Category Archives travel

Lots of Holiday Joy at Disney

Although I have been to Walt Disney World countless times in my life, I had never experienced a major holiday season while visiting. This all changed with our trip for the official opening of New Fantasyland. The holiday magic is in every resort and park and really highlights the location that they are in. Although I do not celebrate Christmas, it was a joy to wander around looking at all of the festive decorations and lights. Sharing some of these seemed the perfect way to channel the theme of *Joy* this week.

Christmas tree at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Holiday view down Main Street USA at The Magic Kingdom

Holiday decorations at Downtown Disney

Holidays around the Disney Monorail Resorts

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

Stitch ready for Christmas at Epcot

Gingerbread House at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Focused on the Magic

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

It's Me

Disclosure: TechyDad was invited to the New Fantasyland media event December 5-7. Disney paid for his travel, our park tickets, room, along with some extra surprises. I was his guest and invited to special events, but paid for my travel and an extra night at the resort.

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time, TechyDad and I were whisked away to a magical land in Florida. Most people know this destination as Walt Disney World. We were there to experience the opening of the New Fantasyland on December 6. New Fantasyland Opening

New lands filled with Ariel, Belle, and circus characters were waiting to officially be opened via a royal celebration. Ginnifer Goodwin came out to begin the ceremony at Cinderella’s Castle. You may know her better as Snow White on the ABC hit show Once Upon A Time.

Ginnifer Goodwin at New Fantasyland Opening

Ginnifer introduced Jordin Sparks, the winner of season six of American Idol, who came to sing a medley of songs from Disney movies. Of course, she was joined by a large group of Disney character celebrities.

Jordin Sparks at New Fantasyland Opening

At the end of the beautiful medley, Mickey Mouse came out along with Tom Staggs, chairman of the Walt Disney Company’s Parks and Resorts division, to finish up the presentation and really get the celebration started. This is what it looked like moments after:

Opening of New Fantasyland

It truly was a moment that dreams are made of for a life long Disney fan. My question to you this week:

If you could have been at the opening of a location or destination over history, what would it have been and why?

It's Me

Disclosure: TechyDad was invited to the New Fantasyland media event December 5-7. Disney paid for his travel, our park tickets, room, along with some extra surprises. I was his guest and invited to special events, but paid for my travel and an extra night at the resort. Also note that Disney never asked me to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences.

___________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
    /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
    Island<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
    Life

Aloha #233

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Always Disney Dreaming

The whirlwind visit for the official opening of New Fantasyland has left me dreaming of all of the amazing items we have seen and what is still to come. Just a week ago, we were on an airplane heading to Walt Disney World for all of the events. Here are a few photos that capture the theme of “Dream” for me this week.

Art of Animation Lion King Murphy Bed

Dumbo in Storytown Circus in New Fantasyland

After the New Fantasyland Opening on Main Street USA

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coming to New Fantasyland

Cinderella's Castle for the holidays

Rose Gallery Painting in Be Our Guest Restaurant

Focused on the Magic

Be sure to stop by Focused on the Magic by clicking on the button above to join in the Disney magic this week.

It's Me

Disclosure: TechyDad was invited to the New Fantasyland media event December 5-7. Disney paid for his travel, our park tickets, room, along with some extra surprises. I was his guest and invited to special events, but paid for my travel and an extra night at the resort.

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



Magical First Moments in New Fantasyland

On Thursday morning, the expansion of Fantasyland at Walt Disney World officially opened. TechyDad and I were there to experience the festivities. The night before, we were able to walk through the world of Belle, Ariel, and Storybook Circus. Seeing the concept art is one thing, experiencing it for yourself is beyond magical.

Imagine bumping into Gaston outside of his tavern. Then, heading inside for some Le Feu Brew while checking out all of the antlers around.

Gaston's Tavern in New Fantasyland

Then get swept away in Beast’s Castle eating some amazing food at the Be Our Guest Restaurant. Oh and you can even try some Grey Stuff while there watching the snow fall in the ballroom, or heading into the forbidden West Wing.

Be Our Guest Restaurant New Fantasyland

Next, take a walk to Maurice’s Cottage to see some magical items bring a story to life. Yes, Enchanted Tales with Belle is truly an amazing experience. From the moment it begins in the workshop to the time you say goodbye to Belle, the technology and fun keeps you hoping for more.

Enchanted Tales with Belle New Fantasyland

This is just a small preview of the beauty and wonder that is ready to greet you in the New Fantasyland. There is so much more to share from the area about Beauty and the Beast and beyond.

What are you most excited to see in New Fantasyland or what is your favorite part so far?

Mondays-Magical-Moments

This post is part of the fun over at Super Jenn and her Monday’s Magical Moments Meme. To join in the fun and link up, head on over to the linky there.

It's Me

Disclosure: TechyDad was invited to the New Fantasyland media event December 5-7. Disney paid for his travel, our park tickets, room, along with some extra surprises. I was his guest and invited to special events, but paid for my travel and an extra night at the resort. Also note that Disney never asked me to blog about this event. As a long time Disney fan, it is my pleasure to share my experiences.

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+



They Say it’s my Birthday

Today is my birthday and it is back to reality. Last night, TechyDad and I flew home from Orlando. We were at the New Fantasyland, Test Track, and Splitsville media event. We spent four magical days at Walt Disney World exploring the new items, learning about future items coming to Disney, and walking miles. We saw old friends, met new ones, and had a wonderful time as a couple wandering around the parks when we had free time.

Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope

Friday evening we had reservations to celebrate my birthday dinner at Les Chef de France in Epcot. Dinner was delicious and it brought back the eight years of French that I took in school. Here is a look at my meal.

Dinner at Les Chef de France in Epcot

To start, I had the soupe a l’oignon gratinee. I have to say it may be the best French Onion Soup I have ever had. Next it was filet de saumon, pommes de terre ecrasees au beurre et ciboulette, sur de tomate et poivron rouge (that’s Broiled salmon, Smashed potatoes with butter and chives, served on a tomato and red pepper sauce). The salmon was cooked to perfection and it was fantastic. The meal ended with TechyDad and I sharing dessert (the sorbet was beyond amazing).

Today, we will have a nice evening with the boys catching up on things from the last few days. More on the rest of our Disney adventure coming soon. So much to share about New Fantasyland and beyond.

It's Me

Disclosure: TechyDad was invited to the New Fantasyland media event December 5-7. Disney paid for his travel, our park tickets, room, along with some extra surprises. I was his guest and invited to special events, but paid for my travel and an extra night at the resort.

Share:
Share on Facebok
Share on Pinterest
Share on Google+