Disney Parks Live Streaming – 4 Reasons I Love It

Disney Parks Live New Years Eve

The #DisneyParksLIVE streams have been such a terrific addition to Disney’s social media presence.  With all of the bloggers and vloggers who visit the parks and live stream (myself included), it only makes sense that Disney participate.  This way Disney can present the full live stream of an event with a professional video that showcases it properly.

With all of the special events, it is exciting to follow the Disney Parks Blog to see what’s coming next on the live streams!

On December 31st, #DisneyParksLIVE will share with us the “Fantasy In The Sky Firworks” – LIVE from the Magic Kingdom!

The live stream will start at 11:45 PM ET – To watch – visit  Disney Parks Blog

Here are the top 4 things I love about #DisneyParksLive streams

1. Comfort of watching at home

I get to sit on my couch on a Sunday night and watch the Boo To You Parade instead of thinking about my dreaded work week ahead?  Or how about when I can’t get to the parks for the 4th of July or New Years Eve?  No problem – I can stream them in on my TV!

2. Social Interaction with other Disney fans

I get to tweet and chat with other Disney fans on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.  It is always fun to connect with Disney fans from all over the world, and a few from Toronto too!  Just use the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE and you’ll find conversations on every platform!

3. When I can’t be in Disney, I don’t miss the big events

I have the chance to see some things live, as they happen!  From theme park announcements to Expos, I don’t miss a thing.

4. I get to experience a little magic at home

I feel like I’m still experiencing some magic – even though I’m at home.  If I can’t be there, at least I can escape for a few minutes and feel like I have a front row seat!  Who doesn’t want a little magic from home?

Are you following #DisneyParksLive?  What has been your favourite one?  Let us know in the comments below!

It’s so much fun to visit Walt Disney World during the holidays – on episode 17 of the Pixie Dust Fan Podcast I talk about what the best things are about visiting during the holiday season.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom Sleepy Hollow – The Hidden Gem

Sleepy Hollow with CastleSleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom can be easily overlooked.  Located just off to the left of the castle, you’re often so focused on the castle you don’t notice this little treasure!  Trust me, after looking at the menu and seeing my pictures, you’ll add this to your list of places to visit!

Located often in the shadows of Cinderella Castle, Sleepy Hollow is just inside of the entrance to Liberty Square.   A quick service location with a menu of snacky food – what could be better than that?

Dining plans are not accepted at this location, always check the official Disney pages for up to date information on inclusions and exclusions.

It’s no secret that I like to snack, I love cupcakes and all sorts of sweets!  So this fresh fruit waffle is exactly what I need!

Sleepy Hollow Waffle

Somehow with the fruit on it I feel like it’s healthy??

Honestly, the fruit just makes it feel like it should be considered a healthy option – but the chocolate spread is what kinda makes me suspect it isn’t.

If you’re looking for a little protein, there is a sweet and spicy chicken sandwich.  On a waffle… Yes – on a waffle with some slaw – and it’s as delicious as it looks.

Sleepy Hollow Chicken Waffle

The chicken was cooked perfectly!

I think you’re supposed to fold these up and eat them like a sandwhich, but they’re just too big.  We had to use a knife and fork for them – and we probably could have shared it.

For the hot dog lover in our group he had to get the pretzel dog.  He said that was good, but maybe not the best dog he’s ever tasted.  I think this place should probably be more about the waffles.  Casey’s has great hot dogs if that’s what you’re after.

Sleepy Hollow Dog

Comes with the house made chips

The menu itself is small but it’s worth stopping by.  I only wish that there was more seating in the area to enjoy the food and the view.

Sleepy Hollow Menu

Have you eaten at Sleepy Hollow?  What did you have?  That Ice Cream sandwich is calling to me!

 

Why The PeopleMover Is One Of My Must Do Attractions At The Magic Kingdom

PeopleMover SignIf you’re visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, make sure you  take a ride on the PeopleMover!  

The PeopleMover first opened in the Magic Kingdom in 1975 and has had a few names since then.  It started as the WEDway PeopleMover and changed to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority (TTA) in 1994.  In 2010 it was renamed to the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover and continues to have that name today.  

This classic attraction was ahead of it’s time using technology that uses magnets to propel the vehicles along the track (I am really over simplifying here!).  This pollution free technology was was developed by WED Enterprises, the original version of Disney Imagineering.  

Fun Fact:  The WED stands for Walter Elias Disney. 

This PeopleMover attraction is located in Tomorrowland and has no height restrictions, all of the little ones can experience it.  The only restriction is that you must be ambulatory – you have to be able to walk on to the attraction and sit in the vehicle.  There is a spinning platform that moves at the same speed as the vehicle, but please be careful if you’re not too steady on your feet. 

