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Category Archives: Play Areas

You Really Can’t Miss This: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure!

Sunday, September 9, 2012 Ashley 6 Comments

I am always amazed by what people miss when they go to Disney World. It seems like in the fast paced buzz of it all, often times, many of my park favorites are left off of to do lists! That’s why, I am surprised to hear that friends and family have come back from trips to Disney World and act like they’ve never even heard of the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area. I am always amazed as I describe in detail the oversized Playdough Can, giant film slides, and humongous ant and get a blank stare back at me. I almost always say, “I don’t know how you missed it!”. My astonishment is almost always met with astonishment of an equal caliber! Today we are taking a look at the attraction that is literally larger than life! The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure takes you into a magical world where you feel like you’ve been shrunk by Wayne Szalinski’s amazing shrinking machine! This play area holds fond childhood memories…I simply can’t miss it! Today I am giving you my top 3 reasons you shouldn’t either!

1. It is fun for all!

I love this attraction because it really is fun for EVERYONE! From kids and (wannabe to be kids) sliding down a larger than life film strip slide and crawling through spider webs to parents soaking in the magic of the moment for their children, this attraction really does have something for everyone. I love the idea of taking a break from the go-go-go of the parks by simply enjoying the play area. I love that there is plenty of shade, fans, and a cool spot to get splashed by the hose. The cool thing is that I have pictures of me as a child on the play area and now my sweet little nephew enjoying it. There really is something for everyone to enjoy in this attraction!

Secrets of Hollywood Studios

Tuesday, August 21, 2012 Sunshine 1 Comment

Shhhh don’t tell anyone. It’s just between you and me. I have been a passholder for a few years and a Cast Member a few years ago. So in that time I have learned a few insider secrets that I thought you would appreciate. In case you missed our fun facts from the Magic Kingdom you can check them out here.

On August 9, 2007, Meg Crofton, the president of Walt Disney World, announced that the park would be re-named as Disney World Hollywood Studios. Some of you may remember that Hollywood Studios used to be called MGM Studios.
Hollywood Studios is modeled after Hollywood of the 1930’s and 40’s. The park is represented by the big sorcerer’s hat from the movie Fantasia.

Hollywood Boulevard

As you enter Hollywood Studios you are on Hollywood Blvd. The street is lined with stores. I recommend stopping in every store because you will find something new in each one.
As you look down Hollywood studios you will see the infamous Mickey’s Sorcerers hat, behind that you will find a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Next to that is The Great Movie Ride which is a dark ride that takes you thru scenes from some classic and unforgettable movies.
Take time to watch the street performers. They are really funny and will constantly involve members of the crowd.

Top 5 Reasons To Be Excited About Disney’s Art of Animation

Wednesday, June 20, 2012 Savannah 6 Comments

Disney’s newest resort, the Art of Animation, has a lot to be excited about! When I went to check out this resort for myself, I was excited to see what new details and experiences Disney has brought to the table; and I’m happy to report that I was very impressed! If this resort is a taste of things to come, then Disney is on the right track.

To narrow things down a bit, here are five reasons why you should be excited about this resort too!

5. Rooms-Most of Disney’s resort rooms feature a theme and decor which appeals to adults, with only subtle references to Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. Also, the room sizes typically cater to a family of four with their standard size. However, at this resort, your rooms immerse you into the worlds of Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid! Also, while you can choose standard size rooms, this resort primarily offers family suites which sleep up to six family members! These rooms are sure to delight kids and offer parents the space they need. Did we mention the extra bathroom too?

4. Landscape of Flavors-This resort food court has five different stations offering different menus; but unlike other food courts, the Landscape of Flavors has healthier options for guests to enjoy. Also, the kitchens are more open and on display than in other food courts, so guests can see their meals being prepared. Although, if you are looking for the standard burger and fries, don’t be concerned. Traditional fare is served here too.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Blizzard Beach

Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Savannah No comments

Just like Disney World’s theme parks, Blizzard Beach, one of the Disney’s waterparks, offers a great theme, storyline, fun for the family, and an experience you will never forget! Blizzard Beach is also a great way to get some relief from that intense Florida heat.

The story behind Blizzard Beach is that a freak snowstorm in central Florida prompted the opening of a ski resort; but when it began to melt, it was turned into a waterpark.

5. Experience-Where else can you and your family spend hours splashing in the Florida sunshine amidst snow drifts to a Christmas soundtrack with a ski lift overhead? Yeah, didn’t think so.

