Storybook Circus Giggle Gang at Magic Kingdom

The golden age of the circus is right now! Part of the New Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom theme park,
Storybook Circus invites you to explore a lively world inspired by the Disney animated film Dumbo. Casey Jr., the famous locomotive from the movie, has rolled into town and brought the grand Storybook Circus with him!

Discover an irresistible combination of spectacle and showmanship for children of all ages. Storybook Circus dazzles with a glittering array of classic Disney characters and classic Disney storytelling! From the colorful big-top circus tents to the interactive line queues to the animal footprints that pepper the pavement, Storybook Circus offers imaginative touches at every turn.

Put on your proverbial red nose and get ready for high jinks and hilarity with these colorful circus performers.

Just Clownin’ Around
Let this troupe of over-the-top entertainers tickle your funny bone with their high-spirited vaudevillian antics.

You never know what ringleader Chuckles Buffoon McMonkeyshine III and his protégés, Winifred “Whinny” Horselaugh and Snort, will pull out of their bag of tricks, but you do know that you’re in for a gut-busting good time.

Gather ’round and hold onto your squeaky horn as Chuckles and his kooky cohorts deliver wacky circus shenanigans, stooge-style slapstick and more laughs than you can fit clowns in a clown car. Star performer Wowzer may just make you utter his name in amazement as you watch him enthrall the audience with his dazzling feats of derring-do. All of the outrageousness is accompanied by the big top-style tunes and screwball sound effects of the Silly Saxtet. Honk!

Run Away with the Circus
Inspired by the traveling circus acts and sideshows of the late 19th century as well as classic films like Walt Disney’s Dumbo, the Storybook Circus Giggle Gang revives the nostalgia of a bygone era while keeping you in stitches. So hurry, hurry, hurry, folks! Step right up to Storybook Circus and witness The Funniest Show in New Fantasyland! You may even find yourself roped into the act.

 

Habit Heroes is located in Innoventions East inside the Future World section of Epcot.

Habit Heroes is designed to promote healthy lifestyle habits, such as a nutritious diet and staying active. Habit Heroes 2takes 12 guests at a time through the three rooms of the 16-minute interactive attraction. In the first room, guests become recruits of Director Jin and her agents “Quench, Dynamo and Fuel.” The goal is to take out the enemies of dehydration, inactivity and poor nutrition, which show up as cartoon symbols. Guests must work together through the three rooms using healthy habits, such as good foods, exercise and water to fight back.

For instance, the Scorchers are animated flames that dry you out. The Sappers resemble life-like boulders that weigh you down and sap your energy. Blocker Bots are many-armed monsters that stand between you and healthier food choices.

Recruits fight back with water, activity, and fruits and vegetables in three simulation rooms.

In the first room, guests engage in motion-tracking technology that senses their movements as they extinguish bad habits. In the next room, visitors use blasters to defeat the enemies individually, then with the help of their neighbors. By the third interactive room, they are working as a team to defeat bad habits.

“The final message is that we all have to work together to save the world from these bad-habit monsters,” said Strong.

The exhibit is sponsored by Florida Blue and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Once you experience the attraction in Epcot, you can then also experience it at home by going to http://www.habitheroes.com/ and also downloading the app from iTunes or Google Play.

 

 

Welcome to this weeks trivia question!  For this week I want you guys to think about how many on-site resorts there are at Walt Disney World.  You have so much to choose from, how do you choose just one?  I personally think that half the fun of Walt Disney World is at your resort!  There is so much to do at each resort you always need to schedule in a resort day to take advantage of this fun.

For this weeks trivia, I am going to get you to do a little research!  I want you to find out EXACTLY how many Walt Disney World Resorts there are to choose from.  This will be a 3 part question.  I need to know how many Deluxe Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Value Resorts that are on site at Walt Disney World.

As always, put your answers in the comment section.  This contest will go until Sunday April 21st at 5PM ET.

Good Luck!

 

Written by Angela Spurgeon, also known as “TriviaTink” — Angela is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  She specializes in traveling with toddlers.  Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Angela at angelas@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

Last week our trivia question was:  “How Tall is the Disney’s Hollywood Studios Hollywood Tower of Terror and Why”

I find the answer to this one very interesting as the tower is exactly 199 feet high.  The reason for this is if it was 200+ feet tall it would require a beacon to warn airplanes.

