Photo Friday - Worlds combine

 

Time again for another Photo Friday!

This is a shot from November 2009.  We were staying on an upper floor of the Dolphin Resort and I happened to look out the window and see this interesting collision of worlds.  Here in one shot are the Eiffel Tower from the France Pavilion in Epcot with Characters in Flight from Downtown Disney and the top of the Cirque du Soleil theatre.

Thanks to a good zoom lens, the different elements are compressed together to make it look like they're much closer together than they really are.

Enjoy!

Downtown Disney to be transformed into Disney Springs by 2016

Today, Disney officially announced the latest concept to transform Downtown Disney -- Disney Springs.  This has been rumored for quite a while, but it is nice to see Disney make an official announcement.  Construction will begin this Spring and will be completed in phases by 2016.

Below is the official news release from Disney:

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., March 14, 2013 – Walt Disney World Resort today announced the multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs, a unique destination that will treat guests to significantly more shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands. From boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores, guests will be able to explore a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment experiences and discover options unlike any other currently available in Central Florida.

“Disney Springs will be a timeless, vibrant place where Walt Disney World guests and local residents can relax, shop, dine and be entertained in an imaginative setting where they’ll instantly feel at home,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Featuring distinctive brands, world-class restaurants and unforgettable entertainment, Disney Springs will be brought to life with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that goes into our theme parks, resorts and cruise ships, resulting in a welcoming space that only Disney could create.”

Disney Springs will double the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore, resulting in more than 150 establishments. In addition, Staggs noted, Central Florida stands to benefit from the expansion with more jobs, tax revenues and business opportunities.

Drawing inspiration from Florida’s waterfront towns and natural beauty, Disney Springs will include four outdoor neighborhoods interconnected by a flowing spring and vibrant lakefront. In addition to a new gateway with a signature water tower and grand entry, the destination will feature:

• The Town Center, which offers a sophisticated mix of shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect. 
• A colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing with inspired dining and beautiful waterfront views. 
• The family-friendly Marketplace that will continue to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences, such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including an expanded World of Disney store. 
• A West Side that provides an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. 

Collectively, these efforts will not only have an impact within Walt Disney World, but will also have an economic ripple effect on Central Florida. The project will create an estimated 1,200 construction jobs and nearly 4,000 operational roles.

Disney will share more details on specific experiences coming to Disney Springs in the future. Construction is slated to begin next month with new areas opening in phases. Disney Springs is expected to be complete in 2016.

Tip Tuesday: La Nouba!

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

It's been a while since I brought you some more experiences from my Biggest Disney Fan trip in March**, so it's time to talk about one of the best experiences we had during our trip.

My family and I had the opportunity to sit front and center for La Nouba at Downtown Disney, and let me say right off, this is one show you absolutely must not miss.

La Nouba is the exclusive Cirque Du Soleil show located at Downtown Disney's West Side in the large white tent-looking building pictured above. The theatre can seat more than 1,100 people, and most seats offer good views of the stage.

Showtimes generally are Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. There are a few days during the year when there are no shows, so be sure to check the schedule in advance. As far as tickets go, you can book up to six months in advance, which is a very good idea since shows do sell out often and the best seats go fast. Tickets (as of this post) cost anywhere from $57 - $124 for adults and $57 - $99 for children (ages 3-9). These prices do not include taxes and fees. See this seating chart for specific prices and seat locations.

Personally I don't recommend the cheapest seats. They are way up in the corners and don't provide the best view. It's worth the extra money to get front-and-center ($124 each) or category 1 ($109 each) seats. La Nouba is a show that' s all about the spectacle, so you want to make sure you can see everything.

I'm not going to discuss the show itself all that much so as not to spoil it for you. However I will just say you don't want to miss the young Chinese girls juggling -- it's spellbinding, and be sure you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. La Nouba has a sort of "pre-show" that is quite funny. You don't want to miss it.

I've often heard people asking if La Nouba is "worth it." To be honest, I had the same questions, especially when you think about the ticket prices. After seeing the show, I can say without a doubt that it's worth the price every time, even at the cost of the front-and-center seats. This show is great for kids as well. There's plenty of amazing action and comedy to keep kids entertained and engaged.

As I said, La Nouba is a show that's all about spectacle. It combines some classic elements from the traditional circus, but presents them in such as way that you will be spellbound. The performers are masters in their craft and the way they can manipulate and control their bodies is remarkable. You will see human beings do things I didn't think were possible. The aforementioned Chinese jugglers are incredible.

Earlier this year, La Nouba added a new act featuring world-renowned juggler Anthony Gatto (see photo above). He holds 11 world records in juggling. In the nine-minute act Gatto juggles balls, hoops and clubs in unprecedented numbers at amazing speed with seemingly impossible accuracy. After seeing him in action, I can see why he's a world-record juggler. Amazing. Simply amazing.

To top it off, there's the music, which is phenomenal. It's so good, we downloaded it from iTunes. The soundtrack and DVD also are available at Amazon.com and other retailers.