4. Summit Plummet-The centerpiece of Blizzard Beach, this slide is made to resemble a ski jump; and at 12 stories high, it holds the title of the tallest free-fall waterslide in the world. In addition, it sends guests in and out of the dark at 50 to 60 mph, making it also the fastest free-fall slide in the world! Get ready to scream!

3.Thrills-Blizzard Beach is home to a vast variety of slides which are sure to get your adrenaline pumping! So if you are a thrill-seeker, this is the park for you.

2. Theme-The story behind this waterpark is incredibly fun and unique. No other waterpark that we know of can boast a theme quite like Blizzard Beach; and Imagineers cleverly carried the melting ski resort theme throughout the park in their attractions, architecture, and those little details. Keep an eye out for icicles, snowmen, and even a snowplow!

1. Variety-Blizzard Beach boasts many slides and pools, including a special area for toddlers and another for young children. Due to the vast variety of water fun available at this park, there really is something for every age and taste making it great for families!

Will you choose Blizzard Beach on your next Disney World vacation? Share with us!

Disney Water Parks – Are They Worth It?
Quizzes: Which WDW Water Park Do You Choose? (aglassslippervacation.com)

Visiting Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – Why It’s Worth The Trip

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 Catie 1 Comment

Visiting Disneys Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Why Its Worth The Trip
Port Orleans French Quarter is one of Disney’s Moderate Resorts, and it’s modeled after New Orlean’s historic French Quarter. It’s a great Resort to stay at, and it’s also a great Resort to visit, even if you aren’t staying there!

So why should you go out of your way to visit this quaint little resort?

Well, there are many reasons:

Atmosphere (and Romance!) – it is a quiet, laid back resort that really encompasses the New Orleans “big easy” style. When you walk in through the lobby, you enter a big open courtyard area where there are palm trees and cobblestone streets and smooth jazz music playing in the background (when we went, it was the holidays, so the jazz was Christmas themed!)

I recommend taking a leisurely, romantic walk around the resort and breathe in the smell of the magnolia blossoms and check out the landscaping – there are several beautiful courtyards with benches in them, where you can sit and relax (and it’s very peaceful!). There is a trail along the Sassagoula River that connects Port Orleans French Quarter to Port Orleans Riverside, and this scenic stroll really makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the Big Easy! This is an especially romantic thing to do at sunset, and if you decide to walk to Port Orleans Riverside, you can take an old fashioned horse and carriage ride through the beautiful woodlands of both Port Orleans Resorts (Here is some more information on the Carriage Rides)

Entertainment – The Resort offers live entertainment at it’s bar, Scat Cat’s Lounge every Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30pm-Midnight by Elliot Dyson, a New-Orleans style pianist who also plays the saxophone, sings, and has been known to play the guitar and steel drums on occasion too. And as if that weren’t enough, he is also hilarious (Here’s some more info on Elliot Dyson)

If you happen to miss Elliot, you can still stop in at Scat Cat’s for one of their specialty drinks, including the Southern Hurricane (Southern Comfort, orange juice, pineapple juice and grenadine), Sassagoula Swamp water (A blend of rum, gin, tequila and a secret touch!), or the Banana Cabana (Bacardi Spiced Rum and Creme de Banana liquor with coconut and pineapple juice served frozen). The Hurricane drink actually originated in New Orleans, which is why these are the house specialty here and are a definite must try!

If you have kids in your group, Port Orleans French Quarter has them covered too – they have a playground, as well as a video game arcade, and every night the Resort hosts an outdoor movie as well as a campfire (complete with s’mores!)

I also recommend that you stop in at Jackson Square Gifts and Desires for a little shopping and pick up a souvenir to commemorate your fun trip to Port Orleans French Quarter!

Specialty Food – Should you happen to get hungry after your walk, head on over to the Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory for some New Orleans style cuisine – gumbo, po’boys, and beignets are all on the menu here, and the dining area is decorated with huge festive Mardi Gras decor that is sure to put you in a party mood!

So now that you’re ready to visit Port Orleans French Quarter, you might be wondering, “How can I get there?”. You can travel by bus from any of the 4 Theme Parks, and if you happen to be at Downtown Disney, you can take a boat to Port Orleans French Quarter, its a nice scenic ride over to the Resort!

Personally, I love Port Orleans French Quarter, I stayed there last year and can’t say enough good things about it (check out some of my pics here, and check out this post for more info on what makes it such a great place to stay!), and if you can’t stay here, then I highly recommend you stop by for a visit. So take some time and escape the busy Parks for a leisurely afternoon full of New Orleans charm at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort!