Podcasts about Fantasia Gardens

Send us a textIn this episode, I'm taking you on a special journey through our upcoming resort-only stay at Walt Disney World, where we're skipping the theme parks and embracing the magic of the resorts. We'll be staying at the vibrant Art of Animation Resort and having the best time ever, just soaking up the relaxation by the pool and indulging in some fun resort activities. I'll walk you through our plans to experience the magic of Disney without the park tickets, showing you that there's so much to enjoy beyond the parks!We're kicking things off with a dinner at one of our favorite spots—Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village, where we'll savor delicious African-inspired cuisine and take in the amazing savanna views. Afterward, we'll head over to Fantasia Gardens for a round of mini-golf, enjoy the charm of Disney's BoardWalk Resort with its nighttime entertainment, and maybe even stop by Cake Bake Shop for one of those massive, decadent slices of cake that are too good to resist.I'm also diving into all the fun activities offered at Art of Animation Resort, including the monthly activities that make staying there so unique and special. I'll share how my family and I plan to spend our time, creating memories without the need for a park ticket. From scavenger hunts to movie nights, there's plenty to do at the resort itself.But that's not all! I'll talk about some of the amazing character dining experiences you can enjoy at other resorts. Whether it's the charming Topolino Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort, the fun Cape May Minnie's Breakfast at Disney's Beach Club, or our all-time favorite Chef Mickey at Disney's Contemporary Resort, there are character meals that bring magic to your table, no theme park required.This episode is all about embracing the magic of Walt Disney World Resort outside the theme parks and showing you how you can enjoy a relaxing yet adventure-filled getaway with your family. From delicious meals to resort activities, there are countless ways to experience the enchantment without ever setting foot in a theme park. Tune in for tips, ideas, and inspiration on how to make the most of your resort-only stay! Support the showHey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

Love is in the air, and what better place to celebrate romance than Walt Disney World? In this special Valentine's Day episode, we're sharing the most magical date ideas for couples—from romantic dining and unique experiences to fun and playful Disney date nights. Plus, we're featuring heartwarming listener love stories, proving that Disney truly is the most magical place to fall in love.You'll hear incredible real-life Disney love stories, including first dates at Magic Kingdom, surprise proposals in front of Cinderella Castle, anniversaries, and even Disney weddings! We'll also break down the best restaurants for a fancy date night or a budget-friendly romantic meal, as well as fun, out-of-the-box Disney date ideas, like building a lightsaber together, monorail bar crawling, or renting a private fireworks cruise.Looking for classic Disney romance? We've got you covered with the best fireworks viewing spots, couples' photo ops, and relaxing resort experiences. Want something playful and fun? How about riding nostalgic attractions together, snacking around the world at EPCOT, or a mini-golf date at Fantasia Gardens?Whether you're planning a special Disney date, a honeymoon, or just love hearing magical Disney romance stories, this episode is filled with love, laughter, and plenty of pixie dust. So grab your Valentine (or just a Dole Whip), and let's celebrate love at the most magical place on earth!MEI-Travel – Expertise. Ease. Value.No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!Follow Us on Social MediaFacebook GroupFacebook: @MainStMagicTwitter: @MainStMagicTikTok: @MSMPodcastInstagram: @MainStMagicVisit Us Onlinewww.MainStMagic.comwww.MainStreetShirts.comGet Dining Alerts!Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!Visit our Partnerswww.MSMFriends.comThanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

AJ, Mike, and Chris Invite you to explore the history of mini golf at Walt Disney World. Whether you're looking to casually putt the greens of Fantasia Gardens or enjoy a vacation to Winter Summerland, just pick your golf ball color and join us for 18 holes of fun! History of Mini Golf Golf originated in 15th century Scotland. Early 20th-century mini golf courses included Thistle Dhu (1916) and Tom Thumb (1927). The game became widely accessible thanks to Thomas McCullough Fairbairn's artificial greens in 1922. Fantasia Gardens Fantasia Gardens opened near the Swan and Dolphin resorts, featuring scenes from Fantasia. It was designed to keep guests on property and collaborated between WDI and Disney Development Company. Winter Summerland Winter Summerland, opened in 1999, features two themed courses (Summer and Winter) based on Santa's elves' vacation. It is located next to Blizzard Beach. Send questions and comments to 90sdisneypodcast@gmail.com. Links AllEars: Fantasia Gardens Disney Parks Blog: Fantasia Gardens Disney Fandom: Fantasia Gardens Passport to Dreams: Dancing Hippo Your First Visit: Winter Summerland --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/90sdisney/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/90sdisney/support

