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Today is the 41st Anniversary of the opening of the Magic Kingdom, Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Also, on this day 11 years later, EPCOT opened, which means it is also celebrating, and is 30 years young today!
Over the years Walt Disney World has strived to be the number one vacation destination in the world; and for us Disney fans, I think you'll agree that it really is a truly beautiful and magical place.
Magic truly lives at Walt Disney World, and I am sure that Walt Disney would be proud of the work that his company has achieved. Walt had one goal - to provide a place where people can come to have fun and escape the real world. He also dreamed of a place where a diverse range of cultures come together and live their dreams in a vast community built on the ideals and promises of a better future.
Those dreams and ideals have come true, and tens of nationalities work at Walt Disney World, and many more visit every day.
Happy Birthday Walt Disney World Resort. Long may you bring us joy and happiness, and a vision of a better tomorrow, for all.
Seeing as the most notable birthday today is EPCOT, my photo tribute will be primarily EPCOT orientated, with some pictures of the Contemporary, Polynesian and Magic Kingdom added at the end.
Dan. |
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On our most recent trip to Florida we decided to stay offsite for a night so that we could go to Universal Orlando Resort for 2 days (see my trip report for that here).
The idea was that by staying offsite and having a hire car it would force us to go to Universal, which, for the longest time we had put off and pushed back. Staying outside of Disney meant we HAD to go!
The choice of hotel, and for me, the deciding factor in staying offsite for a night came down to certain offerings at one hotel in particular.
We had been wondering where to stay. There are a lot of options in the Orlando area, that's for sure.
Then I found out something that changed the game completely...
Nickelodeon had recent bought the rights to the Ninja Turtles, and had commissioned a new series, which at time of writing hasn't yet started.
So, they were going to be featuring the Ninja Turtles as characters at their Nickelodeon Suites Resort hotel in Florida, starting in the summer.
For anyone who knows me well, will know that my childhood heroes, and favourite characters of all time are the Turtles. No questions about it. I would have given a limb to meet them as a kid, and still would have - and here they were in Orlando!
They would be featuring at a special buffet meal at one of the hotel's buffet restaurants.
That was it, the hotel was booked and we called a couple of weeks beforehand to make our dining reservation to ensure we dined with the Turtles!
As I had already discussed in my Universal trip report, we hired a car from Disney (click here to read about that), so that we could check out of the All Stars and drive directly to the Nick Hotel.
We arrived early to check in because we were going to Universal for the day, and returning later for our special Turtles meal.
The outside of the hotel is fairly standard looking, but has some bright colours and pictures of various Nickelodeon cartoon stars around the top.
When you walk into the lobby you are hit by the bright colours!
Check in was as simple as any other hotel, and then you are directed to the information desk to find out all about the hotels diverse entertainment programme.
At the information desk you can find out about their shows, character breakfast, other family entertainment, character dinner and character meet 'n' greets that take place throughout the day.
I have to say that we were quite impressed with the range of entertainment and other things offered. We were a little sad that we wouldn't have the chance to experience it all, as we only had a limited time to go to Universal during our one night away from Disney (and of course Universal had to take priority over the hotel).
Once we had our room key, we headed upstairs to the suite.
I have to say that I was expecting a little more in the way of theming.
Maybe I've been a Disney die-hard for so long that I compare everything against it (lol), but being that this was a Nickelodeon Hotel and was heavily family orientated, I expected the suite to have fun colours and pictures on the walls.
Now don't get me wrong, the room was spacious, had good facilities (bunk beds for kids, kitchenette, living area etc), and for the money you couldn't complain.
It's just that I expected it to be Nickelodeon themed. Guess you can't expect everything!
All the main hotel facilities were located in a separate building to the main lobby, which they called the Mall.
Outside of the Mall there were regularly scheduled busses to all the local Orlando theme parks (Disney, Universal, SeaWorld etc).
When you go inside, once again you are hit by the hideously bright colours (ok so it wasn't THAT bad, but there is only so much orange and green I can take lol!).
Overall though it is a great space. They have a Nickelodeon 3D attraction (pay activity), a large gift site selling a wide range of Nick products, several counter service eateries, including some major chains, an arcade, and two hotel run buffet restaurants. One of those was where they have the Turtles dinner. The same restaurant is also used for the character breakfast.
