Walt Disney World: It's Not Just for Kids » non-parks Disney stuff

WDW Not Just for Kids Review: Newsies!

Hedy — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:25:18 +0000

This past Sunday, I went to the Macaroni Kid Expo (and had the privilege of meeting Dana of The Dragyn’s Lair). I finished up earlier than I thought, so I decided to see if I could see a show. (click to cut to the review and skip my rambling) I walked down to Times Square and went to the TKTS booth. Newsies, which was high on my to see list, especially as I had listened to Dana’s review on the train, was listed as being 40% off. However, it started at 1pm, and it was 12:45. The dude at the TKTS booth doubted I would make it, so I decided to walk and if I made it, would just pay full price rather than losing my ticket. I walked the 8 blocks to the Nederlander Theatre. I asked the guy at the ticket booth if I could get a ticket, and I got an orchestra ticket discounted :). Solo for the win. I sat down and watched the show.

Review time. My first reaction was that a set made of scaffolding at the Nederlander…really? However, I got over it. I really liked Newsies, and I think it will do well (read: it’s neither Tarzan nor Little Mermaid). It is different from the movie in some pretty big ways. My main complaint is that it takes away Sarah as Jack’s love interested, and replaces her with Katherine Pulitzer, who did not even exist. I predict that both Jack and Katherine will be played by some Disney star in the future. I was really impressed that they skipped the opportunity to get too “current events” with the plot.

The dance was incredible. The Newsies cast dances incredibly well. (I feel the need to point out that there is some fan service in the form of shirtess/under-shirted newsboys and show girls.) Dana commented that the cast feels a little bare-bones, which I agree with: Billy Elliot is able to create much better strike/crowd scenes.

The plot is based on a Disney movie, so it’s pretty predictable. That said, I felt like it’s closer to a Beauty and the Beast than the Lion King in terms of staying power. Did you know that MGM used to have Newsies> I remember them from our trip in 1993.

You can use your Disney Visa rewards from either your traditional or Disney Premier Visa to buy your ticket and merch at the show. Check out Broadway Box for discounted tickets-my favorite source for buying tickets ahead of time.

Free Mouse Ears at the Disney Store Tomorrow (3/28)

Hedy — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:49:53 +0000

The Disney Store turns 25 tomorrow! If you are one of the first 250 guests at your Disney Store (locations here), you will get a free pair of Mickey Ears. If not, you can save 25% either in-store or online.

Details

Thanks, Saving Everyday!

I was completely going to leave this entry without a snarky comment about how bad TDS is for adults these days, and bam! This shirt came up. Win! ——->

Guest Post: Disney and the Grad Student (By @Dragynally)

Hedy — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:47:36 +0000

Disney and grad school? I know I’m a graduate student who loves Disney but I never thought of the two as a combo. That’s like loving rollercoasters and comics. That doesn’t mean you’ll read comics while riding a rollercoaster… I guess a brave person could.
So how does someone keep the Disney spirit when they are entrenched in the academic abyss that is graduate school? (Ok who am I kidding I love my grad program!) Below are some tips and tricks I have come up with to make the grad school experience more Disney-fied!

1.   Disney notebooks: I know what you’re thinking. “That’s a simple suggestion!” Hear me out. I think when we get older we start to think that our notebooks need to look more adult. Like somehow having a wild rose bush instead of Mickey Mouse on out notepad makes a difference. It’s YOUR notebook. And taking notes is boring enough without having anything fun to look at.
2.   Bring Disney movies or books to enjoy during your down times: I love this! I live on campus when I’m at school and even though there’s lots of stuff to do there are the occasional down times. It’s so nice when you’ve just finished a paper (or avoided starting a paper) to break out Beauty and the Beast.
3.   Talk to other grad students about Disney: Among my grad school friends I have become the “Disney girl”. This makes my life! They come to me with their vacation questions or to tell me about this really cool Disney thing they saw. It’s so fun.
4.   Disney posters and room décor: Live on campus? Decorate Disney style! You can either go all out with Disney bed spread and posters (if people call you a dork you can always claim you were being ironic). But even a simple vinylmation on your desk can make things a lot more fun.
5.   Find ways to incorporate Disney into your assignments: This is my best and most favorite piece of grad student Disney advice. Trust me there’s a way to keep Disney in your assignments. Disney is a publicly traded company that creates multi-million dollar films and has several television stations and sells goods and services. I am sure your major is covered somewhere in this description! I have it lucky because I am a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in screenwriting and film student. I not only wrote an academic paper on a Disney film but I can use Disney films as inspiration for my screenplays. Many people who know me know my dream is to write for Disney someday (fingers crossed).
There you go. Five simple and easy ways to Disney-fy your grad school life. I hope it makes getting your advanced degree a bit more magical.

Heather’s Notes: Today’s guest post comes to us via Dana of The Dragyn’s Lair. Remember when I had exciting news? I will be starting my master’s of social work degree this fall.

Guest Post: The Most Romantic Disney Couple

Hedy — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:34:05 +0000

The Most Romantic Disney Couple
Valentine’s Day has come round again and love is most definitely in the air. If anyone knows how to make a good love story, it’s Disney and the studios have been pulling at our heart strings for over 50 years, from his first adaptation of Snow White and Prince Charming to the modern take of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.
Who, out of all these, are the best ambassadors for romance though? We’ll take a look at some of Disney’s most memorable couples and remember why they love to love!
Princess Aurora & Prince Phillip
These two were destined to be together since the beginning but didn’t realize it until Sleeping Beauty’s 16th birthday when the two bumped into each other in the forest. It was truly love at first sight, but as with all great love stories, there was an opposing force that came between them. Maleficent, perhaps one of Disney’s most evil villains, cursed the princess when she was a baby, foreseeing an untimely death.
Fortunately with the help of the princess’s fairy god mothers, she would not die, but instead, fall into a deep sleep once she pricked her finger on a spinning wheel. It would take a strong and courageous man to save the princess and this is where Prince Phillip arrives to the rescue! Battling through hundreds of nasty goblins and Maleficent herself, as a dragon no less, the Prince saves Aurora and the Kingdom from certain doom.
Aladdin & Jasmine
It doesn’t take a Prince to impress Jasmine and when the wryly street rat Aladdin shows her another side of life, the two fall for each other. Unfortunately it’s a case of mistaken identity, as Aladdin goes to great lengths to impress the Princess, even employing his faithful genie to help him. The plan: to appear as a wealthy and handsome Prince.
However, it will take more than this to impress Jasmine as she has seen it all before. Aladdin has one trick up his sleeve though and with the help of his flying carpet he shows her the whole world. What a way to make an impression on a first date!
Beauty & the Beast
We all know the beginning of this story. A spiteful and selfish prince is cursed, taking on the form of a beast. The only way the curse can be lifted is if he loves and is loved in return before the final petal falls from a magic rose. If he fails to do so, the curse will remain forever.
Is it fate or destiny that leads Belle to him? Well, first impressions obviously count for a lot, as his vile temper and less than stellar looks don’t do him many favours. However, with a little help from the Beasts servants he is able to transform his character into a charming gentleman. If it wasn’t for the arrogant Gaston, we can only assume that these two would have fallen in love sooner!
Lady and the Tramp
A true love story that goes to show social class can never get in the way of romance. Although Lady comes from a comfortable home with a wealthy family, it doesn’t stop her falling in love with the charming Tramp, who shows her there’s more to life than just being a pet.
It’s not plain sailing though as Lady discovers Tramp has had more than just a few girlfriends in the past. To the Tramp though, there is only one dog he loves and that’s Lady. As the two overcome odds it’s actually the Lady that comes to the rescue, saving the Tramp from the dog catcher. This one’s a classic and a favourite of many Disney fans.
Mickey & Minnie
The most iconic Disney couple. Need we say more? They’ve been together since the beginning and will be together forever. They really are ambassadors, not only for Disney, but for love!

Farrah Hedwat
FloridaTix
Farrah is the copywriter at FloridaTix, a UK based website providing tickets for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld and other Florida attractions. From offers and promotions to the latest news on the parks, FloridaTix is everything and anything about Florida and Orlando attractions.

Heather’s note: For those of us celebrating single awareness day, here’s my post from last year on why being a single adult Disney fan rocks!

WDW Not Just for Kids Review: Fantasia Gardens

Hedy — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:36:32 +0000

One thing that some people might not know is that Disney World has not one-but two mini golf courses: Fantasia Gardens, by Epcot, and Winterland Summerland, by Blizzard Beach. Personally, I’ve not seen the point in spending extra money on a WDW vacation on something that a) is not included in what I have already spent, and b) I can do at home. However, owing to the fact that the WDW Bus gods did not want us to proceed with our planned Disney Quest trip, my nephews* and I ended up hopping a bus to Epcot to go to Fantasia Gardens. First big negative of this place-it is a pain in the neck to get to from the beginning. As it is located near the Swan, we got there by taking an Epcot bus, cutting through Epcot (with a pit stop at Club Station Cool), hoofing it through the Boardwalk area, and then going through the Swan. Without cutting through Epcot, it would have meant heading to a hub, then hopping a bus to the Swan.

Compared to tickets to DisneyQuest, a round at Fantasia Gardens is a reasonable $12.52 for adults, and there are discounts for DVC and AP holders. Fantasia Gardens is the easier side of the Fantasia Miniature Golf, there is also Fantasia Fairways, which is more difficult. Now, I have to admit something: I’m competitive, and I like to win. Angry Birds was on my iPad less then one week before I decided it was a stupid game as I wasn’t winning. I’m no good at mini golf (or any other sport). I found the course too be harder than the one at my local mini golf course. As such, when I dropped the scorecard, I decided that if my nephews wanted to keep score, they could get another scorecard. They didn’t.

