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Disney Parks Podcast

All the Disney Parks in One Podcast

INFO: Oogie Boogie Bash is BACK!

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Welcome to the West Coast and The Disneyland Resort!

Halloween is just around the corner for us over here at Disneyland as the festivities will kick off this Friday September 3rd with the return of some of the Disneyland Resort exclusive attractions and decorations including the Haunted Mansion Holiday and all of the decorations for Radiator Springs Honkin’ Halloween Festivities. The real tricks and treats will happen on September 9th as Oogie Boogie and his band of Villains take over select evenings at Disney California Adventure.

On select nights beginning Sept. 9, through October 31, 2021, this after-park hours event “Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party” will add to the spooky fun during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. This separate ticket and limited-capacity event at Disney California Adventure Park starts at 6pm but guests can enter into the park at 3pm with this ticket. It will feature exclusive entertainment, character sightings, food and beverage and more! Guests of all ages can enjoy wearing their favorite Halloween outfit while taking in all the sights and the trick-or-treating experiences. One of these special areas of the park is the Villains Grove which takes over the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in the Grizzly Peak area.

The Villains Grove is a walk-though open air experience where sections of the trail are dedicated to different villains. This area will feature such classic villains as The Queen of Hearts section with light up roses (pictured above) as well as projections of the Cheshire Cat, Tarot Cards from Dr. Facilier, as well as other surprises. As you walk through this trail you may see something you didn’t see the last time you were walking through. There may not be candy on this trail but you will find plenty to see and look at!

After visiting the trail – let’s go get some CANDY! There are multiple treat trails which may seem very similar to the Boo Bash experience at Magic Kingdom however here at Oogie Boogie Bash, each trail for candy has a dedicated live villain. In 2019 we were able to see Dr. Facilier, The Evil Queen, Maleficent, The Mad Hatter, and of course Oogie Boogie. NEW this year for 2021, Disney has announced 3 new villains including Sid from Toy Story, Cruella from the newest live action film, as well as Agatha Harkness from WandaVision! We can not wait to see these new additions with all of our returning favorites.

Dr. Facilier is getting ready to greet guests!

The last highlight of the party is the Frightfully Fun Parade which runs two times each night. This parade premiered originally at the Mickey’s Halloween Party in Disneyland Park a few years ago but was extended slightly when the Halloween party moved to Disney California Adventure. The whole parade lasts about 13 minutes with plenty of villains as well as some of the more fun (not so scary) costumes on Mickey, Minnie, and other friends. My favorite part is seeing the Mayor car ride by along with the Vampires from the Nightmare Before Christmas movie! I also love hearing the scrapes of the shovels from the Gravediggers and the Haunted Mansion trio of ghosts. This parade ends with so many villains you will run away screaming in delight!

Are you looking forward to Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort? Stay tuned for more updates and leave us a comment on your favorite villain below! Oogie Boogie Bash: A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure is sold out as of right now but dates may open up so make sure you ask your Destinations to Travel Agent to keep their eyes out for an opening!

If you would like more information contact me on Facebook at Destinations to Travel with Patrick O’Connor

Why EPCOT IS A Perfect Park For Families

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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.

 

 

Summertime Park Bag Essentials

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That time of year is upon us. Summer! Longer days, shorter nights, tank tops and shorts… and in Florida – heat and humidity. It’s true that the summer heat can be tough to handle. Proper preparation and planning is crucial to both make the most enjoyable time of your family vacation to WDW, AND to keep you and your family safe. If you prefer to hit the parks for rope drop and stay to close the parks, packing your park bag properly will be a step in the right direction to ensure both of these bases are covered. Here are a few Summertime Park Bag Essentials to include on your packing list!

 

 

~Reusable Water Bottle~

Keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated

 

Water can be readily obtained throughout the parks. By carrying a reusable water bottle with you, you can easily refill them wherever you may find yourself in need, without having to wait in line at a quick service location. Many have built in filters (if you aren’t a fan of the Florida water). Definitely consider filling up prior to getting into line for your next ride, so you can continue to drink while you wait. With a bottle that closes securely, there is less waste, and less opportunity to spill. When you’re finished, close it up, throw it back in your bag, and enjoy your ride!