Len Testa shares what it was like to watch Disney Springs' new nighttime show from Saratoga Springs. Jim Hill then finishes his history of the miniature golf courses at the WDW Resort Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Why do Disney execs really need to pay attention to what Jenny Nicolson shared throughout her four-hour-long “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” video What makes the Bacchus hole at “Fantasia Gardens” so difficult for golfers How long after the theme for “Winter Summerland” was selected did this miniature golf course open up right next door to Blizzard Beach What did Tiger Woods have to say about “Fantasia Fairways” Which buildings at Disney's Saratoga Springs should offer the very best views of “Disney Dreams That Soar” (EDITOR'S NOTE: on the side facing Disney Springs Lake) Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa shares what it was like to watch Disney Springs' new nighttime show from Saratoga Springs. Jim Hill then finishes his history of the miniature golf courses at the WDW Resort Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Why do Disney execs really need to pay attention to what Jenny Nicolson shared throughout her four-hour-long “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” video What makes the Bacchus hole at “Fantasia Gardens” so difficult for golfers How long after the theme for “Winter Summerland” was selected did this miniature golf course open up right next door to Blizzard Beach What did Tiger Woods have to say about “Fantasia Fairways” Which buildings at Disney's Saratoga Springs should offer the very best views of “Disney Dreams That Soar” (EDITOR'S NOTE: on the side facing Disney Springs Lake) Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy and Rhonda finish off their recent trip review and in part 3 talk about a disappointing Kona Cafe mobile order, the perfect day at the Polynesian, a DVC Tour of the bungalows, 1900 Park Fare breakfast, and a fun morning mini-golfing at Fantasia Gardens.Follow Us on Social MediaFacebook GroupFacebook: @MainStMagicTwitter: @MainStMagicTikTok: @MSMPodcastInstagram: @MainStMagicVisit Us Onlinewww.MainStMagic.comwww.WonderlandCrew.comwww.MainStreetShirts.comGet Dining Alerts!Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!Visit our Partnerswww.MSMFriends.comGet a FREE vacation quote to your favorite destinationMainStMagicTravel.com for a free quoteThanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

Here's episode 91 of The Budget Mouse podcast. This is a trip report from my November 2023 visit to Walt Disney World. I cover some of our low-cost fun, such as Disney World miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens, the Epcot Festival of the Holidays Cookie Stroll, and the Animal Kingdom Caring For Giants Backstage Tour.  Here are the resources I mentioned in the show:  How to Rent DVC Points at Disney World How to Use Priceline to Save on Disney World Hotels How to make Room Requests at Disney World Sign up for my email newsletter here

When we started this podcast series examining the lands of Disneyland Park in the Disneyland Paris Resort, we began our first focused podcast with Fantasia Gardens, moved past the Disneyland Hotel, and down the left side of Main Street U.S.A., to include the Liberty arcade. We have then moved through Frontierland, Adventureland, Fantasyland and Discoveryland. Now we will return to Main Street and move down the right side toward the castle. One might think this is a lot of podcast for what is a lot of shops and eateries but I hold that this is perhaps the best designed retail and dining experience in the world. Even better than any of the other Main Streets found in parks world-wide. The attention Imagineers put toward the design of this street is unparalleled in terms of attention to detail, especially for something that is not really about rides and attractions (though we will talk about the Disneyland Railroad). In fact, we will consider this as to whether this is the best combined indoor/outdoor entertainment/retail/dining mall-style experience across the globe. Join us as we continue our series of celebrating the many lands of Disneyland Park in Disneyland Paris. This podcast as well as all others are brought to you by Performance Journeys, which celebrates its 20th year as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through keynotes, workshops, seminars and amazing benchmarking programs to organizations in the public, private and non-profit sectors. If you are seeking to improve your customer delivery, to re-engage the morale of your workforce, or to improve the leadership of your organization, we offer not only great solutions tried and tested from our time working intimately to raise excellence in organizations big and small. At Performance Journeys, it's as much about the journey as it is about the performance. Lots of photos, videos and links supporting this podcast at DisneyInsights.com Special Announcement! Jim Korkis needs your help! The 72-year-old, internationally-respected Disney historian who has authored thousands of articles and dozens of books about all things Disney. He has also been a guest on several Disney Insight Podcasts. Moreover, he's been a friend for years. Jim is now struggling with a series of major medical issues and is in need of financial help to pay his bills. We invite you to help! There are three ways you can support Jim with any or all of the following: Go to Go Fund Me and make a direct contribution to Jim Korkis. Join our Patreon Group, the Wayfinder Society at any level and all 2023 donations will be contributed to supporting Jim. Be among the first 100 people to do the following and we'll make a $3 contribution each to supporting Jim: Subscribe to DisneyInsights.com Subscribe to Disney Insights on YouTube and Share a Video. Join our Disney Insights Facebook Group Page and Share with Others.