PeopleMover Seats

These vehicles move at the same speed as the moving platform

 

Once ‘on board’ the PeopleMover you will travel around Tomorrowland getting some pretty unique views that you can’t get anywhere else.  You will travel through Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and see these attractions from a different perspective. 

Cinderella Castle From PeopleMover

The view of Cinderella Castle is gorgeous both day and night!

 

Seeing Cinderella Castle and Astro Orbiter from here makes for some great photos!  My favourite part of this entire experience is when you enter in to a tunnel for a look at Progress City.

Progress City is the very detailed model of what Walt’s vision for Epcot was in the beginning.  While it looks nothing like the Epcot that we know and love today, it gives you a glimpse of what Walt was trying to accomplish – to build a real community of tomorrow.  It’s fascinating to me how forward thinking he was.

Astro Orbiter from PeopleMover

A GREAT view of Astro Orbiter from the PeopleMover

 

The full journey around Tomorrowland on the PeopleMover is approximately 10 minutes and very rarely has a long wait.  It’s the perfect spot to enjoy some shade from the sun, some great views and a little relaxation! 

Is the PeopleMover on your list of must do attractions at the Magic Kingdom?  How many times do you ride in a visit?

Astro Orbiter – Why I Will Never Ride Again

Astro OrbiterAstro Orbiter in the Magic Kingdom has always puzzled me.  I have been visiting Walt Disney World since 1974 and apparently this attraction originally opened in 1974 as StarJets.  It was later refreshed and updated in the mid 90’s to be Astro Orbiter.

The funny thing is, I don’t ever remember being on this attraction.  How could I have visited Walt Disney World all these years and never been on it?  My family seem to think I had, but it was bugging me – I had to experience it.  There couldn’t be an attraction at Walt Disney World that I hadn’t been on at least once?

I was there with my 2 sisters and brother in law when I happened to notice there was NO line.  I figured this was my chance.  No one wanted to go with me, but that was ok – I told them to grab a seat and I would be right back.

Astro Orbiter View

Before I knew it – I was in the elevator on the ride up the 2 stories.  I figured this would be fun, like Dumbo only with rocket ships.  I was wrong – these were not like Dumbo at all.

Astro Orbiter Rocket

This rocket was next to impossible to get in and out of!

If I were 10 years old, this may have been fun.  Even in my 20’s I may have gotten a kick out of it, but in my (cough) 40’s – this was not fun at all.  The rocket required me to ‘climb’ in and then basically sit almost flat in the ship with my feet out in front of me.  A bit like Space Mountain, but much more flat – like no seat.  Once I finally got in to my rocket, I wasn’t sure how I would ever get out.

Astro Orbiter Rocket Lever

Once my feet were out front, I wasn’t sure what to do!

The attraction was fun, spinning around and using the handle to make my rocket go up and down.  Some pretty spectacular views from up there but after 3 or 4 ’rounds’ I started to feel dizzy.  Maybe it’s because it’s higher up or maybe it’s because you’re on a bit of a slant, but I have never felt that way on Dumbo.  I took a quick selfie as ‘proof’ that I had been on the attraction, so I would never have to do it again.

Astro Orbiter Selfie

Proof I was on it!

Once it stopped and we were back, I REALLY struggled to get up and out of my rocket.  I tried to turn, get up on my knees, pull myself up with the sides of the rocket – if it wasn’t so sad it would have been comical.  I was too old, and I knew it.  I finally managed to maneuver my way upright and was the opposite of graceful as I exited.   I think I gave a few people a good chuckle – and that’s really all that matters.

Here’s a quick peek from above!

Disney After Hours Event Returns For 2018

Disney After HoursThe popular After Hours event at Walt Disney World will return to the Magic Kingdom in 2018.  The special ticket event is an amazing night time experience that you don’t want to miss!

The Magic Kingdom event allows for entry as early as 7pm with the ticket purchase.  You will experience little to no wait times at some great attractions, you feel like you have the park to yourself!

I have experienced the After Hours Event and it was wonderful.  Having a limited number of guests in the park let us ride Space Mountain and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train without waiting at all.  We rode the mine train 3 times in a row, just walking right back on.  It was so much fun.

The events are currently scheduled in 2018 for:

  • January 19, 26, and 30
  • February 8 and 15
  • March 1 and 8

Tickets are $119.00 USD each and can be purchased here

Check out the great fun you can have below

Have you experienced the After Hours Event?  Did you love it as much as I did?

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Be Our Guest Breakfast Review – Worth The Price?

Be Our Guest Magic KingdomI love Be Our Guest restaurant at the Magic Kingdom, I think it’s one of the best themed places on property.  It really does make you feel like you’re right inside the movie and that at any moment, Belle and the Beast could take a twirl right there in the ballroom.