The course is, as the name implies, themed around Fantasia . The theming is amazing. I have to admit that I had a giggle over the fact that they have a hole dedicated to the god of wine escaped my lips.

Despite being difficult to get to, I recommend Fantasia Gardens. It’s inexpensive yet magical, and a good option if you want to not spend a day on your ticket.

Have you tried Fantasia Gardens (or Winterland Summerland)? What did you think? Let me know in a comment, Twitter or Facebook.

*As they have the misfortune of being related to me already (I kid, I kid), parts discussing them will be as vague as possible. Mordie is 15, and Ferdie is 12 (actually, he turned 12 on this trip).

This is part of the 31st Dismarks blog carnival

WDW Not Just For Kids Review: London Disney Store

Hedy — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:29:38 +0000

Oxford St Disney Store, London UK. June 2011

This post is part of the 25th Dismarks Carnival.

Before I begin this review, I should make it quite clear that I loved London. UK readers, I love your country with its two Cadbury flake bars for 80p. I loved the history. I loved the fizzy lemonade. I love that your country can make a decent pot of tea. However, the London Disney Store is even worse for adults than the US version.

Aesthetically, the store is a carbon copy of the Times Square Disney Store. Screens and trees-check! Princess mirror-check! Build a car-check! There is a selection of London merchandise, including pins, t-shirts (some in adult sizes), and Vinylmations. The Vinylmations are UK exclusive. However, the only other “adult” merch they had was their Imagination fragrance. And mugs.

It’s probably obvious, but you can’t use your Disney Visa rewards there. If you’re interested in hearing about Brits visiting WDW (which, weirdly enough, helped me prepare for my London trip), check out Britmick.

Wordless Wednesday: June 29, 2011

Hedy — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:40:49 +0000

It’s a Pirate’s Life for OPI!

Hedy — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:59:24 +0000

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that the fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean (POTC) trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, is coming out tomorrow, May 20. I’m a pirates fan, but not an OMG Captain Jack Sparrow swoon type of girl. As such, I do not know if I will see it in theatres or Redbox it (I would kind of like to see it before I go to WDW in August). I do have to admit that because I have the sense of humor of a twelve-year-old I giggle at the “What were you doing in a Spanish brother/I mistook it for a convent-easy mistake” exchange from the trailer. (Also, I think that Angelica was added to this POTC installment, and the parks, for those who have significant others who are swooning over Jack).

However, I was surprised to learn that OPI released a Pirates of the Caribbean nail polish set. For those of you who are not make up people, OPI is a professional nail polish company which specializes in sassy names and pop culture collections. The colors are Skull & Glossbones, a light gray, Stranger Tides, a sage, Mermaid Tears, a pale green, Steady as She Rose, a pink, Sparrow Me the Drama, also pink, and Planks A Lot, a purple. Of the whole set, Planks a Lot is the only one I’d consider getting (I’m not a huge OPI fan, I prefer China Glaze). However, I’m really excited about the OPI “Silver Shatter”. The Black Shatter from the Katy Perry collection has been waiting-list hard to get, so I’m hoping the silver shatter will be easier to find.

Wordless Wednesday: April 20, 2011

Hedy — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:33:00 +0000

See all Wordless Wednesdays!

Friday Favorites: The Kingdom Keepers Series

Hedy — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 04:07:07 +0000

From Jedigal on Deviantart, http://jedigal.deviantart.com

I read the first The Kingdom Keepers book back in 2006. I liked it, but I kind of filed it in the back of my mind. The books are about teens who are holographic hosts at Disney parks, and they battle Disney villains. Then in 2009, following Lou’s interview of Ridley Pearson, I got my DSIL the first and the second one. I finally got around to reading it over the summer. I was kind of meh on it-I’m not madly in love with Animal Kingdom, and I found the idea of the parks having wifi unbelievable*. However, I wanted to read the third one, Kingdom Keepers III: Disney in Shadow. When Cynthia tweeted that the books are now available for Kindle, I decided to buy it. I read it this past weekend, and loved it. This book takes place in Epcot, and as a plot point they go into the Wonders of Life pavilion. As these books are targeted as tees and tweens, the kids did not know what the pavilion was; however, they go into the part of it that Zanna was in last year, which I found really exciting. This book really held my attention, to the point that I’ve already pre-ordered the next one, Kingdom Keepers IV, which comes out on April 5.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?

*Apparently I’m able to suspend reality enough to buy into there being holographic theme parks hosts, but not the parks having wifi. Yes, I’m weird.