During our time at the hotel that morning and that evening for dinner, we came to see that it was a great place for families. It is where all the characters had their meet 'n' greets.
While we were there we saw lots of characters meeting, including SpongeBob, Sandy and lots of other Nick characters (my memory fails me right now as to who else, but there were a lot more!).
But of course, our main reason for choosing this hotel in particular for our Universal side-trip, was because they had the Ninja Turtles there for a special dinner buffet!
I'll be honest with you, I'm not sure that it is humanly possible to be any more excited than I was! The Turtles are my lifelong heroes, as I had said before.
I was wearing my Turtles t-shirt, had TWO Turtles hats with me, my autograph book, and of course my camera with spare batteries and memory cards in case something disastrous happened!
Our reservation was for the opening time of the restaurant, which was 5pm.
The host could see I was there to meet the Turtles and how excited I was, and so gave me what was normally reserved for kids... Turtle eye masks! I got 2 of each colour!
Now I was REALLY set! LOL!
We were shown to our table, and we specifically asked for one where we could see the Turtles coming in and out, so we could grab extra pics - and so the Turtles could see me in all my Turtle gear and might pay me more attention! LOL!
The hosts were very accommodating.
The Turtles didn't start their meets until 5.30pm, and we were told we could head to the buffet. Jon did, but I simply couldn't eat! I was so anxious, I couldn't do ANYTHING until I had met all four Turtles!
When the Turtles appear, they come out as a group, do a small show around the dining room, showing off their ninja skills, and then two of them return for a pizza break, while the other two work their way around the room.
They work in half hour rotations, so half an hour later, the other two would appear again, they would all do the mini show, and the two new ones would stay, and the others would leave for a pizza break.
Aside from the fact I was fulfilling a lifelong dream, and we could have been sitting in a baron wasteland for all I cared (LOL!), I have to say that from a guest point of view, as a whole experience was FANTASTIC. The hosts, servers, Turtles, food was all completely excellent. Jon and I have only the highest compliments for the team in that dining room.
The entire experience was a complete pleasure from start to finish.
I actually think that Disney could pick up a thing or two from them about how much fun a character meal should really be!
The food was great, the price was really good for character dining - and we even got an "early bird" discount because we were seated before 6pm! Amazing from start to finish.
Eventually, of course, we met all four Turtles, and I could finally calm down enough to go eat some food!
Michelangelo even let me feed him some pizza! So now my life is complete. I have not only met the Turtles, but I FED Michelangelo his favourite food! LOL!
Overall our experience at the Nick Hotel was completely wonderful. I know I said the theming could use some work, but for the price of a two bedroomed suite, and the activities, characters and facilities they offer, it is an amazingly good value family hotel, right in the heart of Lake Buena Vista.
Highly recommended.
Dan.
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 | Happy First Day of Autumn/Fall! | |
| DisneyDan
Saturday, September 22, 2012 10:40:44 AM |
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Today is the first day of Autumn/Fall (depending on where you're from), which is also known as the Autumnal Equinox.
To celebrate this diverse time of year where leaves change colour, animals start to gather for the winter and farmers harvest crops, here's a harvest full of seasonal shots from the Disney Parks around the world!
Happy Autumn/Fall, everyone!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
Sorry that it has been a while since we had a proper blog update, but we have been super busy! We were of course on our long trip to Florida, which I'm sure you all followed on Facebook, and then I moved house! So yes, it has all been a bit crazy!
First up, speaking of our trip to Florida, you can check out my trip report/review of our 2 day side-trip to Universal Orlando Resort. If any of you have ever considered going over there, or have been but not for many years, you may find it useful to find out what is going on over there, and what we thought of everything - including all the awesome characters they have!
While we're on the subject of our Florida trip, Tinker Bell's "long lost sister" (yes, I know...) started making appearances last week while we were there. Of course she now has her own dedicated page on this site (albeit with not many pics yet, but in time!), so check it out!
