All the Disney Parks in One Podcast
Disney Parks Podcast Show #717- Disney News for the Week of July 26, 2021
In today’s show, we have news about Disney Cruise Line resuming Bahamian sailings, new magic at Orlando International Airport, two very special guests live, headline news, meet-ups, trivia and so much more.
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It breaks my heart that one of the most overlooked parks is EPCOT – especially by those with children. Often viewed as an “adult” park, (mainly due to the idea of “Drinking Around The World”) there are so many edutainment opportunities that are often overlooked or forgotten about. From Future World, to World Showcase, there’s an abundance of opportunities to learn and explore for both adults and children alike! Here are a few reasons why a day at EPCOT is not to be overlooked.
~Future World~
Spaceship Earth – The iconic geodesic sphere that greets many guests as they enter the park
Future World – This iconic feature is the first vision of many guests as they enter the park, and it hosts a ride that takes you through time and the evolution of communication. But in addition to this beautiful attraction, Future World hosts The Land Pavillion – home to the immensely popular “Soarin’ Around The World”. Also found here is “Living With The Land” – a leisurely boat ride that focuses on agriculture and takes you through the 4 working greenhouses that help supply some of the restaurants on property! You can pop over and spend some time with Nemo and Friends at the “The Seas with Nemo” – an adorable ride that takes you below the water. In addition, you can visit SeaBase, which hosts rehabilitating manatees among other undersea creatures, and includes a 360 degree view of sea life when you “enter” the aquarium. Make sure you secure a reservation at Coral Reef Restaurant, with floor to ceiling viewing windows to the aquarium – Best View in town! Looking for some excitement? Head to Mission Space and choose either the Orange or Green Mission, and then take a drive on Test Track!
~World Showcase~
The Stunning Moracco Pavillion in EPCOT’s World Showcase
After exploring Future World, head over to World Showcase! With 11 countries represented, there is no shortage of incredible (and beautiful) places to explore – and learn about! This is a great way for those children that may need to write a report about something they learned while absent from school. There are Scavenger Hunts available for families to take part in, and of course the rides – the ever popular “Frozen Ever After” found in Norway, “The Grand Fiesta Tour” inside the Mexico Pavillion, and “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” (coming October 1, 2021) in France!
~Food, Food, FOOD!~
Regal Eagle Smokehouse at The American Pavillion
It was almost as though much of this park was thought out with families in mind… especially those with young children who aren’t quite adventurous eaters. The numerous Festivals (Arts, Flower and Garden, Food and Wine & Holidays) offer a vast array of opportunities to sample small plates from around the world – on a snack budget! The Table Service options available in every “country” cannot be beat whether you want to eat in Japan, Germany or Mexico. And the Quick Service options, also available in each country, make sure that every person in your party will never go hungry (*PS – The Mac and Cheese at Regal Eagle Smokehouse is AMAZING!!)
EPCOT is truly a park to EXPLORE, not just visit. Take your time, soak it all in. I promise, if given the chance, you and your family can find a newfound adoration for all this park has to offer. Looking for assistance in planning your next WDW vacation? Reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel!
Tell Us, is EPCOT a must do park for you and your family, or do you pass it by?
Will it be in your plans for next time?
If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner!
Email me at : christinasmith@d2travel.com .
Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.
Disney Parks Podcast Show #716- Disney News for the Week of July 19, 2021
In today’s show, we have news about Mickey’s PhilharMagic debuts new ‘Coco’ scene, EPCOT Food and Wine begins, headline news, meet-ups, trivia and so much more.
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Has Disney’s recent announcements on the holiday celebrations later this year put you in the holiday spirit? Since we are halfway to the holidays and many of us feeling jolly (or is that only me?), it’s time to start shopping for holiday decorations- just don’t put them up yet. After all, it is still July!
There are three stores at Walt Disney World that keep the holiday cheer alive year-round. That’s right- 365 days of Christmas does exist, and it’s in sunny Orlando, Florida! Stepping into any one of them will have you feeling like you’re walking in a winter wonderland even if just outdoors can turn a snowman into a puddle in mere minutes. So, before you grab the hot cocoa and snuggle up by the fireplace, let’s take a look at where you can shop for a never-ending Christmas.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, Magic Kingdom. Keeping with the Colonial America theme, this store located in Liberty Square looks, feels, and smells like Christmas. And, if you don’t happen to celebrate the holiday or you’re not ready yet to commit to that wondrous festive feeling, there is usually other seasonal finds- like Halloween decorations or Independence Day gear- in the store. Santa’s Helpers, I mean, Cast Members, are always keeping busy, too, adding a personalization or customized message to most merchandise.