But what about the food?  It is a restaurant after all…

I have done dinner and lunch many times and always enjoyed the food, today was my second time doing breakfast and I have to say, I was very underwhelmed.

We were handed our menu outside and we debated what we would order.  My sister and I both decided that we were fairly hungry and got the same thing – the Feast a la Gaston.  It was scrambled eggs, bacon, chicken sausage, roasted potatoes and fresh fruit.  A similar offering to what I had at the Contempo Café the day before.   It came with a drink, but to my surprise the cast member said they did not offer bottled water – so we settled on a milk and a hot tea.  (The menu online says they have water – but this cast member said they didn’t).

The total cost was $51.12 USD for the two of us.  We were okay with that, we knew it was going to be a good breakfast so it was worth the splurge.

We took our seats in the dining room and waited for our breakfast to arrive.   Thanks to our Magic Bands – the cast member would find
us wherever we sat and bring our meals.  There are 3 distinct dining rooms to choose from, the Grand Ballroom, the West Wing and the Castle Gallery.  We have eaten in the first two multiple times so we choose the Castle Gallery for breakfast.
When our meal arrived, we were a little ‘underwhelmed’ by the presentation.  It was a rather large plate for the food that was on it.  The eggs were well cooked (which is good since I don’t like runny eggs), but the bacon was a little
lightly done for my liking.  I have never had chicken sausage before – and I can safely say I won’t again, I really didn’t care for that.  The potatoes were potatoes – nothing spectacular, but okay.

I like pastries generally, but this pastry dish didn’t blow me away.  There was a croissant, apple danish, a couple of mini muffins and a chocolate croissant.  We tasted each one for research purposes of course, but definitely weren’t fighting over them.

At the end of our breakfast we both agreed – we wouldn’t be doing breakfast again.  Maybe the food at lunch and dinner is so good that our expectations were too high?  Don’t get me wrong, we love the atmosphere of dining at Be Our Guest and ANY meal is a good opportunity to see inside this incredible theming in the Magic Kingdom.    If you were going for the food, I would recommend lunch or dinner and skip breakfast reservation.

 

Why I’ll Miss Dream Along With Mickey

Dream Along With MickeyI’ll admit – I wasn’t always a fan of the castle shows, until I saw Dream Along With Mickey.

The first time I saw this show I was in love with it.  It was such a great story and had some terrific characters, it also gave Donald Duck a bit of spotlight that he’s deserved for a while in my opinion!

The story revolved around Donald not believing in dreams and his friends were trying to convince him how powerful they could be. There were princesses and villains, happiness and adventure – all the things that make a great Disney story!

While it may sound a little sappy, this show always gave me goosebumps and hope.  When the entire crowd started chanting “Dreams come true”, you really felt like you were empowered to make your dreams come true.

Mickey had a little speech to Donald at the end of the show that always moved me, I’ll leave you to ponder how powerful the message really is.

“By remembering about the power of dreams, you reminded us all that when we believe in ourselves, and our friends, and our family – why there’s nothing we can’t do!  When you find the dream inside your heart, anything is possible!”   –  Mickey Mouse

Do you have a favourite castle show?

 

Cheshire Café Walt Disney World – What’s On The Menu?

Cheshire Cafe Cupcake Walt Disney WorldThe Cheshire Cafe in the Magic Kingdom has always been a great place for snacks, but when they change the menu, it’s disappointing!

A couple of years ago I discovered something that was exactly what my sweet tooth had been looking for.  I have a love of sugar (which is evident by my growing waist line!) and I love cupcakes.  The cupcakes at Walt Disney World usually have a good heaping dollop of icing on top.  While these cupcakes are delicious, there was one in particular that really got the ratio of icing vs. cake right!  It was the ‘cake cup’ that was once served at the Cheshire Café in the Magic Kingdom.

I had the opportunity to try both the Cheshire Cupcake (vanilla) and the Mad Hatter Mocha one.   I am a huge fan of all things chocolate – the vanilla was surprisingly my favorite!  The first time I tried it, I was in heaven.  It was a lot of sugar – so my sister and I shared one on our subsequent visits.   It was now on my list of ‘must have’ snacks in the Magic Kingdom.

I’m not sure why – but the Cheshire café stopped selling these lovely treats.  I don’t know why they did – I can just tell you that I miss them!  I have to chalk this one up to a ‘Why Disney?  WHY?’ decision that I will never understand.  If someone in food services at Disney is reading this, can you bring them back?  Pretty please?  While I like Sprinkles – I don’t want to have to go to Disney Springs for a good cupcake!