ABOUT JOE LANZISERO: Joe's Profile: linkedin.com/in/joelanziseroEmail: jlmonkeyfez@gmail.comTwitter: joe_lanzisero Website: lanziserocreative.comInstagram: @joelanziseroBIO:JOE LANZISERO Former Creative Executive, Senior Vice President, Hong Kong Disneyland & Disney Cruise Line Portfolios Walt Disney Imagineering, Current Creative and UX Consultant, and Executive Vice President & Creative Director Zeitgeist Design and Production Joe Lanzisero served as the senior creative executive in charge of projects for Walt Disney Imagineering across multiple platforms in the company's cruise, theme park, hotel & resort, restaurant and retail business lines. With more than three decades of Disney experience, Joe worked with teams of artists, writers, architects and engineers, he serves as the eyes and artistic conscience of a project from conception through completion. Joe was responsible for the creative development of the two newest ships for the Disney Cruise Line, and oversaw the teams that designed these new state-of-the-art ships (Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy) which launched in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Many features such as the innovative dinner show “Animation Magic” and the inclusion of an onboard water coaster (the AquaDuck) are cruise industry firsts. At Hong Kong Disneyland, Joe oversaw the expansion of the park by more than 20 percent over a three-year period. The additions of three new lands – Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch and most recently, Mystic Point, adds more excitement and fun for guests of all ages. Lanzisero began his Disney career in 1979 in Feature Animation (now Walt Disney Animation Studios), working on the animation, special effects, storyboarding and story development of numerous features, shorts and special project. He came to Imagineering in 1987 as a concept designer and was on the design teams for Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park at Walt Disney World, Critter Country at Disneyland, and Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris. In 1991, Lanzisero was promoted to senior concept designer and immediately plunged into the development of Mickey's Toontown, the wacky cartoon “community” that opened at Disneyland Park in 1993. He also developed the concept for Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin, a wild and funny dark ride that opened in Mickey's Toontown the following year. Lanzisero also supervised the concept design for the Tokyo Disneyland version of Toontown that opened in 1996. Before joining the Tokyo Disneyland project team in 1999, he developed the concept for Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland, a pair of unique miniature golf courses at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Another new venture, Disney Cruise Line, benefited from his work on children's spaces and activities. And he was behind the 12/10/2013 conceptual design and development of DisneyFest, a unique Disney entertainment venue that traveled throughout the Far East and South America. In 2001 Joe was promoted to creative vice president for Tokyo Disney Resort, charged with overseeing all design in Tokyo. For Tokyo Disney Resort, he worked on such attractions as Pooh's Hunny Hunt, Toontown, Critter Country and Splash Mountain. He did the concept development for Mermaid Lagoon and Arabian Coast in Tokyo DisneySea as well as many other projects. He directed the creative development of Tower of Terror attraction and Monsters, Inc. Ride and Go Seek.In March 2007, Joe was promoted to creative senior vice president with the added responsibilities of overseeing all design for Hong Kong Disneyland, including leading the design of a major three-land expansion of the park. A member of the first graduating class of the Walt Disney Character Animation program at California Institute of the Arts in 1979, Lanzisero developed his artistic talents with old-time Disney professionals. He applied his education as a teacher at the Otis Art Institute and in the animation industry before joining The Walt Disney Company. Currently Joe is a consultant to the Themed Entertainment, Cruise, Museum and Hospitality industries with a portfolio of ongoing international and domestic projects in various stages of design and production. Joe is also actively involved in the UX world and is a sought after speaker in this sector. He has been the Keynote Speaker at the World Usability Congress in Graz Austria and has spoken and consulted on UX to major companies like Macys and Silicon Valley startups. He is also currently Executive Vice President and Creative Director for Zeitgeist Design and Production. Zeitgeist currently has a roster of international and domestic projects. Domestically they are working on high profile museum projects. Internationally they are the creative development team exclusive to Chimelong Resorts in Guangzhou China. Joe is full-time consultant working for visionary clients all over the world. He welcomes the chance to learn more about your big idea and explore ways he might serve you.  SHOW INTRO:Welcome to the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast. Over our 4 seasons we have focused on “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture, Technology and the Arts”. NXTLVL features provocateurs for whom disruption and transformation are a way of engaging in work and play every day.Theyinclude thought leaders who are driven by curiosity, a passion to create the ‘New Possible' and a mindset of promoting new paradigms of experiences.  They include leading scientists, artists, musicians, architects, entertainers and story tellers whose research, exploration and built work brings new understanding of the impact and relevance of place-making to the world. On the show, we focus on what's now and what's next.