Staying with Florida, while we were there they were also doing previews for the brand new Enchanted Tales with Belle situated in the New Fantasyland! The official opening date for a lot of the new stuff is December 6th, with previews expected shortly beforehand for those lucky ones! The fact that we got in to it in mid-September, and it doesn't open until December is quite amazing, I think!
Overall it was great to preview something so far in advance, but we were left feeling a bit disappointed that as amazing as the new area looks, and all the effort and money they have put into it, the actual Enchanted Tales experience is, well, disappointing - and we weren't the only ones who thought this. The line is likely to be really long once it opens (and as of present there is no AC nor fans under the cramped canopy outside that traps that intense Florida heat...), and when you get inside it is just a 10 minute re-telling of Belle's story, that members of the audience can participate in. There really is nothing special about it, sadly. The worst part is that you don't even get to meet Belle! This is something that could well change by Dec 6th, as I think there will be a lot of complaints from parents of young girls who thought they were waiting for an hour to meet Belle!
Like I said though, the area looks really neat, and also the animatronic Lumiere and Mme Wardrobe are pretty cool. I look forward to seeing the Be Our Guest Restaurant and all the other things that will open later this year!
We have added an Enchanted Tales with Belle page on the site already, so click on it to see all our pictures from this not-yet-open area!
We also attended the first Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party of the year while we were there, and you can check out the new, updated list of where to find all the characters this year, here.
There aren't too many changes this year. Phineas and Ferb are now in Town Square; Duffy has moved to the Boat Dock in Liberty Square; but anyway, do check out the list so that you can plan your evening! It should be note that I have since heard that when it rains, the Villains who meet in Central Plaza appear inside the Tomorrowland Terrace.
The Disney Parks Blog this week announced that the Wreck-It-Ralph characters, Ralph and Vanellope, would make their debut starting in November (no actual date given yet). In WDW they will appear where all new characters usually appear - in the Magic of Animation building in Hollywood Studios. At Disneyland they will make appearances inside the Starcade in Tomorrowland.
We'll be in DL in December and hope they are still there!
At the end of this month on the 28th, 29th and 30th September, there is a special Frankenweenie event in Downtown Disney in Florida, where they will be special screenings of other Tim Burton Disney movies, and - wait for it!- the first EVER appearances by Jack Skellington and Sally Stitches at the Walt Disney World Resort!
It is odd how they have never appeared before, especially since they already appear in DL, DLP and HKDL at Halloween.
It is expected that Jack and Sally will appear between 6 and 11pm each evening, near the Harley-Davidson store.
Along the Halloween lines, Disneyland has started it's Halloween Season, and there aren't too many changes this year, except they have decided (I guess after the success of other events there) to move the bulk of the special characters and characters in Halloween costumes over to the Big Thunder Ranch area of Frontierland. Other than that, expect Disneyland's usual fun Halloween line-up!
Finally, at Disneyland Paris, as we know they have undergone a lot of changes in recent months, and their debt was restructured again just this week.
This does mean that money is sometimes tight for the Resort, and so this year, sadly, Fantillusion and Mickey's Winter Wonderland will not be returning. However, although not really an amazing replacement for a full parade and full show, they will be running a brand new Christmas Cavalcade. A smaller production than the two that were cut, for sure, but a nice change nonetheless, and something to add to the magic of the Holiday Season.
it is expected that the popular Tree Lighting Ceremony will return, as will Santa Goofy, Santa himself and all the Holiday decorations and other goodness that comes with it!!
I think that's everything for now!
We have lots of discussions going on over on the Character Central Forums, so be sure to check those out and join the fun!
Dan. |
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 | Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day! | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 2:03:56 AM |
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Yarr!
It's International Talk Like a Pirate Day, and all your favourite Disney Pirates are here to celebrate!
Happy International Talk Like a Pirate Day everyone!
Dan. |
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Hi all,
As you all know, we just came back from a 9 day trip to Florida. If you had been following our Facebook and Twitter accounts, you would know that we managed to get over to Universal Orlando for 2 days while we were there.
This was the first time in nearly 6 years for me, and in over 10 years for Jon, since we had last visited! As you can imagine in the Orlando theme park industry, a lot had changed in that time!
I thought that it would be worth while to write a review of our experiences at Universal Orlando (UO). [ Read More... ] |
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Hi all,
This week we attended the first MNSSHP of the season at the Magic Kingdom in Florida.