La Nouba is one of those exclusive Disney experiences that I highly encourage guests try at least once. I have a feeling that once you see La Nouba, you will, like me, want to see it again and again.

** Full disclosure: The tickets to La Nouba were part of a package for winning the Disney's Biggest Fan Contest by Disney and United Vacations. In no way does this post endorse Disney or United Vacations, nor should the trip or tickets be considered compensation for the independent opinions expressed on this blog.

Tip Tuesday: Earl of Sandwich

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

Over the past few weeks, I've been talking about some of the great things to do at Downtown Disney. In honor of my friend Lou Mongello, who can't go ten minutes without talking about food, this week's tip is all about food at Downtown Disney, and specifically one restaurant in particular, the Earl of Sandwich.

Sub shops are probably nothing new to anyone. There are all kinds of sub shops nearly on every corner. So why is a sub shop at Downtown Disney such a big deal?

To be honest, I can't tell you -- other than the fact that you will have one of the best subs ever.

I've been to the Earl of Sandwich several times and I still can't place why their subs are so much better than other places. But they are. Both my wife and I just rave over these subs and now we sometimes go to Downtown Disney just to visit the Earl.

I'm not alone in my opinion. Go to the restaurant most any day and the lines will be nearly out the door. It's probably the most popular quick service restaurant at Downtown Disney. I've also seen many Facebook comments raving about the Earl.

Now that McDonald's is leaving Downtown Disney to be replaced by a Pollo Campero, I suspect the lines at the Earl of Sandwich will get even longer.

If you do plan to dine at the Earl of Sandwich, you might want to have a friend save you a seat while you're ordering - or plan to eat outside.

Better yet, just get it to go and have a nice picnic back at your resort.

What do you think? Take this month's poll. Which is the best quick service restaurant at Downtown Disney?

Tip Tuesday: Pin Traders

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

As I continue my series about Downtown Disney, I thought I'd share a quick tip about pins and pin trading at Downtown Disney. This will be very different from my previous Tip Tuesday post about pin trading the family fun way (meaning trading with cast members).

This is for serious pin collectors. You have been warned.

Located across from Once Upon a Toy and next to Goofy's Candy Co. is the Pin Traders shop. If you're looking for pins at Downtown Disney, this is the place to do it. The shop is similar to a huge gazebo with pins arranged completely around the circular center and walls. Tons of standard and limited edition pins can be found here as well as some exclusive pins.

A little clarification about pins here, I think, is warranted.

The pins you can purchase online at DisneyShopping.com represent there merest fraction of the total number of pins available at Walt Disney World (and Disneyland). There are so many pins available that I would be amazed if someone actually has them all (though I'm sure serious collectors are trying pretty hard to do so).

If you find a pin you've been searching for or that you like, you may want to grab it, as pins do sell out and are retired.

Now, there's another way to acquire pins that doesn't involve money, but it does require some bartering material -- pin trading. Serious pin trading.

Disney provides several tables where pin collectors can display their collections and make trades. This is where the warning for novice collectors comes in -- if you're not a serious collector, you can easily be intimidated by these pro collectors. I'm not saying don't trade, just be sure you know what you're doing. I've tried a few times to trade and I kept coming away with the feeling I was being swindled. Maybe it's just me.

Anyway -- for you serious pin collectors out there, the Pin Trading shop is a fun way to share and enjoy pin trading. So grab that huge pin collection and head out to the Pin Trading shop - you never know what you might find.

Tip Tuesday: World of Disney

Welcome to another Tip Tuesday!

Now that the holidays are over and Marathon weekend is behind me (my most sincere thanks to everyone for their kind messages), it’s time to get back to some tips that apply all year round.

While I’m a huge fan of the parks, I also enjoy spending time away from the parks, most especially at Downtown Disney.

One of the best things about Downtown Disney is the cost to visit – nothing. There isn’t even a parking fee. You can stroll from the West Side through Pleasure Island (what’s left of it) to the Marketplace and enjoy the sights and sounds (and smells) without spending one cent.

What’s even more fun is to go into the individual stores and shops and seeing what each has to offer (and there are some amazing things to see!). So I thought I’d bring you a series of tips about Downtown Disney and about the different things to do there.

Let’s start with the big kahuna at Downtown Disney – the World of Disney. This is the largest Disney character store in the world. If you’re looking for a piece of Disney merchandise, you’ll probably find it at the World of Disney. I could (and have) spent hours wandering the store looking at the different items for sale. Be careful, this is one place where it’s very easy to spend a LOT. If you’re an annual passholder, be sure to bring your AP, as Disney often gives passholders a discount.

While at the World of Disney, be sure to check out the highly detailed model of Cinderella Castle in the center of the store. I’m amazed every time I see this at the level of detail in this exact replica of the real thing in the Magic Kingdom. It’s a very good thing the model isn’t for sale, because I would have bought it a long time ago, no matter the cost!