*          *          *          *          *          *          *In this episode we talk about storytelling with a master, Joe Lanzisero former SVP at Walt Disney Imagineering.We'll get to our conversation in a minute but first a few thoughts on why I love this topic:*          *          *          *          *          *          *Stories are powerful. They are among the engines of culture and we have relied on sharing them for millennia as part of our human socio-cultural and spiritual development. We stamped out narratives around tribal fires, shared them on trade routes and built public squares combining commerce and culture through the need to share life experiences with storytelling.Stories are also crucial to our empathic development, as well as providing context to our lives. And stories can also act as path to follow for designers that provides a reference point for design decisions guiding massing or volumes, layouts, use of materials, geometries and other aesthetic choices. Story can be used as a tool to determine the sequence of a brand's signature moments and experiences along a customer journey. The best stories are easy to remember because they paint pictures in our minds that tap into our deep feelings. Because they often create emotional responses and evoke strong visualizations, they play into our long history of communicating through pictures. In many ways, stories are the framework by which we remember things.While the core components of good storytelling may be the same as they have been for years. In fact Joseph Campbell asserted in his book “A hero With A Thousand Faces,” that there was really only one story, a structure that was reinterpreted across time and cultures. The super interesting feature of our brains and stories is that while reading, listening to or watching stories unfold on screen, we develop elaborate mental representations of the situations described in the text, lyrics or scenes. Researchers have gathered evidence through fMRI scans of individuals reading narratives that “the neural responses to particular types of changes in the stories occurred in the vicinity of regions that increase in activity when viewing similar changes, or when carrying out similar activities in the real world.” (see: Reading Stories Activates Neural Representations of Visual and Motor Experiences, Nicole K. Speer, Jeremy R. Reynolds, Khena M. Swallow and M. Zacks, Psychological Science, Volume 20 – No.8, 2009). In other words, as subjects read about characters in a story, their brains react in a manner that is similar to them personally experiencing those characters' situations. Studies by Brian Pulvermüller (see: Pulvermüller F. Brain Mechanisms Linking Language and Action. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2005;6:576–582) have demonstrated that brain regions involved in reading action words (verbs) are some of the same regions involved in performing analogous actions in the real world. So, if you read the word “throw” or “catch”, brain regions light up in fMRI scans that are activated when moving one's arm or hands.When engaging with story, our brains react to words as if we're experiencing the story in the real world. Cognitive scientist Roger C. Schank explains that - “Humans are not ideally set up to understand logic; they're ideally set up to understand stories.” I've been fascinated with story for years. Stories were a crucial part of bedtime rituals with my sons when they were young. We were deeply connected to the value of story and their ability to communicate ideas, morals and values. When my older son was very young, he loved stories and asked my wife to read two stories at the same time so that he could introduce the characters from one narrative to those in another book. “no mommy,” he explained “turn dis book towards de other so the characters can see each other too…”So this is where my guest comes into the narrative…JOE LANZISERO is the Former Creative Executive, Senior Vice President, Hong Kong Disneyland & Disney Cruise Line Portfolios Walt Disney Imagineering. He is currently the Creative and UX Consultant, and Executive Vice President & Creative Director Zeitgeist Design and Production.Joe Lanzisero served as the senior creative executive in charge of projects for Walt Disney Imagineering across multiple platforms in the company's cruise, theme park, hotel & resort, restaurant and retail business lines. With more than three decades of Disney experience, Joe worked with teams of artists, writers, architects and engineers, he serves as the eyes and artistic conscience of a project from conception through completion.     Lanzisero began his Disney career in 1979 in Feature Animation (now Walt Disney Animation Studios), working on the animation, special effects, storyboarding and story development of numerous features, shorts and special project. After a number of years and promotions with in the Walt Disney organization Joe was promoted to creative vice president for Tokyo Disney Resort, charged with overseeing all design in Tokyo in 2001 and then again in March 2007 to creative senior vice president with the added responsibilities of overseeing all design for Hong Kong Disneyland, including leading the design of a major three-land expansion of the park. Joe is currently Executive Vice President and Creative Director for Zeitgeist Design and Production and a consultant to the Themed Entertainment, Cruise, Museum and Hospitality industries with a portfolio of ongoing international and domestic projects in various stages of design and production. As a note to the listener, I caught up with Joe Lanzisero, at the SHOP Marketplace event in Austin Texas. So, you going to hear the din of the tradeshow floor but the conversation is nonetheless engaging…       ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites: https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com. ************************************************************************************************************************************The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

We begin a multi-part series that looks at the amazing details around Disneyland Paris. Today we begin at Fantasia Gardens and the Disneyland Hotel in the front of the park. We then step down the left side of Main Street U.S.A., which seems on the surface very similar to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. But we'll look at details you'll never see in Florida as we peel back the layers to this fantastic land designed by Disney Imagineer Eddie Sotto. Not only will we go through shops and restaurants up and down the street, but we'll see some buildings you won't find in your local Town Square. Join us as we look at Disney insight on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland Paris. If you are even remotely considering going to Paris to see this park, this podcast series will get you to book your next trip.

Walt Disney World Theme Parks and Water Parks Walt Disney World will temporarily close our theme parks on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29: Magic Kingdom Park EPCOT Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park (Disney's Blizzard Beach water park is currently closed for the season.) Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Partially used multi-day theme park tickets with a usage window impacted by Hurricane Ian related park closure will automatically be extended to use the remaining entitlements through any date through September 30, 2023. Walt Disney World Resort Hotels For the safety of our Guests and Cast Members, Guests must check in to our resorts on Sept. 28, by 3 p.m. Please feel free to reschedule your trip or cancel your stay with us; any customary cancellation fees will be waived. Guests that are checked in by 3 p.m. Wednesday will be asked to shelter in place at their resort for the duration of the storm, this includes any resort-to-resort transfers Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels. Dining options for Guests staying in our Resort hotels will vary, and in some cases may be very limited. Where available, restaurants will accept walk-ups only; Guests will not need dining reservations. Characters will not be available in character dining locations on Wednesday and Thursday The Grand Floridian Spa will close at noon Wednesday, Sept. 28. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Copper Creek Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Treehouse Villas at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort will temporarily close Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30 due to the weather. We are contacting Guests with current and upcoming reservations. Dining, Enchanting Extras, and Special Events Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom has been cancelled for Thursday, Sept. 29. Effective immediately, Disney will not enforce cancellation policies until further notice for dining and other experiences like Savi's Workshop, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and VIP Tours. Performances of Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue have been cancelled Sept. 28 through Sept. 30 in light of the temporary closure of Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Guests with pre-paid reservations will be automatically cancelled and refunded. Transportation Walt Disney World Transportation will stop operating Tuesday night after Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks close. Limited Minnie Van and Mears taxi service will be offered to Walt Disney World resort Guests with existing breakfast reservations. Other Walt Disney World Experiences Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyages departing Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 29 have been cancelled due to the potential impact on the Guest experience. ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29. Disney Springs Disney Springs will be closed on Wednesday, Sept. 28. We anticipate Disney Springs will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 29, and will provide updates as we continue to track the storm. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil & Disney will be cancelled on Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday Sept 29. Guests are strongly encouraged to enjoy food and beverage offerings at the parks and Disney Springs before returning to their Resort hotels. Please note that all reopening timelines are tentative, and subject to safety conditions.

