Welcome
to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number
177 for Sunday 17th September 2017. If you wish to listen to
the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player
below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio. Coming up on this weeks show, Michelle continues her trip report by hopping over the Disney Hollywood Studios. You will recall Michelle was very sceptical about being able to spend a whole day in this park. However, nothing was further from the truth and in fact she spent a further morning there too! During the day she discovered lots of little gems to spend her time enjoying. So lets join her at the beginning of her day...
I am not very good at this attraction!
Like many visitors to DHS, my day began in the queue for Toy Story Midway Mania. Whilst my skills on this attraction are seriously lacking (yes I know there are websites with hints on them), I always enjoy visiting and enjoying this attraction at least 3 or 4 times a trip. Funnily on this trip, during my first game I got the identical score to Tom!
Hollywood Tower of Terror
Spooky interior
Throughout the morning we rode our favourite attractions, Tower of Terror and Star Tours multiple times and I managed a snack stop. Alas on my first trip to the park there were not any carrot cake cookies! This meant I had to make a subsequent trip later in the holiday to find one. We watched the march of the first order - very impressive and it was easy to get a good viewing spot for with just a few moments to spare.
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookie
Snowman Cuddles
Lunch was at Sci Fi Diner - a favourite eatery of ours. Tom had the BBQ burger and it was delicious as ever. Top tip, if you do not like your burger under cooked (i.e. pink in the middle) ensure you tell your car hop! I had the Mickey Check Meal of salmon and I asked for mash instead of rice. It was delicious and quite a big serving too (I'd estimate around 3-4oz for the fish).
Sci Fi Diner Interior
Star Lord and Groot Meet
After lunch we shopped, went to the Muppets attraction and managed to see the Music of Pixar Live. This was a limited run production in the theatre where Beauty and the Beast is shown earlier in the day. On the podcast, I share the audio from the UP segment - it brought tears to my eyes.
The Music of Pixar Live
ABC Commissionary Chicken and Ribs Combo
We kept ourselves busy with some character meets - the Star Lord interaction was particularly good and I can highly recommend. We spent a lot of time in One Man's Dream as we knew it was about to be changed into Walt Disney Presents.
The amazing Butterfinger Cupcake
One Man's Dream
The evening came around very quickily and we were able to get a front row standing spot for Disney Movie Magic. This was shown at 8.40pm and was a ten minute journey through the live action movies in Disney's back catalogue. Then at 9pm the Galactic Spectacular began. It was fantastic. Screen projections, lasers, fire and fireworks. A great show to wrap up our DHS day!
Star Wars Galactic Spectacular
So I think we will wrap this show up until
next time, it is goodbye from us but don't forget to keep up to date with
us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com Instagram Disney_Dream_Girls If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Welcome
to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number
176 for Sunday 10th September 2017. If you wish to listen to
the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player
below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio. Coming up on this weeks show, Michelle and Jayne start to review Michelle's sixteen day trip to Walt Disney World.
Upon arrival at MCO, Michelle collected her car hire and drove over to Walmart for provisions before heading onwards to her new home for her holidays - Wilderness Lodge. For those of you that have not stayed in the DVC part of this resort, the rooms are very conveniently located and spacious. There is a bath with shower and a toilet, a single basin and wardrobe area, a kitchen area, table with two chairs, two seater sofa and coffee table plus the bed. We had a small balcony with two chairs and a small table with great views.
The view from room 2505
Spacious Room
As it was still only late afternoon, we decided to use the handy boat transportation over to the Contemporary and then the monorail to the Polynesian. We ate at Captain Cooks and had a Magic Band issue where it would not let me pay for my dinner! Disney kindly took care of it for me and I must admist, my meal of chicken skewer with pineapple (ordered from the kids menu) was delicious and filling. After that we retired for the evening.
Kids Meal of Chicken and Pineapple Skewer
Pulled Pork with Chips
In the morning we were up early and using extra magic hours to get into Animal Kingdom early. In hindsight we should have probably rope dropped Flight of Passage rather than heading for the safari. However, we enjoyed our journey and had some great animal sightings.
We rode Everest and then ventured to Pandora. The scenery is breathtaking! We rode the Navi River Ride. However, I was a little underwhelmed by it. After enjoying a few favourites and meeting up with the lovely Deborah Wolfe. Our lunch was at the Satuli Canteen and the freshness and quality of the food was fantastic. We then left the park to get ready for our California Grill dinner reservation.
