have 3 new reasons to visit. As if I need another reason.
Each Fall Since 1995, Epcot has been host to the International Food & Wine Festival. Epcot is transformed into a culinary festival with experiences featuring everything from samplings and demonstrations to celebrity book signings and festival-themed merchandise.
I could spend all day in the festival center… but the main draw of the food and wine festival is the 30 kiosks surrounding Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon. Each features a unique cuisine from around the world, and all are designed to extend and complement the existing World Showcase countries. Kiosks include countries like The Caribbean, Argentina, Scandinavia, Poland, Singapore, New Zealand, Belgium, Ireland, and Greece just to name a few. A culinary cornucopia, the Discovery Passport is your guide to all of the flavors of the festival. Make sure you get the pocket guide in the Festival Center or at most of the kiosks themselves. The small plates are perfect for a sample of the countries’ cuisine as you stroll around the lagoon. The only question is, where do you start?
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Festival Center
The Discovery Passport is a pocket guide listing all of the Kiosks along with their menu; a great way to create your must-do list. Each kiosk also has a “stamp”. The idea is to collect the stamps in the Discovery Passport. You don’t have to purchase anything to get the stamp, just have your passport ready and ask one of the cast members. When you get them all, head back to the Festival Center for your “Completer Stamp”. The Passport also includes the full Eat-to-the-Beat concert lineup and highlights of events in the Festival Center. Looking for items the kids might like? Look for the try it logo.
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Tasting my way around the World
In addition to the Discovery Passport make sure you grab the Event Guide, the map with full event details. The maps are updated every week and feature the full list of Festival Center events. Some of the events include Wine/Beverage Seminars, Culinary Demonstrations, Mixology Seminars, Book Signings, The Chocolate Experience, “Seasons of the Vine”, the Intermission Cage, the Stock Pot Shop, and the Art of Food and Wine. Everything you could possibly think of is listed and available in the Food & Wine Festival Center.
In addition to the Festival Center, you will find event merchandise all-around World Showcase, and be sure to look for the Chase Lounge. In 2013 the Chase Lounge was located in the VIP section of the American Adventure Pavilion. The Lounge featured lots of places to relax, great views of World Showcase from the top floor of the pavilion, places to charge your devices, free snacks (cookies), and a freestyle Coke machine.
Everyone has their favorite Kiosk. I have mine, and you will no doubt have yours. For more details on some of the food offerings, check out The Disney Nerds Podcast Show #40 when Jimmy, Ed, Jennifer, and I do a walk-around World Showcase for the 2013 Food and Wine Festival.
Lots, and Lots, and Lots of Pictures from Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013!
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Brewers Collection
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Mexico
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – China
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Festival Center
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Taste Your Way Around the World
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Entrance Topiary
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Entrance Topiary
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Entrance Topiary
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – 2013 Taste Your Way Around the World T-Shirt
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Brazil
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Festival Center
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Festival Center
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Festival Center and Epcot Brews around the World 2013 T-shirt… I bought the shirt, not the hat or glasses ;-)
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Craft Beers
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Scotland
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Hawaii
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Desserts & Champagnes
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Greece
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Canada
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Ireland
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – France
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Belgium
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – New Zealand
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – New Zealand
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Morocco
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Japan
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – My Favorite, Lobster Roll and a Samuel Adams
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Samuel Adams selection
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Hops & Barley – Home of the Lobster Roll and Samuel Adams
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Inside the Chase Lounge
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Inside the Chase VIP Lounge
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – A View from the Chase VIP Lounge
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Italy
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Poland
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Germany
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Brewer’s Collection…. Yes Please
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Cheese
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Africa
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – South Korea
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – China
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Singapore
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Mexico
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Australia
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Argentina
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Tasting my way around the World
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Food & Wine 2013 Logo
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Entrance Topiary
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Entrance Topiary
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Map Scan
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Map Scan
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Week 7 Map
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 201
Epcot International Food and Wine Festival 2013 – Entrance Topiary
World Cup Brackets as seen at the ESPN World Cup “Odyssey Center”
Are you a FIFA World Cup Fan? Not sure where to watch the games while visiting Walt Disney World? Disney has you covered, and covered in a big way!! Every game will be broadcast in the United States on a Disney-owned network (ESPN, ESPN2 & ABC). Not only does Disney have you covered now, but they had also you covered during Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival this past fall. Remember the “Soccer Goofy” topiary that premiered at Flower and Garden? Well, it turns out that the topiary is tied directly to the FIFA 2014 World Cup. While all of the other topiaries have been removed, Soccer Goofy is still in place and is directing guests to the 2014 World Cup Headquarters located at the “Odyssey Center” in Epcot. The Odyssey Restaurant is the building located on the bridge between Test Track and Mexico, best known for its first-aid / baby care location and restrooms.