There are a few minor changes this year to the line-up, but nothing too noteworthy.
The Boo To You Parade is down by 3 characters this year, sadly. Angelica, Liver Lips and Shaker have all been cut.
There are some additional performers, and some new outfits for the performers in the parade.
There is also the new Not So Scary Street Jam! which is basically a street dance party right before the parade. We don't rate this very much, and think that of all the things Disney could have added, they wasted a group of performers' talents, whereas they could be additional characters in the parade!
There is some new merchandise, including the usual pins and t-shirts.
The atmosphere seemed to be a bit more lacking than previous years, with less smoke effects and projections, I thought. Sadly, as the years have gone on, there has been a steady define in the MNSSHP offerings.
Now, for the most important part, the character meet 'n' greets!
Phineas and Ferb at the Arboretum next to City Hall
Mickey and Minnie in Town Square Theater (in Halloween costumes)
Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White, The Prince, Rapunzel and Flynn in Town Square Theater
Villains around Central Plaza at select times - includes Jafar, Gaston, The Tremaines' and Lotso
Villains Dance Mix 'n' Mingle - briefly meeting after the show are Dr Facilier, Cruella, Maleficent, The Queen of Hearts and Frollo (as far as we could tell - it is always chaos around there!)
Adventureland Veranda - Tarzan, Jane and Terk
The Nook - Tinker Bell and Periwinkle
Agrabah Bazaar - Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie and Abu
Jack Sparrow outside Pirates of the Caribbean
The Glade (Liberty Sq, behind the Christmas Shoppe) - Tiana and Naveen
Liberty Square boat dock - Duffy (in a Halloween costume)
Frontierland Dance Party - Woody, Jessie and Bullseye (hard to meet unless you dance with them)
The Seven Dwarfs outside Big Thunder Mountain
Castle Courtyard - Aurora and Phillip
Fairytale Garden - Merida
Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore and Piglet outside the Pooh attraction (in Halloween costumes)
Donald and Daisy opposite the Pooh attraction (in Halloween costumes)
Alice and the Hatter at the Tea Cups
Tomorrowland Dance Party - Goofy, Pluto, Stitch, Chip and Dale (hard to meet unless you dance with them) (in space costumes, including Stitch as 626!)
Buzz Lightyear next to his attraction
The biggest changes this year are the addition of Merida, Periwinkle, Phineas and Ferb. Of course, all these can be met in the parks during the day, but nonetheless, here they are.
To see our full detailed page about MNSSHP, click here.
Ok, I think that's everything for now!
If we hear of any changes as the parties progress, we'll be sure to update you on the blog!
Dan. |
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 | Happy 7th Birthday Hong Kong Disneyland! | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, September 12, 2012 5:39:30 AM |
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Today is the 7th anniversary of the opening of Disney's second Asian resort, and first in China, Hong Kong Disneyland.
We are away in Florida right now, and I can't make a longer post, but here's some pictures I managed to get together to celebrate!
Happy Birthday Hong Kong Disneyland!
Dan. |
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 | Happy 82nd Birthday Pluto! | |
| DisneyDan
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 3:06:22 AM |
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Today marks the first appearance of Mickey's faithful companion, Pluto. The 1930 short 'The Chain Gang' featured a dog which would eventually develop into the yellow pup we all love.
Although Pluto did not appear as himself until the following year, it is widely recognised that his first starring role was in The Chain Gang.
Happy 82nd Birthday Pluto!
Here's Pluto in action at the Disney Parks and Resorts.
Dan. |
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 | Happy 11th Birthday Tokyo DisneySea! | |
| DisneyDan
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 10:07:02 AM |
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Hi all,
Today is the 11th anniversary of the grand opening of Disney's second Asian Park, Tokyo DisneySea.
Filled with unique attractions and experiences, DisneySea is often named the best theme park in the world. From the erupting Mount Prometheus, deep under the sea with Ariel, exploring lost jungles and wandering through the big city, DisneySea is simply spectacular.
Let's celebrate in Character Central's usual way with some pictures of our visits there.
Happy 11th birthday Tokyo DisneySea!
Dan. |
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