Also be sure to see what specials are being offered as you shop. Most times, Disney offers some sort of discounted item if you purchase a certain amount. I’ve been able to get several canvas bags and blankets for a pretty steep discount.

If its pins and artwork you’re looking for, the World of Disney probably isn’t your best stop. I’ll have more about the Pin Trading Station and the Art of Disney store (one of the best in all of WDW) in a future Tip Tuesday post. However, the World of Disney is a good place if you’re looking for Disney jewelry. There’s an entire section of the store devoted to jewelry, both expensive and not-so-expensive.

As for apparel, there’s no better place than World of Disney. There are clothes of all sorts there for boys, girls, women and men. If you’re looking for a shirt featuring the Mouse, you’re in the right place.

Speaking of clothes for girls, the World of Disney also has the place that is the mecca for budding princesses. Of course, I’m talking about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here hopeful princesses (and princes for that matter) can be transformed into the real thing, with clothes, hairdo and make-up to boot. These costumes aren’t the cheap ones you might find at a big box store back home – these are high quality (at a cost). Disney offers different packages and advance reservations are required. For more information about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, see the Disney Web site. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique/

One last tip about the World of Disney: if you’re entering the building under the huge statue of Stitch (this would be the entrance next to Ghirardelli), be careful. Stitch, being his usual self, is a bit mischievous and may squirt water on you. For some kids, this becomes a game, trying to avoid the “Stitch spit.” You have been warned.

Be sure to check back for more tips about Downtown Disney!

AP and DVC appreciation day at WDW is Jan. 9

According to the Art of Disney Web site, annual passholder and DVC members can save BIG at a special appreciation event at the World of Disney Store in Downtown Disney on Jan. 9, 2010 (same morning as the half-marathon).

Members can save 50-75% off select merchandise and take advantage of special doorbuster sales.

It runs from 7-9 a.m.

Characters in Flight takes off for official first flight

Jack Spence at Allears.net has a great report on the inaugural flight of the new Characters in Flight balloon at Downtown Disney.

http://land.allears.net/blogs/jackspence/2009/04/characters_in_flight_grand_ope.html

Be sure to check it out!

Characters in Flight to open very soon at Downtown Disney

The fun soars to new heights at Downtown Disney West Side with an iconic new tethered balloon attraction, opening as soon as next week, that takes guests on ascents of up to 400 feet above the waterfront.

Characters In Flight operated by Aerophile is a 72-foot-diameter balloon with a whimsical design featuring silhouettes of a dozen of Disney’s “flying characters” – such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo. The vibrantly colored balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute trip – thanks to its enclosed volume of 210,000 cubic feet of lighter-than-air gas. The ascents, by day or night, provide guests with an unparalleled, 360-degree view of up to 10 miles.

Guests board a gondola beneath the 105-foot-high balloon from a landing platform on Village Lake at the end of the main promenade at Downtown Disney West Side. Riders can catch flights seven days a week. Hours Sunday-Thursday are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. while ascents Friday-Saturday are 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Tickets ($16 for ages 10-up and $10 for ages 3-9) can be purchased on site. Availability is on first-come, first-serve basis.

New restaurant to open at Downtown Disney this May

From a WDWnews.com news release:

Paradiso 37, a high-energy restaurant and bar featuring cuisine from North, South and Central America, welcomes guests to its table in May at Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort.

The lakeside eatery will offer a delectable variety of menu offerings representing the 37 countries of the Americas, plus an international wine bar, 37 varieties of tequila and 10 signature frozen margaritas.

The new concept was developed by Orlando-based E-Brands Restaurant Group, a multi-concept restaurant group which currently owns and operates Timpano Chophouse, Samba Room, Taqueria Canonita, Aquaknox, David Burke, Salsa Orlando and Canonita Express in a number of locations across the United States.

The lively Downtown Disney restaurant will feature nightly entertainment and will be open daily from 11 a.m. until late night.

Kungaloosh! no more

Today I mark a sad note in Walt Disney World history.

The Adventurer's Club (as with the rest of Pleasure Island) has officially closed for good - to be replaced with some kind of retail center. You can follow all the news about this change over at the Orlando Attractions Magazine Blog.

While I never personally had the opportunity to visit the Adventurer's Club, I am sad to see it go. When I first heard that Pleasure Island was going away, I thought "good riddance," I am not a bar and club type of person and I never thought that kind of drunken behavior belonged at Disney.

I guess that's what I get for going on stereotypes. While I may not be able to speak for the other clubs at PI, I've learned that The Adventurer's Club is nothing like what I thought. Since that announcement, I heard so many story and seen video from the Adventurer's Club, that I really wanted to go. Now that the opportunity is lost, I regret not finding time to spend a few minutes to appreciate this place and its loyal followers.

To all those who loved The Adventurer's Club: May you remember the adventurers fondly, may you sing the club song, may you remember the Colonel, may you always play along.

Kungaloosh!!!