Now abandon land expansion to Animal Kingdom, Beastly Kingdom would put guests face to face with animals of the mythical realm. Discovering a hidden unicorn grotto, sailing the waters of the Fantasia Gardens, and escaping the clutches of a greedy, fire-breathing dragon were all experiences awaiting behind the gates of Beastly Kingdom. Unfortunately, this famed land never came to pass, but now guests can explore the world of Pandora on the hallowed ground. Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/onthehubgrass #BeastlyKingdom #AnimalKingdom #AbandonedAttractions

Season 2, Episode 22 - Nighttime things to do at Disney Nighttime things to do at Disney Hey everyone, I'm Mike, she's Sophie, and that's Brenda, and we're On the Road with Mickey! This is Season 2, Episode 22 for May 31, 2021, and our feature topic today is Nighttime things to do at Disney. Today we are taking a look at the things at Disney that we love to experience at night, whether it be attractions, different areas of the resort, or just about anything! So, grab a drink, relax, and join us as we talk about all the things that we came up with! Here's our rundown of what we talked about: Cheddar from the Big CheeseBrenda: Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort has reopened! It opened on May 18, and is serving breakfast from 7:30 - 11:30AM, and dinner from 5:00 - 9:00PM. Currently, there are no characters, but hopefully that will change soon. For now, at least the price has been modified to reflect the lack of characters -- it is now priced at $25 per adult, $14 per child (plus tax and gratuity) while it was previously priced at around $42 per adult, and $27 per child pre-pandemic.Sophie: May 20, 1996 -- over five years before I was born! -- Disney's Fantasia Gardens miniature golf course opened! This year marks the 25th anniversary of it opening!Mike: June 15, 2021: Disneyland opens up to Guests from outside of California!Connect with us! Here's how: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnTheRoadwithMickeyYouTube: On the Road with Mickey (Don't forget to subscribe, like the videos, and comment!)Instagram: On the Road with MickeyEmail: info@ontheroadwithmickey.comPhone Voicemail: 919-799-8390Feature Topic: Nighttime things to do at DisneyBrenda's choices:RIDES: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Slinky Dog Dash, Expedition Everest, Dumbo, Nighttime viewing of Kilimanjaro Safaris, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (and the queue is fantastic at night), TTA PeopleMover, Prince Charming Regal Carrousel ACTIVITIES: Many years ago, my family started enjoying what we called our “monorail mania meal.” We would start at the Grand Floridian for drinks, then hop the monorail to eat at the Contempo Café at the Contemporary and then monorail to the Polynesian to enjoy dessert (bet you can't guess which one hahahahaha). During our meal we would enjoy seeing the Electric Water Pageant. PARK OFFERINGS: Closing down the Magic Kingdom, enjoying the beautiful Pandora - World of Avatar which is so gorgeous at night; Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios which is super cool at night; and, of course, the World Showcase is very romantic at night.RESORT FUN: Nighttime swimming at your resort.Sophie's choices:The Not-so-Scary Halloween Party and the Very Merry Christmas PartyDisney SpringsPool Time and Late-night Resort AttractionsMike's choices:Jellyrolls BoardwalkWorld ShowcaseBlock PartyFireworksExtra Magic HoursNight vision goggles at AKLA special night...Listener ResponsesTony says to rent a pontoon boat for Magic Kingdom Fireworks or Epcot showDeb says “Sitting on the beach at the Poly watching the Electric Parade on the Water, Fireworks when they have them and of course seeing the monorail make the rounds.”Di says “Campfire with Chip and Dale!”This Day in Disney History for May 31Birthdays: Matsuo Yokoyama and Ewan McGregorDisney Who's Who Character: Jaq from CinderellaWalt Disney QuoteThis quote is from a March, 1941 issue of Ladies Home Journal in an article entitled, “Mr. and Mrs. Disney.” The article stated, “When Disney was eight his parents moved to Kansas City. Around this time he developed another talent, the ability to act, which has turned out much better than his drawing. In 1913 Kansas City was a hive of Chaplin-impersonation contests. Walt said, ‘I'd get in line with half a dozen guys. I'd ad lib and play with my cane and gloves. Sometimes I'd win $5, sometimes $2.50, sometimes just get carfare. I made the wig out of old hemp used to stuff pipes; it stunk of cre...