Top is the beef bowl with potato hash and bottom is kids chicken with kale
We arrived at the California Grill a little early and excited about eating a delicious meal but also it being somewhat of a romantic start to our holiday. Alas, as I describe on the podcast this was not the case. Whilst the food was delicious, the atmosphere was more reminiscent of a food court rather than a signature dining establishment.
Kids Menu Grilled Beef
Adults Menu Steak
So I think we will wrap this show up until
next time, it is goodbye from us but don't forget to keep up to date with
us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com Instagram Disney_Dream_Girls If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Welcome
to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number
175 for Sunday 3rd September 2017. If you wish to listen to
the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player
below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio. Coming up on this weeks show, Michelle is joined by Scott and Tracey, from the Disney Indiana Podcast and they share details about the Star Wars Guided Tour they took in May 2017. Disney Indiana
This is a bi-weekly podcast, where your hosts Tracey and Scott take you to
Disney, Indiana and discuss books, movies, music, theme parks, video
games and lots more in the Disneyverse that catches their eye. They’ll share audio clips, interviews and other surprise along the
way. If you enjoy all aspects of the Mouse, go hang out in Disney,
Indiana.
Having met Scott and Tracey I can quite honestly say they are the most adorable, lovely couple. So go and give their podcast a listen! To find Disney Indiana podcast, visit their website http://disneyindiana.com/
Star Wars Tour The cost of the tour is currently $121.12 for children and adults and this does not include tax. Children under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. Separate theme park ticket is also required. It is an outdoor walking tour hence dress appropropriately.
This tour offers VIP access to a lot of the Star Wars themed elements available in the studios. Scott and Tracey will walk you through on the podcast the tour and what they did, however this is an overview (correct as of the date Tracey and Scott did the tour):
Watch a screening of the movie, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
Discover about the last flight to Endor
Follow behind the March of the First order and then, from a reserved viewing area, watch the live stage show—Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away.
If you have children (aged 4-12 only), the ability to enrol them in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Ride into hyperspace aboard a Starspeeder 1000 on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Have a Star Wars-inspired meal at Backlot Express
Meet Chewbacca and Kylo Ren Character Greeting and possibly even BB8
Look around saga-centric exhibits featuring replica props, models, concept art and artifacts at Star Wars Launch Bay
Up to September 30, 2017 join other guests at the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party
Enjoy a reserved viewing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular nighttime fireworks event
Take home gifts include a Chewbacca stein and keep sake themed name badge.
That is a very extensive list! The tour lasts seven hours and whilst lunch did seem a little too long, Scott and Tracey were impressed by the content that was in the tour and felt the value for money was definately there, especially as the dessert party had a free bar and alone is over $60! Have you done this tour? What were your thoughts? If not, perhaps we have persuaded we to give it a try!
So I think we will wrap this show up until
next time, it is goodbye from us but don't forget to keep up to date with
us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com Instagram Disney_Dream_Girls If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Welcome
to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number
174 for Sunday 27th August 2017. If you wish to listen to
the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player
below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.
Coming up on todays show, Michelle is joined by previous guests Kat and Lewis to talk about their newly booked 2018 trip and then they re-imagine EPCOT's character presence.
Kat and Lewis
Australia is just a long way away from everywhere!
Living in Perth Australia and being a Disney fan is quite the challenge, especially when there isn't even a Disney store in the country and to visit a theme park means enduring a long airplane flight.
Kat and Lewis on completing the magical loop
Regular listeners to our show will recall Kat and Lewis have now visited every Disney theme park in the world. However, that doesn't mean no more Disney trips... oh no because in 2018 they are going on their first Disney cruise. In true Kat and Lewis style this will not just be a cruise... they intend to visit Disneyland, Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando! Here more about their travels on this podcast.
Re-imagineering EPCOT This was a two pronged challenge that Michelle set. The first segment was to insert an Australia pavilion into EPCOT. What did they include? You will have to listen to find out!
What Disney Film Is This From?
The second element was to visit each country in turn and to add in a character based attraction (similar to what James did for the America pavilion on show 173). Kat and Lewis did a fabulous job and as always, came up with the unexpected... seriously who else had heard of Alpha Flight and was it a surprise that Lewis managed to squeeze in his favourite characters?
Kat, Lewis and Captain America
Lewis, Scrooge McDuck and Kat
As always, Kat and Lewis were great fun and if you want to hear more from them you can now visit all good places that catch podcasts and start listening to their new show - Dis Down Under. I highly recommend starting with show 1 as it gives a great insight to how their fandom grew.