Disney’s Days of Christmas, Disney Springs. Located in the Marketplace section, Disney’s Days of Christmas cannot be missed. It is massive, and appropriately decorated with all the Christmas trimmings. Caution: Whiplash imminent upon entering. Expect a full 360 spin once inside- the rows upon rows of ornaments alone seem endless. Yet, it is all very well organized by both theme and color- so if you’re looking to go all silver, or gold, or purple even, there’s a section coordinated with décor and trimmings in that color. Also, this store has a wide selection of boxed sets, which isn’t easily found anywhere else. Again, personalization of most merchandise is available on site, and, if you find yourself buying half the store, save your back and ask a Cast Member to ship it home!
Die Weihnacts Ecke, EPCOT. Translated as The Christmas Corner, this is by far one of the most beautiful stores not only in the Germany Pavilion, but in all of EPCOT. The shop is brimming with both elegant and Old World charm. Ornaments and holiday home décor range from the classic of nutcrackers and winter birds to the whimsical of steins and pretzels. Most of the holiday items sold here are handmade and many are from Germany. There’s even a traditional pickle tree, as it is customary in Germany to hang a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree for good luck.
I hope reading about Christmas stores at Walt Disney World has you dreaming of the holidays. Stopping by, whether for a souvenir, memento of your trip, or a gift, will surely put you in a festive mood any time of year!
Special thanks to fellow blogger and travel agent, Christina Smith, for the photos taken during the Destinations To Travel Social Media Blitz.
Disney Parks Podcast Show #715- Disney News for the Week of July 12, 2021
In today’s show, we have news about Fall favorites coming to Disneyland, new Christmas events at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris get a new fast pass system, headline news, meet-ups, trivia and so much more.
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Throughout the years, Walt Disney World has played host to numerous events and festivals. But, few have found the immense popularity of runDisney events. Traditionally held 4 times per year (January, February, March and November) each event offers a variety of distances, ranging from 5k up to a Full Marathon (January) and even a kids run. You will also find each has their own unique theme, such as Princesses, Star Wars, and even Villains which are evident in the medals you can aquire!
While many die hard runDisney fans and competitors have had to participate in these events virtually for the past year, there have been cheers of joy over the recent announcement that these events will become “In Person” events again, beginning with “Wine and Dine Half Weekend” November 4-7, 2021.
For those that are ready to share their love of running, these events offer a unique perspective of WDW, and many join up with friends to help cheer each other along the way. However, many people choose to to participate on their own… and make new friends throughout the event.
Ready to run? Well, I talked with some of my friends over at Destinations To Travel and they are providing some of their tips on how, from start to finish, you can take part in your next – or first – runDisney event!
~Meet Casey Bolt~
A runDisney enthusiast with top tips for securing your race bib
When registration opens, it can be a challenge to secure those sought after Race Bibs! Casey’s advice?
“My tips for securing a bib would be pack your patience. It’s a stressful process. Make sure to have all your info ready ahead of time- credit card info, race distance, shirt size, emergency contact, etc. Also try to log into the registration area early- I’ve been let into the virtual queue up to 20 minutes before the registration start time. Use multiple devices if you can- it gives you a better chance of getting in. I usually have a computer, phone, and iPad trying at once. Then pray for pixie dust! If they sell out, keep checking back periodically. They reload additional bibs sometimes but in very small quantities so they will disappear quickly!”
Want more tips from Casey? Find her on Facebook at Destinations To Travel LLC, Casey Bolt and in her fact filled group Magical Miles with Casey Bolt
~Meet Paul Sul~
An all around Fitness enthusiast knows the top tips to prepare for your run
So, you have secured your place in a runDisney event! What now? Prepare and train. Here are some tips from Paul on how to start your training plan.
“When preparing for any distance run, the most important thing is to give yourself enough time to prepare and train, especially for someone who has never run over 3 miles.
Always, always, warm up with dynamic stretching to get loose and stretch after the run.
A dedicated teacher who finds her escape through fitness and art.
You’ve planned, you’ve trained, and you have a killer playlist – so what can participating in runDisney event do for YOU? I’ll let Marisa put that into perspective!