Episode 49 - Off the Beaten Path at Disney Off the Beaten Path at Disney Hey everyone, I'm Mike, and she's Sophie, and We're on the Road with Mickey! This is episode #49 for December 21, 2020, and our feature topic today is Off the Beaten Path at Disney! Today we are talking about some things that you can do to relax and recharge during your Disney vacation. Grab a drink, relax, and join us as we talk about all the things that we came up with! Here's our rundown of what we talked about: Cheddar from the Big CheeseMike: We missed talking about this on our Facebook Group, but on the 11th Disney Parks Blog shared a #DisneyMagicMoments segment of a virtual viewing of “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks”! If you missed it, here’s the link to the post, with the fireworks on YouTube embedded in the post. https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/12/disneymagicmoments-virtual-viewing-of-minnies-wonderful-christmastime-fireworks-at-walt-disney-world-resort/Sophie: The season 2 finale of The Mandalorian was on December 18. It’s crazy how quickly this season went by! There is also a new television series set to come to Disney+ in fall of 2021. A spin off series from the Movie Up, called the Dug Days. It features Dug the Dog and his adventures in suburbia, and the promo was recently posted on youtube.Sophie: Lastly, all of the Walt Disney World Archways have been completed. Here’s an Instagram picture of the archway for Western Way. Phenomenal! https://www.instagram.com/p/CIvskKIgY-l/?utm_source=ig_embedConnect with us! Here’s how: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/OnTheRoadwithMickeyYouTube: On the Road with MickeyInstagram: On the Road with MickeyEmail: info@ontheroadwithmickey.comPhone Voicemail: 919-799-8390Feature Topic: Off the Beaten Path at DisneyIdeas:Watching Movies at your Resort with “Movies Under the Stars”Relaxing by the poolHorseback riding at Fort WildernessChip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-AlongFort Wilderness Archery ExperienceHorse Drawn Carriage RidesSurrey Bike RentalsResort Hopping via the SkylinerShopping at Disney Springs or at the BoardwalkIf you have a vehicle, going to the Outlet Malls for Disney MerchTake in a round of mini-golf!Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature GolfWinter Summerland Miniature GolfThis Day in Disney History for December 21Disney Who’s Who CharacterWalt Disney QuoteCharity Spotlight - Neuse River Golden Retriever RescueFrom now until the end of the year, we are going to focus on a special charity to talk about. The charity we have selected is the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue (https://goldenrescuenc.org/) - This charity works to help abandoned Golden Retrievers find their forever home. We have used them twice now, once with our boy Regan and the second time with our boy River, and they are wonderful to work with. If you are interested in donating to their organization, the place to do so is at https://goldenrescuenc.org/support-nrgrr SponsorshipOn the Road with Mickey is sponsored by Pixie Vacations by Mike Ellis and Tech Solutions NC.

This week I'm joined once again by my longtime friend and preferred Disney travel advisor Katie Fisher from Pictures and Postcards Travel and we sit down and talk about what to do on arrival day at Walt Disney World. Whether you're taking the first plane out for an early arrival or you're skidding onto property after a very long drive, we know you're ready to get your vacation started right away.  We talk about the importance of getting acquainted with your resort, unique exploring opportunities and experiences outside the WDW parks, an overlooked place to get some epic photos, and even how you could spend a half day in the park for just a few extra dollars per person! ----more---- HELPFUL REFERENCES Culinary Tours at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/tag/culinary-tour/ WDW Boat info: www.wdwinfo.com/transportation/water.htm Mini Golf info for Fantasia Gardens: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/fantasia-gardens-fairways-miniature-golf/ Mini Golf info for Winter Summerland: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/winter-summerland-miniature-golf/ Amphicar Tours at Disney Springs: https://www.theboathouseorlando.com/amphicar-tours/ Characters in Flight at Disney Springs: https://www.charactersinflight.com/ ----more---- mainandmagic.com We saved you a seat in our private Facebook Group! Join at www.facebook.com/groups/mainandmagic Come hang out with us on Instagram too! instagram.com/mainandmagic Shop our Disney inspired designs on TeePublic at www.teepublic.com/user/mainandmagic  

Len Testa starts off this episode by talking about the problems he has with Governor Newsom’s guidelines for the re-opening of California’s theme parks. Jim Hill then looks back on why it took Epcot’s “Wonders of Life” 12 years to move from its initial design phase in 1977 to when this Future World pavilion officially opens its doors back in October of 1989. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this episode by talking about the problems he has with Governor Newsom’s guidelines for the re-opening of California’s theme parks. Jim Hill then looks back on why it took Epcot’s “Wonders of Life” 12 years to move from its initial design phase in 1977 to when this Future World pavilion officially opens its doors back in October of 1989. Shownotes: https://tinyurl.com/y4tuj9kp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We could all use a break from stress and worry! How about a visit to our favorite place? Sure, DLP is closed right now, but why not join hosts Vanessa and Beth for a virtual exploration? Section by section, they'll take you around DLP, discussing favorite attractions and fun facts. This episode covers the beautiful Fantasia Gardens. It will be followed soon by a visit to Town Square.  Please join us on our Facebook page and join in on the fun over there. #disneymagickeepers

