Magical Blogorail Green - Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Welcome to the first stop aboard Magical Blogorail Green. Enjoy the ride as we share with you details of Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival.

I love visiting Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival each year. My favorite thing about the festival is seeing all the gorgeous topiaries that are displayed throughout the park. Each year they bring some new topiaries to the park and you can always count on the classic ones that come back year after year (like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Sleeping Beauty").

You can't really describe just how beautiful the topiaries throughout the park are, so I'll let you enjoy the pictures from last year's festival. 

I'll be sure to post pictures from this year's festival as soon as I get a chance to go back to Disney. 

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is A Disney Mom’s Thoughts.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Adventures of a Disney Princess

2nd Stop ~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts

3rd Stop ~ Walt Disney World: Not Just for Kids

4th Stop ~ Your Highway in the Sky
Final Stop ~ Disney Living

Magical Blogorail Green: My Disney Memory with a Loved One

Welcome to those of you joining me from Disney Living and those of you just hopping aboard. I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail. 

My Disney memory with a loved one goes back to when I was 15 years old. It was a "girls" trip with my mom, aunt, sister and great grandmother. That was the last time I went to Disney with my great grandmother whom recently passed away. By that time, taking a trip to Disney was already difficult for her, but she went anyway. 

We had so much fun going to Epcot and the Magic Kingdom (her two favorite parks). The entire time she was laughing and having a great time. I'll never forget the smile on her face. She couldn't go on any rides, but she enjoyed just being there with us and watching her great grandchildren have a wonderful time. 

After all these years I look back and remember what a fun Disney trip that was, especially because of how special it is to me now. I will always hold that Disney memory close to my heart. (I wish I could have posted pictures, but they weren't taken on a digital camera and are put away in an album.)

Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is A Disney Mom's Thoughts.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1st Stop ~ Walt Disney World: Not Just for Kids

2nd Stop ~ Your Highway in the Sky

3rd Stop ~ Disney Living

4th Stop ~ Adventures of a Disney Princess

Final Stop ~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts

Magical Blogorail - My Least Favorite Disney Attraction

Welcome to those of you joining me from Magical Days with the Mouse and those of you who have just hopped aboard.  I am the 4th stop on our Magical Blogorail.

I must start by saying that this was difficult. My least favorite Disney attraction? How could I possibly not like something related to Disney? As difficult as it was, I do have a least favorite Disney attraction and it was after Disney went and changed it. 

Originally my favorite ride in all of Disney, Journey Into Imagination is now my least favorite attraction. 

I miss the original ride and although I still love Figment, I just don't like what Disney did with the attraction. Instead of the friendly and happy Dreamfinder leading you on the journey, it is now a cold Dr. Nigel Channing. The cartoon version of Figment on the screens also changed with the ride upgrade. 

The ride is now more about the science of things and the senses we experience. I feel as if a lot of the "imagination" and fun part of the ride disappeared when they revamped it.

Dreamfinder & Figment at Epcot

I guess this is part of the old saying all good things must come to an end, but Disney didn't really end it, they changed it. And why change a good thing?

I'm hoping one day Disney will bring back the original "Journey Into Imagination" so that the new generation of kids (and adults as well) can enjoy what I once thought was the best attraction.

Thank you for joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is A Disney Mom’s Thoughts.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Loop should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:

1^st Stop ~ Walt Disney World: It’s Not Just For Kids

2^nd Stop ~ Your Highway in the Sky

3^rd Stop ~ Magical Days with the Mouse

4^th Stop ~ Adventures of a Disney Princess

Final Stop ~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts

Must Have Disney Movies Returning to the Vault

In just a couple of weeks (April 30th to be exact), Disney will be putting some of its classic and most beloved animated films back into the Vault.

If you're a Disney fan, be sure to hurry and pick up your copy before it's too late! The list of movies returning to the Vault on April 30th is below. 

• Pinocchio 
• Snow White
• Fantasia 

A Disney Cake That Takes the Cake

A friend of mine recently celebrated her 2 year old son's birthday with a Disney themed party and after seeing the pictures of the cake, I can't help but share with all my fellow Disney fans!

The detail of this cake is spectacular and unlike any Disney cake I've ever seen before. I especially love how "fun" it looks. The edible confetti swirls and the way the buttercream was applied...I love it!

Of course my favorite part of the cake are the fondant mickey head cut outs.

Take a look for yourself...and then run to your nearest bakery and ask them to replicate it!