So that wraps up this weeks show! Until
next time, it is goodbye from us but don't forget to keep up to date with
us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com Instagram Disney_Dream_Girls If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Welcome
to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number
173 for Sunday 20th August 2017. If you wish to listen to
the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player
below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio. Coming up on todays show, Michelle is joined by James H Carter II to talk not only about the Foolish Mortals documentary he and Ryan Gulich have made but also how he would turn the America Pavilion into something creepier and patriotic.
Foolish Mortals Documentary Our good friend James loves the creepier side of Disney and one of his favourite attractions in the Disney theme parks is The Haunted Mansion. Over the past year, he has been busily making a documentary that focuses on the fan culture surrounding Disney's Haunted Mansion. Find out more by watching the trailer below.
The world premiere took place earlier this year in Anaheim, California but there will also be a showing in Orlando between 22nd to 24th September 2017.
On the show, James shares details about some of the people he met whilst filming from fans to imagineer Rolly Crump. He even discusses the involvement of our good friend Terri Hardin.
Recording segment with Rolly Crump
After our discussion about Foolish Mortals, we move on to re-theming the America pavilion at EPCOT. James decided it should beclaimed as the American princesses home - namely Tiana and it should boast an attraction with Friends on the Otherside. I must admit, it does sound amazing!
To keep up to date with news about the Foolish Mortals Documentarty, go to their Facebook page Foolish Mortals Doc.
Well that is a wrap on this show and until
next time, it is goodbye from us but don't forget to keep up to date with
us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com Instagram Disney_Dream_Girls If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Welcome
to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number
172 for Sunday 13th August 2017. If you wish to listen to
the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player
below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio. Coming up on this weeks show, Michelle is joined by Ashley Kennedy Turn (from WDW Happy Place Podcast) and together with Jayne we look at some news items that caught our eye this week then we look at how Michelle has planned her Walt Disney World Trip.
WDW Happy Place Podcast
Wife and husband duo Sam and Ashley have been podcasting about their Happy place for over 300 episodes. They have been fortunate enough to travel to both American parks and have been on several Disney cruises. Michelle is incredibly fortunate to have met up with them on past trips as well as assembling with them to form the Earvengers Podcast. To fin their podcast, click here WDW Happy Place.
Disney News ED92 rumoured on Twitter that the Walt Disney Studios will be hosting a Cusine of France event in the area by the Ratatouille attraction. This will be held in September and will showcase the fine wine and delicious regional cuisine.
Hong Kong Disneyland is to close its Buzz Lightyear attraction at the end of August and to retheme it to being Marvel based.
19th August is PhotoPass day in Walt Disney World and as mentioned on the podcast, here is the full list of the photo opportunities and magic shots.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Character Experiences:
Meeko joins Pocahontas at Character Landing on Discovery Island
Timon joins Rafiki at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Princess Atta joins Flik at Discovery Island near Creature Comforts
Photo opportunities:
Dream Big Princess photo backdrop before the park entrance (daylight hours only)
Jungle Book Magic Shot near Yak & Yeti Restaurant
Visit the PhotoPass photographer in DinoLand U.S.A. from 9-10 p.m. to have magical Mickey light effects added to your photo
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Character Experiences:
The Queen from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Maleficent, and
Cruella de Vil will meet with guests at Sunset Showcase. This
opportunity will be available from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Photo opportunities:
Dream Big Princess photo backdrop outside the Theater of the Stars (daylight hours only)
Poison Apple Magic Shot on Sunset Boulevard
Fisheye lens in the Chinese Theatre Courtyard area.
Magic Kingdom Park
Character Experiences:
Dopey joins Snow White at Town Square Courtyard
Captain Hook joins Peter Pan in Fantasyland
Photo opportunities:
Cinderella’s Coach in Fantasyland
“Tangled” light painting photo opportunity near Ariel’s Grotto (available after dark)
Mickey Mouse Magic Shot on the bridge near Fairytale Garden
Main Street Vehicle near the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (available in the morning and early afternoon)
Epcot
Character Experiences:
Genie will join Princess Jasmine in the Morocco Pavilion
Mushu will join Mulan in the China Pavilion
Photo opportunities:
Dream Big Princess photo backdrop near Epcot Character Spot (daylight hours only)
Baymax Animated Magic Shot with the PhotoPass photographer located near Mouse Gear and the Fountain of Nations
Fisheye lens near the fountain close to the entrance to Spaceship Earth
Disney Springs
Photo opportunities:
Dream Big Princess photo backdrop next to the Marketplace Stage
Fairy Wings Magic Shot from the PhotoPass photographer roaming around the Marketplace near Tren-D (available from 1-10:30 p.m.)