 

 

 

The winner of this trivia question will win a New Fantasyland Lithograph and the winner is:

Matt Karnath

Matt, please email me at angelas@destinationsinflorida.com to claim your prize!  As always, if you didn’t win, have no fear!  A new trivia question will be posted today!

Congratulations Matt!

 

Written by Angela Spurgeon, also known as “TriviaTink” — Angela is an expert in planning Disney & Orlando vacations.  She specializes in traveling with toddlers.  Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Angela at angelas@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a Southwest-themed Disney Moderate Resort hotel encircling Lago Dorado—a glimmering 22-acre lake—that evokes the spirit and romance of Spanish-colonial Mexico. Today we take you on a brief video tour and review of  the resort, which is located in Walt Disney World  in Orlando, Florida.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is one of our favorite Disney moderate-level resorts and it includes a hidden Disney dining gem, Maya Grill.

About the Resort

Follow in the footsteps of explorer Don Francisco de Coronado as he searched for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold while you discover the beauty and fantasy of a unique Resort.

From the welcoming spring-fed Fountain of the Doves to the hidden treasures of the Mayan-ruin themed Dig Site pool, escape to a tranquil lakeside vacation destination where relaxation is your reward. A serene atmosphere infuses the Guest rooms, conference facilities, shops, restaurants and cantinas, inspired by faraway places where time goes by just a little bit slower than usual.

The brightly colored Spanish-style Guest rooms are separated into 3 distinctly themed areas. The Casitas offer an urban terra-cotta paradise. The rustic Ranchos resemble charming Southwestern pueblos. Cabanas provide a quaint beachfront retreat complete with cozy hammocks. Request your favorite.

As you explore the Resort you’ll discover a variety of dining options, including quick snacks, and Panchitos (the shop) where you can pick up essentials. Indulge yourself at the full-service salon or play a game of sand volleyball.

Want to unwind after a busy day of treasure hunting? The 22-person hot tub is one of the largest at any Walt Disney World Resort hotel. Between dips you can stroll down the nature trail or grab a poolside drink at Siestas Cantina.

You might not find gold at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, but the treasure you will find is sure to make you feel like you have all the money in the world.

The Mayan pyramid-themed Dig Site features a sprawling pool with a jaguar-inspired 123-foot long water slide. Kids can have fun looking for hidden treasure at the Explorer’s Playground or testing their skill at the game-laden Iguana Arcade.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort offers 220,000 square feet of flexible function space—including the 86,000 square-foot Veracruz Exhibit Hall and the 60,214 square-foot Coronado Ballroom—with high-speed and wireless Internet connectivity, a dedicated business center, 45 breakout rooms and more.

If you are planning a meeting or gathering, please call us toll-free at (877) 918-8941 to help make arrangements for your group to have their event at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.

 

Sports fans are in their element in Orlando thanks to the area’s great lineup of collegiate and professional sporting events. From the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic and the University of Central Florida Knights football to Orlando Predators arena football and spring training with the Atlanta Braves, the Orlando sports scene gives fans plenty of reasons to cheer. Sports fans also enjoy attending the Orlando Solar Bears professional ice hockey games and Orlando City Soccer Club American professional soccer matches. Orlando is also a top golf destination and hosts some of the sport’s most talented players each year during two annual Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) tournaments. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, Presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill (March) and the Children’s Miracle Classic at Walt Disney World (November).

 

Written by Stacy Gaffney, “Sorcerer Stacy” — Stacy is an expert in planning an affordable Disney and Orlando vacation. Watch out for the magic, as Sorcerer Stacy plans your vacation! Book your next Disney & Orlando vacation with Stacy at 877-918-8941 or stacygaffney@destinationsinflorida.com.

When couples start considering where they would like to honeymoon, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida is not always at the top of their list. This isn’t usually someone’s first thought for a romantic, relaxing getaway. Most likely, these people think that Disney World is just for families with children and there probably isn’t much for couples to enjoy. Well, that is not at all true! Disney World is a great option for couples to plan their honeymoon! Disney World honeymoons can be romantic and fun for couples of all ages!

The Walt Disney World Resort offers deluxe resorts, spas, beaches, fine dining, and so much more! Here a just a few of the many options available to couples when they honeymoon at the Walt Disney World Resort!