Since I love baking and of course Disney, I think I may try and make it myself! :)

Update on runDisney's Race Announcement Clues

I'm really trying to figure out what the upcoming race announcement is going to be by checking runDisney's Facebook page regularly, but unfortunately the more clues they give, the more lost I feel!

Anyone have any ideas with the latest clues? Not that any of them make any sense to me really, but the latest clue, clue # 5 has me completely stumped!

I'm hoping they will make the official announcement soon, because I honestly have not gotten any closer to figuring out what the new race is going to be!

Clue # 3:


Clue # 4:


Clue # 5:

Magical Blogorail - My Favorite Disney Theme Park

Welcome to those of you joining me from Magical Memory Planners or those of you who have just hopped aboard. I am the 3rd stop on our Magical Blogorail.

Although it’s hard for me to pick a favorite Disney theme park (all of them have something special that I love), I am going to have to go with Epcot.

Epcot is the most “adult” friendly Disney park and for a couple without kids. I especially enjoy all of the special events that Epcot has throughout the year, especially Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival and Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival. Those are two times are year where it is a definite must to make a trip to the parks – if you haven’t been during these events I strongly urge you to go. 

Another thing that makes Epcot my favorite park is the World Showcase – it may seem cliché, but I truly love “experiencing” all of the countries time and time again. I love dining at the different restaurants around the World and the drinks that come with it. My boyfriend and I only have 3 places in the World Showcase where we haven’t sat down to dine: Canada, the UK, and Germany.  

And of course last but not least, two attractions which add to Epcot being my favorite Disney theme park are Spaceship Earth and Soarin’ – I really can’t go to Epcot without riding them.

Thank you for joining me today.  Your next stop on the Magical Blogorail Loop is A Disney Mom’s Thoughts.

Here is the map of our Magical Blogorail Loop should you happen to have to make a stop along the way and want to reboard:



1st Stop ~ Your Highway in the Sky 
2nd Stop ~ Magical Memory Planners
3rd Stop ~ Adventures of a Disney Princess
4th Stop ~ A Disney Mom’s Thoughts
Final Stop ~ Walt Disney World: It’s Not Just For Kids

runDisney To Reveal New Race

Yesterday, those of us that have registered and participated in a Disney race before received an email from runDisney saying that they will be revealing a new race. Before they reveal the race however, they have decided to provide fans of their Facebook page with clues to see if they can guess what the race event will be before it is even revealed.

The first clue was released on Wednesday and simply stated: "Fantasia/Dumbo Dumbo:Tangled" I don't know about you, but it has me lost.

The next clue will be released today, so be sure to 'Like' runDisney on Facebook!

Personally, I'm hoping to see another race event like The Expedition Everest Challenge, a race that ties in your typical 5k to an obstacle course and scavenger hunt followed by a party.

The Disney Grad Nite Tradition Comes to an End

Disney recently announced that 2011 will be the last year that Disney Grad Nite takes place. Yes, that's right, the long tradition that many of us looked forward to as seniors has come to an end. 

According to the Disney Parks Official Blog, the reason behind doing away with Disney Grad Nite is due to the fact that more and more people are visiting Disney in the springtime. Whether or not this is true, I don't know. As times change and teens' interests change, could it be that more high school Seniors prefer to go to the other parks' graduation celebrations such as neighboring Universal's Grad Bash? Then that would be the real reason why Disney is doing away with Grad Nite. But who knows! 

In the announcement that was made on March 9th, Disney said that "...we’ll be offering students the flexibility to visit and celebrate their achievements here at the parks when they want to. In Florida, school groups can continue the tradition with a special one-day, one-park ticket for $55 valid anytime of the year." Full details can be found here. 

As a result of this announcement I decided to dig through my pictures from senior year and find my Disney Grad Nite pictures. I'm glad I was able to enjoy it...it really was a night I will never forget! 

Spring Break - Perfect Time for a Disney Trip

With Spring Break already underway in most parts of Florida some parents may be looking for a quick and not so pricey getaway to keep their kids' boredom level minimal (let's face we all got bored while out of school) Solution? Take a trip to Disney World!

Now is a great time for Florida residents to vacation at Walt Disney World. Their current promotion, the Wild 4 Disney Pass gives residents of Florida the opportunity to enjoy 4 days at the parks for $119 (not including tax) for adults. For an additional cost, residents can add the Park Hopper Option and the Water Park Fun and More Option.

The special promotion is available for purchase now through May 22nd and expire on May 26th.