You can also visit the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs to enjoy special $99.95 plus shipping pricing on a Personalized Storybook now through August 20!
Walt Disney World Trip On 18th August Michelle will be travelling to Florida for a hopefully a memorable trip to Walt Disney World and join us for a walk through some of the highlights of the trip. Along the way we discuss how Fastpass Plus has improved scheduling, how to save money on flights and accomodation plus lots more!
Meeting Mickey 2016
Thomas Allison, Michelle Young, Ashley and Sam Turner 2016
We will be holding an informal meet up day in Walt Disney World at EPCOT on Thursday 31st August 2017 as we stroll around the Food and Wine Festival. Anyway, time to wrap up this show and until
next time, it is goodbye from us but don't forget to keep up to date with
us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com Instagram Disney_Dream_Girls If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls
Welcome
to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number
171 for Sunday 6th August 2017. If you wish to listen to
the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player
below. Alternatively, our podcast can be found in most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio. Coming up on todays show we look at some news items that caught our eye this week, before we talk about the Magic of our Steam Trains Tour with our special guest - Becky Manion. We also include details of the trains at Disneyland, what it is to be an engineer and a new exciting tour coming to that park!
Becky Manion Becky has been visiting Walt Disney World from the UK since 1995 and is obsessed by all of the details you can find. On her bucket list is to stay in every Disney Resort. Becky has been a guest on the podcast several times and always brings fun, facts and stories from her travels. To find our more and join in with her trips, her blog can be found What_Becky_Did_Next.
The Magic of Our Steam Trains Tour The tour is priced at $54 and starts at 7.30am (though you need to be at the specified meeting point for 7.30am). It is a walking tour for ages ten and above lasting approximately 3 hours. Part of the tour is backstage and will reveal some of the magic, so if you do not want the illusion spoiled - consider this.
Arrival at the Magic Kingdom at this time means the ability to take pictures very early or a near empty park - this is a very cool thing for the Disney obsessive! The tour begins at the Mickey floral with introductions, name badges and the issuing of the whisper set headphones. Then you enter the park and are free to take pictures for a few moments before catching the train. Due to the early start time, no other guests are able to ride the train so as you board you have the entire train to yourself. The train takes you to the roundhouse (where the trains are kept). Here you get to the find out how the trains are prepared each morning for service. Michelle discussed her favourite part - climbing into the cab. Whilst Becky prefered the 'pop off' (see video link below).
Throughout the tour, the guide sews together the history of the trains in the park and also Walt's love of them. The tour finishes in the Main Street Station and guests are given a souvenir momento of a steam train tour pin.
During the podcast, we used audio from two Disney Parks links, as well as youtuber Steven Ford. The links for these can be found below. Walt's Love of Steam Trains Published on Oct 13, 2011 Let
Disney historian Jim Korkis, author of The Vault of Walt, be your guide
for a fact filled journey 'round the Magic Kingdom Park and into the
heart of what brought joy to the man who brought so much joy to others.
'Pop Off' Test
Published on Mar 21, 2013
During
a roundhouse tour at Walt Disney World, one of the locomotives conducts
a steam pop-off valve test before entering the Magic Kingdom. The tour
was "The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains" experience, in which guests can
see the Magic Kingdom trains up close. The pressure test that is
performed each morning on all the trains in operation is a way for the
engineers to test the safety features of the high-pressure boilers.
After recording it was announced that Disneyland would be starting a new tour! This is based on Walt's love of steam trains. Priced at $85 it includes early entry to the park to enjoy a complimentary speciality donut and beverage. Also the tour will include access to the Lilly Belle train carriage. No other details as yet but we will keep you updated!
Disneyland Steam Train Engineers
Published on May 20, 2010
At
the Disneyland Resort, every role is a starring role. The Disneyland
Railroad's steam train engineers and maintenance team keep the park's
locomotives running smoothly.
Until
next time, it is goodbye from us but don't forget to keep up to date with
us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps Facebook - search for Disney Dream Girls Email - info@disneydreamgirls.com Instagram Disney_Dream_Girls If you choose to support us financially (via Patreon) we offer a range of incentives and our eternal thanks for your support. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls
