Car Masters Weekend at Downtown Disney

Last weekend was an extremely busy weekend at Walt Disney World - from D23's Scavenger hunt and Pixar's 25th Anniversary Weekend at Epcot, to the soft opening of Star Tours - there was something going on at every park. Even Downtown Disney had an event with Car Masters Weekend to celebrate the upcoming release of "Cars 2."


There were fun activities throughout Downtown Disney to celebrate the upcoming movie. Kids even got a chance to meet the stars of "Cars 2" - Lightning, Mater and Finn McMissile! One of my favorite parts of the event was getting a chance to see all of the classic cars that were being showcased.

Classic Cars

Classic Cars

Mater

Finn McMissile

Lightning McQueen

Lightning McQueen

A Look at the Newly Renovated Lego Store in Downtown Disney

The newly renovated Lego Imagination Center at Downtown Disney opened up a couple of weeks ago. On a recent trip I took I stopped by (as I always do), to see the new store and Lego sculptures for myself. 

All I can say is that it's even better than before! I especially love the new Disney Lego Sculptures that were placed all around the front of the store. 

Below is a look at some of the sculptures. My favorite is Snow White with Dopey. What's your favorite? 

Changes to the AMC Theatre in Downtown Disney

 

The AMC Theatre in Downtown Disney recently announced that it was getting quite the makeover and the changes are coming just in time for summer!

Some changes include the addition of new digital technology with the ETX Theatre. They are also adding The Marketplace to the theatre which will be a modern take on your typical concession stand. New to the AMC Theatre will also be Coke Freestyle machines that will have more than 100 flavors of coke for anyone that is interested in experimenting and trying something new. 

My  favorite change and one that I am a very big fan of is the announcement of the addition of the AMC Dine-in Theatres to Downtown Disney. 

The AMC Dine-in Theatre will feature a movie theatre-restaurant experience for guests over the age of 18 (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). It will have over-sized,  Love-seat style seating and with personal tray tables so guests may enjoy food off an extensive menu that will feature appetizers, entrées, desserts and even a full bar. Staff will take guests' orders prior to the start of the movie and serve it before the film begins, giving guests the opportunity to fully experience the concept of "dinner and a movie."

Where I'm from we have Cobb's version of the dine-in theatre with their Cobb Cinebistro and I must say that once you've watched a movie at one of these theatres, you will never want to step foot in a regular movie theatre again. 

I for one have never been to the movie theatre in Downtown Disney. My reasoning behind it is that there is so much to do, why waste time in the movie theatre? But with this upgrade that the AMC Theatre has recently received, I'm just going to have to add it to my bucket list of things to do at Disney World!

The Techy Side of Disney

Recently while on a trip to the parks I noticed a new section at the big World of Disney store in Downtown Disney....a side dedicated solely to us tech enthusiasts specifically Apple lovers like myself. 

Disney has launched a line that they call D-Tech with cases and covers for iPhones, iPads, and laptops. Not all of their tech gear is solely for Apple users however, they also have your regular cell phone cases.

Below are some of my favorite items. Since I haven't upgraded to the iPhone 4 yet, my choices are a bit limited but I'll probably go with the Peace Love Mickey Mouse 3G case!

Steamboat Willie Mickey (iPhone 4)

Peace Love Mickey Mouse (iPhone 3G)

Mickey Mouse  (Available for 3G & iPhone 4)

iPad Sleeve

Lodging: The Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa

One of my favorite hotels to stay at when traveling to Disney is the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa. It is rated as a Travelocity 4-star hotel, but in my opinion it is 5 stars all the way, and best of you all you usually will not have to pay the 5-star price (Travelocity usually has great rates starting at $89 and the hotel itself offers those same rates from time to time - both depend on when you're booking of course!).

Located directly across the street from Downtown Disney, this hotel is perfect for both families and couples looking for a little getaway. You don't even have to move your car once you arrive as the hotel provides free shuttle transportation to the Disney parks. 

The staff at the hotel is extremely friendly and most importantly the hotel is super clean (from the minute you enter there is this fresh perfumed smell throughout the hotel). The entire hotel was recently remodeled and the standard rooms feel almost like suites (instead of your typical double beds, their standard rooms come with 2 queen-sized beds or 1 king). 

*Photos Courtesy of DowntownDisneyHotels.com