Disney News | Saving Everyday

Disney’s Test Track Redesign Update & Opening

May 1, 2012

Disney’s Test Track in Epcot is being redesigned and I couldn’t be more excited. I LOOOOVE this ride ~

When complete, the reimagining of this attraction will allow guests to design their own custom concept vehicle, and then put it through its paces on the exhilarating hills and switchbacks of the Test Track circuit. In the post-show, guests can make a TV commercial featuring their concept car or truck, race their car or truck on our virtual track and take a picture with their custom concept vehicle.

The attraction is currently scheduled to reopen late fall – can’t wait!!

Source: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

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It’s National Princess Week, Wahoo!!

April 24, 2012

Hi Saving Everyday readers!

It has been far too long! I have to apologize because school has been taking up 99% of my time, which leaves little left to write posts. But don’t worry – in three weeks, I’ll be done with the semester and will have loads of free time to get my Disney writing on!

Anyhow, did you know that this week is NATIONAL PRINCESS WEEK?! If you didn’t, than you are not alone because I didn’t know either! (And if you did, bravo Miss Princess! =D) The Walt Disney Company joined up with Target and princess expert Julie Andrews to celebrate all things princess, which is the best idea I have ever heard. The celebration started on April 22 and will last until this Saturday, April 28.

For this event, Target will have several princess inspired merchandise in stores across the nation. If you are interested (and honestly, who isn’t?!), look out for the 10^th anniversary edition of The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, Julie Andrews’ children’s book The Very Fairy Princess: Here Comes the Flower Girl!, and other Disney princess items like books, toys, and games. For a complete list of products, check out www.target.com/princess.

Even though shopping is every princess’ favorite hobby, National Princess Week goes far beyond that. Some ideas include having a tea party with only the best royal guests or watch your favorite princess movies (which is a perfect excuse for me to finally watch Tangled!). Here is what I have planned to do this week:

Wear something “princess-y” everyday.
Inform all my kindergarten students that it is National Princess Week and that they are all princesses to me. (I can’t wait to hear the boys’ reactions, baha! =P)
Sneak into a ball gown while going bridal dress shopping with my good friend Stephanie, the prettiest bride-to-be I know!
Pull out that tiara I have somewhere in my room and rock it while hitting the town this weekend.
Watch Anastasia with all my best girlfriends. (I know this is technically not a Disney princess movie, but it is one of my childhood favorites!)

I hope these ideas have helped you all get into the princess spirit and be sure to comment below if you have any of your own. It is not every day you get to be a princess, so I say embrace this week and go crazy with it, ha! And lastly, HAPPY PRINCESS WEEK!

Source: http://d23.disney.go.com/news/2012/04/the-first-annual-national-princess-week-begins-april-22

Written by: Brittany Madden

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Disney Movie Releases | January and February

January 22, 2012

Disney New and Deals

Winters where I live are brutal and make me feel miserable anytime I step outside my warm, cozy house. Because winter reduces me to bear-like living conditions (AKA: hibernation, ha ha!), I usually occupy my time solely with indoor activities. However, Disney knows exactly what I need this year to perk up my winter blues: new movie releases, YAY! Below are the upcoming movie releases this January and February:

January

Snow Buddies (DVD, Blu-Ray, and Movie Download) – Everyone’s favorite puppies are making adventures again – This time their journey begins in Alaska! Along the way, they make new puppy pals, who help them compete in a dog sledding race.
Treasure Buddies (DVD and Movie Download) – Not only are these popular pups heading to Alaska, they are also making their way to Egypt in their latest film. As always, new friendships and memories are made as the puppies explore Egypt’s ancient ruins.

February

Lady and The Tramp: Diamond Edition (DVD, Blu-Ray, and Movie Download) – What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with one of Disney’s most famous love stories? Fall in love watching Lady and the Tramp fall in love with one another in this class film. Plus, the Diamond Edition means that audiences can see this film in Blu-Ray!
Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: I Heart Minnie! (DVD) – In this film, the Clubhouse gang come together to celebrate Minnie’s birthday with a surprise party! Audiences can also join in Daisy in a talent show and help Leprechaun Pete find his pot of gold!