 

~Cooling Towels~

Cooling Towels will be your best friend!

 

Cooling Towels will be your new best friend. Honestly! They are easy to find online, or even at your local superstore, are relatively inexpensive and can be reused often, even once you return home. Get each member of your traveling party one in their favorite color. Simply get them wet, snap them out and place them on the back of your neck. Most come in their own pouch, so you can place them back in there before putting them in your park bag to keep from getting anything else wet.

 

~Portable Neck Fans~

Portable and Rechargable Neckfans

 

Portable and rechargable, these neck fans can help keep you and your family cool. They come in numerous styles, and most have multiple speeds – some even have misters built in! Usually charged by USB ports, they can be charged throughout the day using the Battery Pack you most likely already have in your park bag to charge your phone.

 

~Safety First~

Midday Breaks

While all these tips can absolutely help make the most of your hot day in the parks, I can’t stress enough to not to take for granted escaping to some of the many air conditioned attractions, shops, and to even plan for a Table Service restaurant meal in the middle of the day to let you and your family recharge and cool down. And there is no shame in heading back to your resort for a dip in the pool and return to the parks later when the temps start to drop again.  Questions about how to best navigate the parks in the hot months of the year? Reach out to our friends at Destinations To Travel!

 

What are your favorite tips for staying cool in the parks? What “Stay Cool”  items do you keep in your park bag?

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. 

NEWS: Walt Disney World Will Begin Charging Resort Guests for Overnight Parking

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Disney is expected to soon announce that their resort hotels will be charging guests for overnight vehicle parking.

Guests bringing a car to Walt Disney World may rethink their plans when they have to pay for overnight parking at a Disney hotel.
Guests bringing a car to Walt Disney World may rethink their plans when they have to pay for overnight parking at a Disney hotel.

The new policy would require guests to pay for overnight parking, per night, at all of the Disney owned resort hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Vacation Club guests staying using their points would not have to pay for parking as part of a new membership perk.

Prices have not yet been revealed for the overnight parking, but it will depend on the type of resort (value, moderate, and deluxe will all have different pricing). A start date has also yet to be announced.

Valet parking prices at resorts will also be raised as part of these changes. These changes will not affect guests visiting resorts for dining, shopping, or otherwise. The paid parking is only for vehicles staying at the resorts overnight.

What do you think of this change , leave us a comment below!

Disney Parks Podcast Show #433 – Disney News For the Week of February 26, 2018

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #433 – Disney News For the Week of February 26, 2018

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss Pinocchio Village Haus Table Service Dinner Buffet, Tropical Hideaway Coming to Disneyland’s Adventureland, Behind the Music of Together Forever-A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular, and so much more.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #420 – Disney News For The Week Of January 22, 2018

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #420 – Disney News For The Week Of January 22, 2018

Disney Parks Podcast Show #420 – Disney News For The Week Of January 22, 2018

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss the new Disney Streaming platform, Road closures at WDW, Italian restraints and so much more!

Check out our NEW Sponsor Picnic – Keeping families organized, productive, and connected by bringing all your activities, tasks, and data together in one shared place.

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #418 – Disney News For The Week Of January 15, 2018

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #418 – Disney News For The Week Of January 15, 2018

Disney Parks Podcast Show #418 – Disney News For The Week Of January 15, 2018

In this episode, Tony and Parkhopper John discuss the new place to eat at Disney Springs, Monorail Failures, Minnie Mouse walk of fame, New Music at the Disney Hollywood studios and so much more

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #411 – Disney News For The Week Of December 4, 2017

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Disney Parks Podcast Show #411 – Disney News For The Week Of December 4, 2017

Disney Parks Podcast Show #411 – Disney News For The Week Of December 4, 2017

In this episode, Tony and Special Guest  Cohost Aljon Go discuss changes to fast pass for Frozen, Kurt Russel Event for DVC members, Shanghai Disney Resort Unveils Toy Story expansion and so much more

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