Today we talk about a couple of great options to check out when you don't want to visit a park.  First we go into the two great water parks at WDW, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, both wonderfully themed and offer a lot of fun for those off park days.  Then we talk about the two mini golf locations at WDW, Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland.  Both are themed quite nicely and offer all the magic you would expect from Disney!  Finally we talk a little about something we haven't experienced yet, FootGolf at Oak Trail Golf Course, it's a combination of soccer and golf, we can't wait to try this out.

On this week's feature discussion show, we take a look at one of the lesser-known family-friendly things to do outside of the parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Aside from the obvious dining, shopping, shows and other popular attractions, Walt Disney World also has 72 holes of fun, whimsical, and sometimes even frustrating miniature golf between their 2 locations Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland. We'll take a look at all 4 courses at these 2 locations, some back story, their challenge levels, and more.

01/08/2019 - At the suggestion of listener Gillian, Mario, Beth, Brian, and Kirsten attempt to explore a few of Walt Disney World's romantic offerings. Tune in to hear our suggestions and let us know if there's something we missed! News:   Topics: Activities Putt-putt/mini golf (Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland) Boat rental for nightly fireworks/fireworks cruise Watching the fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian Resort 'Aerophile' Hot Air Balloon at Disney Springs Take a walk at the Boardwalk Resort Horse-drawn carriage ride Bike riding in Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter Restaurants Be Our Guest (Magic Kingdom) Victoria and Albert's (Grand Floridian Resort) San Angel Inn (Epcot) Citricos (Grand Floridian Resort) California Grill & Lounge (Contemporary Resort) Quality Time Enjoy the fire pit outside Animal Kingdom Lodge Take in the general atmosphere of a resort such as Port Orleans Riverside, Polynesian, or Boardwalk Listen to the piano player at the Grand Floridian Resort Walk the path from Saratoga Springs Resort to Disney Springs Connect with us! Website: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Email: Google Voice Number: 

Hear all about Ashley's family trip to Walt Disney World, staying at All Star Music! Links to info mentioned this episode: * Fantasia Gardens & Mini Golf (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/fantasia-gardens-fairways-miniature-golf/) - the miniature golf course Ashley's family considered doing, but ended up being too exhausted to do! * Lines (https://touringplans.com/disney-world-app) - the app run by TouringPlans.com that supports custom touring plans and displays estimated wait times * Up: A Great Bird Adventure (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/animal-kingdom/up-great-bird-adventure/) - the new bird show at Animal Kingdom * Rivers of Light Dining Package (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom/rivers-of-light-dining-package/) - the package you can purchase to get reserved seating for Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom * Some info about how Resort Airline Check-In works: official info from Disney (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/resort-airline-check-in/), as well as an article from Shannon at WDW Prep School (https://wdwprepschool.com/how-resort-airline-check-in-at-disney-world-works/) about how it works * A screenshot of Ashley's spreadsheet (https://uploads.fireside.fm/images/1/1d738875-c140-4854-8e43-e0d3022e95b6/v0Pq7BLr.png) where she tracked all the plans for her trip Things I Like: Check out Dark Sky on iOS or Android (https://darksky.net/app). It does cost a few dollars, but believe me when I tell you it's worth the cost of a cup of coffee to get that level of detail about the rain forecast!

08/30/18 - The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off today, Minnie Vans can now go to and from the Orlando International Airport from all property hotels, and part of Fantasia Gardens will close for refurb in September, plus more on today's DIS Daily Fix!

Dave Matt is back to talk with host Aaron Rittmaster about another Walt Disney World trip. Even after six trips in a twelve-month period, there’s always something new to see, do and experience. From Disney-bounding Spider-Man on Dapper Day in Epcot, to May the Fourth, to miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens and visits to both […]

08/22/16 - Nancy Johnson has some tips for a Disneyland trip that includes grandparents of all ages.