World Cup Merchandise Selection at the Odyssey
Of course, I had my camera and did my best to capture the ESPN FIFA 2014 World Cup Walt Disney World Headquarters.
The Odyssey Restaurant is now the “Odyssey Center”, and it’s been converted to the ESPN FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup Headquarters. The Odyssey has been converted into a World Cup Heaven, with multiple HD TVs, a big screen projection, couches, tables, outlets, a bar, and a snack bar. The Odyssey is the place to watch World Cup action. The Odyssey is open for every World Cup match, from June 12th through the final on July 13th. The Odyssey is just the beginning of viewing options. If you are staying at a Disney resort, you’ll find every game on your in-room TV: ESPN (Channel 19), ESPN2 (Channel 20), and ABC (Channel 8). You can leverage Disney’s Park internet access and use
The former Odyssey Restaurant has ben converted to the Odyssey Center, the ESPN FIFA WDW Headquarters
WatchESPN.com or download the app, or leverage the good ole AM radio with ESPN Radio 580. If you’d rather watch with a crowd, you’ll find viewing locations all over Walt Disney World property, check with the front desk of your resort. Every property has at least one viewing location, most with multiple locations. In addition, you’ll find viewing locations at select bars and restaurants at Downtown Disney, and ESPN Wild World of Sports. Looking for merchandise? You got it, and you’ll find it at select locations including the Odyssey, Mouse Gear, Epcot countries, Pop Century, the All-Star Resorts, Downtown Disney, ESPN Club, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. You can also test your soccer skills at the Disney soccer experience near Germany in the world showcase.
Draft Beer Selection at the Odyssey during FIFA Matches, Samuel Adams Seasonal (Summer), Florida Lager, Racer 5 and Safari Amber
The main attraction is the Odyssey Center in Epcot. I can’t think of a better place to get out of the heat, grab a snack, and take in some World Cup action. The snack bar is a little limited with basic snacks such as Mickey Pretzels, popcorn, roasted almonds, pecans & chips, a sandwich, and wrap. Remember, you can always grab something (Mexico is nearby) and bring it in. I did find the beer selection interesting, Samuel Adams Seasonal (Summer), Florida Lager, Racer 5, and Safari Amber. Safari Amber being the “Animal Kingdom” special lager, I’ve never seen it served outside of Animal Kingdom.
Keep in mind that the Odyssey is only open during World Cup matches. Download the schedule at ESPNFC.com and relax with a lager watching the World Cup right in the middle of Walt Disney World.
The former Odyssey Restaurant has ben converted to the Odyssey Center, the ESPN FIFA WDW Headquarters
The Odyssey Center features a limited number of food selections during FIFA Matches.
World Cup Brackets as seen at the ESPN World Cup “Odyssey Center”
Draft Beer Selection at the Odyssey during FIFA Matches, Samuel Adams Seasonal (Summer), Florida Lager, Racer 5 and Safari Amber
The Odyssey Center is the ESPN headquarters for FIFA World Cup action.
World Cup Merchandise Selection at Mouse Gear
The former Odyssey Restaurant has ben converted to the Odyssey Center, the ESPN FIFA WDW Headquarters
The odyssey center is your one stop shop for all things FIFA World cup, including every match live!
Draft Beer Selection at the Odyssey during FIFA Matches, Samuel Adams Seasonal (Summer), Florida Lager, Racer 5 and Safari Amber
World Cup Merchandise Selection at Mouse Gear
Spaceship Earth. just because!
World Cup Merchandise Selection at the Odyssey
The former Odyssey Restaurant has ben converted to the Odyssey Center, the ESPN FIFA WDW Headquarters
The Goofy Soccer Topiary directs everyone to the FIFA World cup headquarters, great hold over from Flower and Garden.
“Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” – Walt Disney
That famous quote holds true not only at Disneyland but at every Disney Park around the globe. With all of the recent changes in Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, I was recently able to do something not possible just a few short months ago. Sure I experienced the all-new “Festival of Fantasy Parade” at Magic Kingdom but more interesting, I experienced it with a reserved viewing location via FastPass+. I love the parade, and I love FastPass+. Now, remember, I’m not Media. I have no special access. I’m just a fan like all of you, so my best bet to get a good spot for the parade? FastPass+
Fire Breathing Dragons in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Perfect!
Let’s start with FasPass+. With the new and evolving, advanced attraction reservation system you have the ability to schedule up to 3 FastPass+ attractions per day. Staying on-site, off-site or as an annual pass holder, all qualify for FastPass+, as long as you have a pre-purchased park ticket and start reserving your favorite attraction. Or in my case, your favorite experience such as the Festival of Fantasy. The system is still in “testing” but getting closer to its final form every day. Just recently Disney announced the ability to select additional FastPass+ reservations after you have used your three (based on availability) (By the Way – The original Fast Pass paper tickets have all been retired, you won’t find any in WDW… you need to head to Disneyland if you want one ;-)
Bell and Beast lead the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Having never experienced Festival of Fantasy, I wanted to be sure to select it as one of my three. My other option is to line up on Main Street hours before the parade start time, that’s valuable park time in my book. Location is everything, and the location for the FastPass+ parade viewing is outstanding. Located directly in front of Cinderella Castle, behind the partner statue… a perfect backdrop for the beautiful Festival of Fantasy floats. If you haven’t seen the parade it’s a must-do for your next trip. I would recommend grabbing the FastPass+ for the 3:00 parade, and early FastPass+ for the mine train, and pick your third favorite. Then after the parade head to a Kiosk for your fourth selection… or head to another park for your fourth selection, lots of options.
Captain Hook , under the Peter Pan Float
So… what about the “Festival of Fantasy”, the “ALL NEW” afternoon parade replaced “Celebrate the Magic” as the staple 3:00 parade… but be sure to check the time’s guide. During busy weeks the parade runs twice, and the times vary usually 12:30 and 3:30 (i.e. NOT 3:00). Remember, the time’s guide is your friend.
I purposely waited a few months before seeing the parade. Disney literally rolled out the Red Carpet for a media event when the parade premiered, you can see the “red” carpet in lots of internet pictures. I don’t want to see what Disney can do for the media, I wanted to see what they produce for the average park guest. And even with a missing float (the Mickey/Minnie hot air balloon did not take part in the parade), the parade is outstanding.
Anna and Elsa, part of the lead float.
With over 100 performances and countless Disney Characters, the best part of this parade? It’s all-new! No recycled floats, none imported from California. It’s all new and designed to fit Magic Kingdom. The floats are noticeably bigger and taller than any parade in WDW history. So tall, being in the first row can be distracting… almost as if the parade was designed for the person standing a few people deep… lots of activity above 6 feet in the air.
The parade is designed to represent the attractions and themes of Walt Disney Worlds Fantasyland, hence the “Festival of Fantasy”. The floats are specifically designed to represent the stories of Fantasyland. “Tangled”, “Peter Pan”, “Brave”, “Sleeping Beauty”, “Storybook Circus”, “Little Mermaid and lots of Princesses… even a prince and a “Fire Breathing Dragon”
Festival of Fantasy, each float represents an element of Walt Disney Worlds Fantasyland
Anna and Elsa, part of the lead float.
Festival of Fantasy Parade, Magic Kingdom. Parade ending without Mickey/Minnie Hot Air Balloon Float
Leading the Tangled Unit.
Captain Hook , under the Peter Pan Float
Hook and his anchor.
Tinker Bell on the back of the Peter Pan Float
Ariel in front of the Castle on her float.
Lots of Whimsical Costumes, especially under the sea.
Festival of Fantasy Parade, Magic Kingdom. Parade ending without Mickey/Minnie Hot Air Balloon Float
Fire Breathing Dragons. Perfect!
Tangled Unit
With over 100 performers, there are lots of things to watch during the parade.
The God Mothers.
The Ariel Unit, Festival of Fantasy.
Tangled Unit rounds the corner.
Bell and Beast lead the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Bell and Beast lead the Festival of Fantasy Parade.
The Tangled Unit, Festival of Fantasy Parade.
Fire Breathing Dragons in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Perfect!
Festival of Fantasy Parade, Magic Kingdom. Parade ending without Mickey/Minnie Hot Air Balloon Float
The croc follows behind the Peter Pan Float.