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

My first 5K - Disney style!

Last Saturday I ran my first ever official 5K - The Beauty and the Beast Royal Family 5K at Epcot (part of the weekend's events for the Disney Princess 1/2 marathon). I've been running 3 miles here and there for some time now but never officially signed up for a race. I decided a while back that if I were going to sign up for my first race, it would have to be a Disney one!

Although I was extremely sick, that didn't stop me! There is definitely something great about Disney races (even though I haven't run any other races) because the entire time you have your personal group of Disney cheerers pushing you to take the next step - encouraging you every step of the way. Even though at times I felt so sick I could have easily just walked it, their cheers of "You can do it Princess" really gets you to take the next stride forward!

I was extremely happy when I crossed that finish line. And now I'm ready for my next Disney race the Everest Challenge on May 7th! The Expedition Everest Challenge is not your typical race as it is a 5K obstacle course followed by a scavenger hunt at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Bambi is coming to Blu Ray

Bambi & Thumper, my two favorite characters!

The classic Disney movie (and on of my personal favorites), Bambi, is coming to Blu-Ray on Tuesday, March 1st for a limited time. This is the first time that Bambi is being released in high definition. The Diamond Edition is a combo pack that includes a Blu-Ray, a DVD and a digital download version of the movie.

Disney Movie Rewards' members can save $10 on the purchase of the combo pack between March 1st and March 8th by logging in to their account and downloading a coupon under the "Special Offers" section. After you purchase the movie don't forget to log back in and enter the Magic Code to redeem your points.

If you aren't already a member of Disney Movie Rewards, I highly recommend joining. It's free and you earn points just by purchasing Disney movie. Points earned can be redeemed towards various rewards that include: movies, limited edition posters, toys, paraphernalia, trips, experiences and much more!

Disney Launches New Channel: Disney Junior

Yesterday launched a new channel in Disney entertainment, Disney Junior. Formerly Playhouse Disney, the new channel is for kids ages 2-7 and their families to experience television in a whole new way. The programming on Disney Junior runs from 4am to 2pm with shows like Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and the newest addition of Disney shows, Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

Disney Junior combines both television and online games and activities to help young children and their parents make learning a fun experience. At Disney Junior Online, there are games, coloring pages, online storytelling and even full episodes of the shows for kids to enjoy.

Disney Dining: Via Napoli

After reading for almost a year about the new restaurant that was opening at Epcot's Italian Pavilion, I couldn't wait to try the pizza at Via Napoli. 

This past December, we were finally able to get a dining reservation (we tend to sometimes do things spur of the moment). I was ecstatic to say the least as I could not wait to try their wood oven pizza (I'm a big fan of Italian food). The restaurant on the inside and out is absolutely gorgeous! You can tell that they put a lot of time in the design of the place with the intricate details you see all around. 

The ambiance was great and the pizza was indeed delicious (we ordered the Piccante, which had spicy ground beef), however paying $40 for the pizza  was too much for me. I will say however, that if you are on the Disney Dining Plan, then it definitely is worth it! 

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

Disney Dining: La Hacienda de San Angel

On our New Year's trip to Disney last weekend we finally had the opportunity to eat at La Hacienda de San Angel, Disney's newest restaurant in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot. After a couple of months of trying to get dining reservations there, we were finally able to do so on New Year's Day!

I couldn't contain my excitement!

I for one love authentic Mexican food (and non-authentic as well), and La Hacienda de San Angel serves just that. You won't find just beef tacos and quesadillas on their menu. In fact the only tacos found on the menu are as appetizers and in the kids menu.

They start off by putting chips and salsa at your table (as do most Mexican restaurants). As an appetizer, my boyfriend and I ordered  the queso fundido. It was absolutely amazing! I strongly recommend going with this appetizer. As our main course we ordered "La Hacienda" Parrillada (serves 2 people for $49.95), which was a great deal and endless amount of delicious food. "La Hacienda"  is served on an cast iron platter and brings flank steak, chicken al pastor, chorizo and vegetables. It is served with beans and rice on the side.

Although all the meats in the platter were to die for, my favorites were the chicken al pastor and the chorizo (both were served in a chutney glaze).

So if you like authentic Mexican food, then La Hacienda de San Angel is just the place for you to dine at while at Epcot. Make sure to make dining reservations in advance as it fills up quickly and it is only open for dinner (starting at 4pm). If you'd like to look at their complete dinner menu you can do so here.