” The image with the Ahsoka Tano medal was a full circle moment. I was registered for the Rival Run in 2020 (which was canceled due to COVID). That was supposed to be my first in-person event and was the catalyst for my running journey. Ever since then, I haven’t stopped running and pushing myself to conquer another challenge. While I’ve been running virtually every race (since the in-person events will be returning in the fall), I still feel the sense of community through these events. The support over social media has been incredible and I’ve been able to bond with fellow agents, Paul and Casey, over running and fitness in general. That sense of camaraderie has given me the courage to strive for more. With that, I’ve completed every distance that runDisney offers (from 5K through a full marathon … which was insanely difficult) and took part in every theme they’ve offered (Star Wars, summer series, Wine and Dine, Marathon, and Princess). Never in a million years would I have thought that I could make it, nor would I have ever even wanted to try but there’s something that keeps me coming back for more. I hope that I can secure a bib for my first in-person race because as Moana would say, “If I go, there’s just no telling how far I’ll go.” “
For more of Marisa’s inspiration, find her at Destinations to Travel LLC with Marisa Alvarado and on Instagram @behindtheearswdw
Photo credit: Twitter
For some, a runDisney event is a fun way to expand out of their comfort zone. For others, it’s a part of what makes WDW even more magical. But no matter which category you fall into, it’s an experience worth having.
Tell Us…Have you ever participated in a runDisney Event? Or are you ready to participate? Let us know in the comments below!
If you are looking for assitance in planning your next Disney or Universal Studios vacation, I would love to be your planning partner! Email : christinasmith@d2travel.com . Looking for more Disney in your life? Come join us on Facebook at Living The Magical Life and Destinations To Travel with Christina Smith or on Instagram.
Disney Parks Podcast Show #714- Disney News for the Week of June 28, 2021
In today’s show, we have news about first look inside a reimagined guest room at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, planDisney Pocket Guides, new Disney books celebrating Walt Disney World Resort’s upcoming 50th Anniversary headline news, meet-ups, trivia and so much more.
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Photo by David Roark
Unlike at Magic Kingdom, where everyone is packed tight like a school of fish, facing Cinderella’s Castle, EPCOT’s fireworks can be admired 360 degrees around the World Showcase lagoon. This means that, regardless of where you decide to park yourself, you will get a view of the fireworks.
Of course, some areas may be disputed as better than others, yet the HarmoniUS barges appear to be capable of putting on a show visible even in outer space- so I wouldn’t fret much over where to get the best view of this new nighttime spectacular coming in October.
As mentioned in the previous blog post, viewing fireworks from a seated location at a restaurant may not always go as planned. Requests for specific seating may or may not be possible, and this will require a very early arrival and much patience on your end. Keep that in mind for the restaurant recommendations that follow.
Now, for the list of locations throughout the World Showcase, as well as an ideal area outside the park, with better views of EPCOT’s upcoming reappearance of EPCOT Forever and HarmoniUS debut:
Rose & Crown Dining Room. This may present a challenge, as the United Kingdom Pavilion is one of the most crowded pavilions thanks to this popular dining location (and waterholes). However, if you are willing to wait for your table, it is worth all your patience. Kindly request outdoor seating at the back patio for the best views.
La Hacienda de San Angel. Most tables will have a view, as the floor-to-ceiling windows face the lagoon. Extra points if your table is, indeed, a window table.
Spice Road Table. Though there may be a slight chance of snagging a window table indoors, there’s a better chance to get a full view if dining outdoors with a table beside the gates. Arrive early – reservations are no longer offered at this location.
If you don’t want to fight for a table (I do not condone fighting for any reason whatsoever at Walt Disney World), then I do not recommend locations like Cantina de San Angel or seating areas like that alongside the Yorkshire County Fish Shop. The race to claim a table and share space with others who are also squeezing in for a comfortable view just isn’t worth it.
Photo by Jing Xi Lau on Unsplash
Don’t have a dining reservation nor care to eat? Head over to the Japan Pavilion. Just above the Mitsukoshi Department Store is a large balcony offering elevated and unobstructed views of the lagoon. Note, if you are standing in front of a window, though, chances are you are the obstruction for someone dining at Tokyo Dining.
Another place with great views is right on the bridge between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions. This is usually where I stop and stand for the show, especially when I am staying at the Beach Club – I can walk to the resort without having to deal with the crowds exiting the park. Disney’s EPCOT area resorts are Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and BoardWalk Inn. Even without a park ticket, a visit to this area will bring you close enough to enjoy the illuminated night sky. Get an ice cream at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop or the new Boardwalk Ice Cream Shop, or warm up with a cup of coffee from the Boardwalk Bakery, and watch the fireworks from the walkway bridge that connects the Boardwalk Inn and Beach Club Resort. The Disney Skyliner is a convenient mode of transportation to access this location – the skyliner stops at the International Gateway at EPCOT and is just a stroll away.