Festival of Fantasy Parade, Magic Kingdom. Parade ending without Mickey/Minnie Hot Air Balloon Float
The Lost Boys lead the Peter Pan Float.
The Tangled Unit
Anna and Elsa, part of the lead float.
Irish Line dances, one of many features.
Prince Eric is ready to take on the Dragon!
The Peter Pan Unit.
The Lead Festival of Fantasy Float.
Lots of Whimsical Costumes, especially under the sea.
Where is the best place to take a picture of Cinderella? In front of the castle during the parade, of course!
Lots of Whimsical Costumes, especially under the sea.
Festival of Fantasy Parade, Magic Kingdom. Parade ending without Mickey/Minnie Hot Air Balloon Float
The Tangled Unit.
Fire Breathing Dragons in front of Cinderella’s Castle. Perfect!
The costumes are incredible, each float has it’s own escorts. This is part of the Dragon Unit.
The Brave Unit
Festival of Fantasy, each float represents an element of Walt Disney Worlds Fantasyland
Festival of Fantasy Parade, Magic Kingdom. Parade ending without Mickey/Minnie Hot Air Balloon Float
Previously on Sam’s Disney Diary, I covered one of the final performances of “The Magic, The Memories and You”. The nightly castle projection show premiered as part of the “Let the Memories Begin” marketing campaign in 2011. Just a few months after the retirement of “Let the Memories Begin”, “Celebrate the Magic” picked up the castle projection mapping.
The beauty of “Celebrate the Magic” is the flexibility of the technology. Being able to easily insert and remove clips allows Imagineers to customize the show based on current interests. The popularity of Frozen resulted in the addition of “Let it Go” just a few months after the movie premiered. There was also a new Jungle Book sequence, no doubt tied to the Diamond DVD release of the movie. The show touches numerous Disney properties and ties them together effortlessly.
Not only does the show get a seasonal touch, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, etc…the ability to change a clip just about any time has the potential to lead to a new experience on your next trip. Frozen wasn’t even in theaters during my last trip, and now it has the longest section of the show. The show starts and ends with the “Celebrate the Magic” and a Walt Disney cameo. Tinker Bell introduces the show and transforms the castle into a paper canvas, where we see a young Walt Disney sketching Mickey Mouse as “Steamboat Willie”. The song then leads a kaleidoscope of Mickey, Donald, and Goofy with short clips of various Disney characters and a nod to World of Color and Fantasia. Tinker Bell spreads some pixie dust on a paintbrush that in turn leads us into each show section. These are the sections that can be easily swapped, allowing the show to be longer, shorter, or have more content.
In February 2014, the sections looked like this:
Alice in Wonderland; Casey Jr; Dumbo; Wreck-it Ralph
I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a Mouse
All followed by the closing melody of “Celebrate the Magic” with various iconic Disney characters and the closing cameo of Walt with the famous, “I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a Mouse”; A wonderful quote, but one we all know started with a man, not a mouse.
The show runs twice a night, check the Times Guide. The first show will be after the first parade, just before the Wishes. The best part of “Celebrate the Magic” is the fireworks start just 5 minutes after it finishes. The best place to see the details is the hub area. Yes, I know it’s crowded! If you time it just after the parade, you can stand in the parade route for both “Celebrate the Magic” and Wishes. There is typically a second showing after Wishes, before the second parade. Be sure to check the Times Guide! Disney also talks about the “Glow with the Show” ears and “Celebrate the Magic”. During my trip in February 2014, there were no “Glow with the Show” hats to be found or seen. Not sure what happened there? Does anyone know?
Celebrate the Magic (tangled)
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic Official Logo
Celebrate the Magic
Celebrate the Magic
I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a Mouse
If you’re like me, your electronic devices have become absolutely essential at Walt Disney World. Cameras to capture memories, phones for keeping in touch with others in the park, or smartphones for making last-minute dining reservations or Fast Pass Plus changes. We are lost without power! Finding a place to charge your devices can be a challenge…
The location was the Fast Pass distribution location for the Dumbos and Barnstormer (Featuring the Great Goofini). When the classic Fast Pass locations were closed, this location became a hidden gem. There is really no reason to venture into this back corner of the Magic Kingdom, making it a perfect hideaway. Complete with seating, couches, and lounges you just can’t get any better… As long as you have a nice cold treat from Big Top Treats that is!