• Try a couples massage at a Disney spa
• Take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride
• Attend a special event such as the International Food & Wine Festival or a tour
• Have dinner at an award winning restaurant (Did you know Disney is home to Orlando’s most iconic restaurant?)
• Stay in luxurious accommodations
• Watch (and share a kiss!) under nightly fireworks displays (how about a fireworks cruise?)
• Try water sports or boat rentals, a round of golf, or a tennis match
• Relax at a beach or a whirlpool spa
• Capture your memories with a honeymoon portrait session
• Dance the night away at one of Disney’s night-life venues

We will be discussing all of these activities and so much more in the coming months so don’t forget to check back every Friday morning for the latest on Disney weddings and honeymoons!

Written by Siera Duiser, “Disney BridalEars” — Siera has grown up loving all things Disney!  She even had her very own Disney Fairytale Wedding in 2011. Now Siera enjoys Disney World with her own family.  Siera specializes in Disney weddings, honeymoons, and traveling with younger children.  Book your next vacation with Siera at siera@destinationsinflorida.com.

The Main Street Electrical Parade has been one of my favorite Disney attractions ever since the first time I saw it. Watching the faces of my children as the colorful floats with sparkly lights approached our little section of the curb at the Magic Kingdom is one of my fondest Disney memories. The opening announcement: “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Walt Disney World proudly presents our spectacular festival pageant of nighttime magic and imagination in thousands of sparkling lights and electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds. The Main Street Electrical Parade!” still brings a tingle down my spine and usually a sentimental tear down my cheek.

The parade route begins next to the Fire Station on Main Street, heads down Main Street, U.S.A., goes around the Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle, through Liberty Square, and through Frontierland.   

It features huge brightly lit floats, smaller twirling ones and live performers adorned with thousands of electronically controlled lights and a synchronized soundtrack called the “Baroque Hoedown” originally written in 1967 by Jean-Jacques Perrey and Gershon Kingsley.  The LED technology has been integrated to produce brighter colors using less power.  It’s interesting to note that the route is divided into zones between 70 and 100 feet long.  Every person watching will hear float-specific music and experience the same show no matter where they are along the parade route.

Spectacular floats include:

• Alice in Wonderland
• Pinocchio
• Cinderella
• Pete’s Dragon Elliott
• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

The wildly popular Main Street Electrical Parade ends with an American tribute featuring dancing patriots and a huge majestic eagle decorated in shimmering lights.  Make sure you add the night-time parade to your list of must-see’s in the Magic Kingdom!

Written by Sheri Morris, “Main Street Morris” — Sheri is proud grandmother with a keen eye for detail. She specializes in Disney Travel for adults and RV travel.  Book your next vacation with Sheri at 804 405 5005 or at sheri@destinationsinflorida.com.

Character Dining at Disneyland Parks is one of the greatest experiences you can plan. Between the parks and hotels you have five choices to sit and eat with your favorite Disney friends. Here you see my son, Jakob, hanging at Goofy’s Kitchen with none other than Goofy himself. For my family, character dining at Disneyland parks is one of the highlights of any good vacation!

Let’s discuss the options available:

Plaza Inn at Disneyland Park: Join Minnie and Friends for a delicious Character Breakfast in the Park! There’s not many better ways to start your day at Disneyland then with Minnie, Mickey, and more. The all you care to eat breakfast buffet consists of many options. Included are cold cereals, fresh pastries, omelet station, and of course Mickey Waffles. Don’t forget your autograph book and camera to capture all the memories!

Ariel’s Grotto at Disney’s California Adventure Park: Join Ariel and some of her closest Princess friends for a celebration. Here you will be escorted to meet with Ariel for a quick chat and picture taking prior to being seated. You will be offered a selection of plates from the fixed-price menu. Choices range from the famous slow-roasted tri-tip to pasta and more. Included with your meal are family-style salads and desserts. While dining, you’ll enjoy an excellent view of not only Paradise Pier, but will be visited by many Princesses, perhaps even the Fairy Godmother will stop by if her schedule allows. Dining Tip: Recent changes to Ariel’s Grotto dining have moved Dining with Princesses to Breakfast and Lunch only. Dinner reservations are now offered as a World of Color package.

Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel: Fresh California offerings at all meals is the claim to fame for the PCH Grill (Pacific Coast Highway). Join Mickey for a Surf’s Up! Breakfast which features an all you care to eat buffet with all your favorites, including of course Mickey Waffles and Pancakes. You can let your kids head up and create their own breakfasts as well. All while experiencing your favorite Mickey friends and sitting among a beach themed restaurant with surfboards and oversized kites hanging about. Character Dining available for breakfast only.

Goofy’s Kitchen at Disneyland Hotel: Who knew that Goofy could cook, well he will surprise you for sure. Head over to his place for a great character dining option. Another all you care to eat buffet option is awaiting you for breakfast and dinner. No lunch option available. Goofy needs to nap you know. For breakfast, treat your kids to the peanut butter and jelly pizza for a delicious treat that you will likely never make yourself. At dinner time, enjoy a selection of carved meats, salad station and more. However, save room for your soft serve yogurt with your own topping choices. Party Tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday or other occasion, then Goofy’s Kitchen is the place for the big day celebration!

Storyteller’s Cafe at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa: Chip and Dale invite you to breakfast and an unforgettable experience. Chip and Dale are known for their mischievous sides and they let it all out during your breakfast with them. Here you may order directly off the menu or select from the market buffet that includes fresh fruit, made to order omelettes and the ever popular Mickey Mouse Waffles. In addition to hanging out with Chip, Dale and their friends you get to spend some time doing lots of interactive fun. You’ll have to show up to find out what tricks and surprises they have in store for you!

Please note that I highly recommend you make advanced dining reservations for each of these restaurants. They will fill up fast for good reason. Get your reservations done early for the best selection. Additionally, please know that all the Character Dining at Disneyland Parks is breakfast. However, Goofy’s Kitchen will also serve a character dinner and Ariel’s Grotto offers a lunch. Quick Tip: Ariel’s Grotto is still listing a Princesses Dinner option online, however I’ve been told by Disney Dining that dinner no longer includes Princesses.

I hope you find this information fun, new and worthwhile.

Contact DisneyDaniel today to book your first, next or Best Disney Vacation!

Written by Daniel Mullarkey, DisneyDaniel — Daniel is a self-proclaimed Disney Geek, Disney Vacation Planner and a Disney Specialist! When he’s not adding to the plethora of Disney trivia in his head, you can find DisneyDaniel on his Facebook Page and/or follow him on Twitter!  Book your next vacation with Daniel at 425-420-8988 ordaniel@destinationsinflorida.com.

 

Edge is the youth activities area for kids 11 to 14. Kids can play videogames, watch television, participate in arts and crafts, sing karaoke, go on scavenger hunts and much more. Operating hours vary but the club is normally open from 9am-midnight. Make sure your child goes to Edge the first day of the cruise. All of the kids get together and decide what activities they are going to do the rest of the cruise on the first night.  The youth counselors help kids start making friends by putting them in groups based on their age and interests. One of the most unique Edge experiences on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder is the navigaton simulator. The simulator has interactive buttons that lets kids navigate a virtual ship in and out of various ports of call.  To make the experience even more realistic, LCD “windows” enable kids to scan the bridge, thanks to a live video feed from the actual bridge.  The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream have green rooms where kids can star in their own television broadcast.  I tried out the green room during open house.  I had way too much fun pretending to be a tv news anchor reporting on breaking news from the Disney Dream.  Here are some of the other activities youth can find in Edge:

• That’s Hilarious- Our counselors will transform you into Improv comedians while you learn      the basics of Improv, movie scene interactions and comedy games just like the stars of the Disney Channel hit, So Random!
• Ghost Voyagers- The ship is passing through mysterious waters of history and legend. Strange occurrences have happened to several passengers in the past. Equipped with state-of-the-art ghost-hunting gear, it’s up to the “Ghost Voyagers” to solve the mystery.
• Pizza Perfection- Answer trivia questions to win pizza toppings and create the perfect pizza. After the game is over, the pizzas are cooked and shared by all.
• A Pirate’s Life for Me- Arrr you pirate enough? Compete in physical challenges and answer trivia questions about ye olde time scalawags and buccaneers in this game to see who will claim the infamous pearl.

Written by Shante Carson — Shante is a Disney Cruise Expert with over eight cruises taken on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, and Disney Fantasy.  Bon Voyage!  Shante is ready to help you plan your magical Disney Cruise vacation. Book your next vacation with Shante at 252-917-0497 or shante@destinationsinflorida.com.