If you want to read more details about these and other Disney films, check out the Disney DVD website at http://disneydvd.disney.go.com/home.html

Written by: Brittany Madden

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New Additions Coming To Disney World

January 17, 2012

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside is one of the lucky hotels that get brand new “Story Rooms.” Read below to find out what these rooms are all about!

As I talked about in this post, I love that WDW is continuously growing. In the next few months, the fine people at Disney are cranking out some of the most innovative and exciting updates in Disney history. Guests can expect a ton of new projects all across WDW and its other parks, including the largest expansion ever in Magic Kingdom. Here are some of the most talked about and exciting developments brought to you by Disney.

Fantasyland – For the first time in many years, Disney is planning a huge expansion and it takes place at Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland! There is so much to discuss about this expansion, that I will save all the details for another post. For those who are completely unfamiliar with this expansion, expect to see a ton of new rides, restaurants, and shops, all of which are inspired by your favorite Disney princesses and characters. I’m too excited for this! =D
Disney Story Rooms – The magic of Disney found throughout all the parks will soon be seen in various hotel rooms across many Disney resorts. These accommodations are called “Disney Story Rooms” and feature amazing improvements, like special effects and incredible décor that elevate the rooms into a whole new level. The first Story Rooms to be introduced were the Pirate Rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Next up are the Royal Guests Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside and will open this spring. These rooms celebrate some of Disney’s most notable princesses. Be sure to look of for more Story Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation, which brings me to the next point….
Disney’s Art of Animation – As stated above, WDW’s newest resort will also feature Disney Story Rooms. These rooms will spotlight the hotel’s four themes: Cars, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and The Little Mermaid. In fact, the whole hotel is designed around these four infamous Disney films, absorbing guests into these movies’ worlds and creating a truly unique experience.
Hyperion Wharf – Pleasure Island in Downtown Disney (DTD) is being completely redone into a 120-acre shopping, dining, and entertainment center called “Hyperion Wharf”! This new complex will be reminiscent of waterfront boardwalks and piers during the 20^thcentury. Hyperion Wharf is expected to be completed in 2013, though construction on the area has recently been delayed.
Splitsville – Also coming to DTD is Splitsville, an entertainment and nightlife epicenter! Along with bowling (hence the name =D), there will be billiards, music, and dining. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall.
Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship – The fourth ship to the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be unveiled in 2012. While the details are still a work in process, expect to see an adults-only entertainment district called Europa, an exciting new addition to Animator’s Palate called “Animation Magic”, and for the first time ever, an on-site Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ~

Those new projects make me seriously happy! I’m especially excited for the Fantasyland expansion at Magic Kingdom. Fingers crossed for something Alice in Wonderland to be included! =)

Written by: Brittany Madden – Catch up on all Brittany’s Disney Articles

Sources: http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog

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2011 Holiday Events at Walt Disney World + A Video :-)

December 15, 2011

Disney New and Deals

There is no better place to be for the holidays than at Walt Disney World! Not only are all the parks and resorts decorated to the nines, but WDW amps up all the events to aid in the holiday festivities. If you want to attend one of Disney’s holiday events or are just interested in what is offered, be sure to read on for more details!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: November 8 – December 18
Where: Magic Kingdom
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/special-events/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party

Every year, Mickey hosts a spectacular event celebrating all the joys of the Christmas Season! Activities include:

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas Parade – a Christmas-afied version on Magic Kingdom’s famous parades!
Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season – this is a revamp version of everyone’s favorite firework show.
Greetings and entertainment from your most beloved Disney characters
Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies to munch on during your evening

Plus, guests can still enjoy their favorite rides at Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle gets a “Christmas makeover” with an amazing light display, and the talented Imagineers make the unbelievable happen: snow flurries in Florida! Note: This event is not included in the Magic Kingdom park ticket. Guests who want to attend this event must buy a separate ticket. Prices vary on age and date. Be sure to visit this event’s website for more details!

PS: I would definitely check out this event’s website! There is a really fun interactive “storybook” that helps to show how wonderful Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party really is! Plus, be on the lookout for a little surprise at the end!

Holidays Around The World – Candlelight Processional: November 25 – December 30
Where: Epcot
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/special-events/candlelight-processional

This is event is located in the American Garden Theatre inside Epcot’s World Showcase. The Candlelight Processional is the highlight of Epcot’s Holidays Around the World, which is Epcot’s take on many of the world’s fabulous and diverse holiday traditions. The Candlelight Processional tells the story of Christmas, with the help of a celebrity narrator, 50-piece orchestra, and choir. It has quickly became a favorite of WDW guests and is currently a part of my “Disney To-Do List!”

Although this event is included with your Epcot park ticket, it does fill up rather quickly. If you do want guaranteed seats, you can purchase a Candlelight Dinner Package, which includes lunch or dinner at one of Epcot’s most noted restaurants, along with a reserved seat and a pre-arranged viewing area for the firework show. Your meal includes a beverage, entrée, appetizer, and dessert per person! Prices do vary by time and restaurant.

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights:
Where: Hollywood Studios
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/special-events/osborne-family-spectacle-of-dancing-lights

During this time of year, the Streets of American located inside Hollywood Studios are transformed into something completely memorizing! Every inch of those streets are covered with LED Christmas lights that dance along with holiday music. This free event begins as the sun falls and replays every 10 minutes until the park closes. It truly a one-of-a-kind experience and I highly suggest everyone see it! Plus, it even snows during some performances!

Here is a video I took to better explain how awesome this event is! (Sorry for any blurriness and/or talking, haha.)

You can also watch this on YouTubeFestival of the Seasons:
Where: Downtown Disney
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/special-events/festival-of-the-seasons

At Disney, every shop, restaurant, building, bathroom…whatever! are spruced up during the holiday season! And that is no different for WDW’s Downtown Disney. Disney has dubbed this transformation at DTD as the “Festival of the Seasons.” Guests should expect a massive number of Christmas lights and other holiday decorations, live Christmas-inspired entertainment, and even Santa Claus himself! Plus, DTD is the perfect place to finish up your Christmas shopping lists!

New Year’s Eve Party at Disney Quest Interactive Theme Park:
Where: Downtown Disney
Website: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/special-events/interactive-new-years-eve

This event would be perfect for any kiddo celebrating the New Year while at WDW! One a normal day, this five story entertainment complex is heaven for kids. With the addition of a DJ-driven dance party, a New Year’s Eve countdown complete with exploding confetti, free food, and the fact they can stay up until 1:00 a.m., your kids will be begging you to take them to this party! It sounds super fun and something I know I would have went bananas for as a little one! =)

Written by: Brittany Madden ~

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So Sad To See You Go: Rumored Cancelled/Stalled WDW Projects

November 8, 2011

Since this post is kind of on the sad side, here is a funny picture of my family riding DINOSAUR. Hopefully it will cheer you up, or even better make you laugh! =D

Although these Disney projects discussed in this post are definitely happening, it is safe to say that a good portion of Disney’s endeavors are often delayed, reworked, or canceled all together. Most of the time, the public never even knows about these projects or the changes that happen to them. (Which I personally like because I would hate to get my hopes up, ha! Remember Beastly Kingdom anyone?!) However, there are some halted projects that are more know throughout the Disney community, like the two below.

Flamingo Crossings – Constructed right outside of the gates of WDW is what may eventually be known as “Flamingo Crossings”. The plan is to create a location for commercial businesses to construct restaurants, hotels, and stores, with a bit of Disney flare. To me, it seems equivalent to DTD, but bigger. According its website, Flamingo Crossings will be built in phases over the next eight to ten years. However, current construction has stalled, so we will have to wait and see what comes next.
Four Seasons – Though this familiar hotel chain was supposed to open its first Four Seasons hotel on Disney property in 2008, it was just announced that the earliest Disney vacationers could stay at this resort will be in 2014.

Kind of sad, right? But don’t worry! Disney has loads of brand new and exciting editions coming to their parks very soon and a bunch that have already been completed. If you forgot what they were or missed those posts, click here (LINK) and here (LINK) to find out all the juicy details. =P

Sources: http://www.flamingocrossingsfl.com/index.html
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-06-29/the-daily-disney/os-disney-four-seasons-20110629_1_giant-resort-ultra-luxury-hotel-disney-spokeswoman-marilyn-waters

Written by: Brittany Madden ~

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