Show 51 - Selfie Sticks, Marathons & a Skywalker

Ahead of you are five news topics from our DDG view point, so lets start spreading the news with contributors Michelle and Sarah and here are this weeks topics:

• 2016 packages are released
• Confirmation of a fifth Indiana Jones Movie
• Reflections on the first week of 'poop for sale' in Disneys Animal Kingdom
• Selfie Sticks are to be no more in Disney parks
• Disneyland Paris half Marathon details released

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

This week saw the release of 2016 packages and a few changes have been made. For mini golf, vouchers have increased, yes you read that bit right, from two to four vouchers, plus four vouchers have been added enabling admission to ESPN Wide World of Sports. Also, there are discount changes for Splitsville and Planet Hollywood. However, there have been removal of some restaurants from the packages. How do you feel about this? 

Also this week, Cinemablend.com released news that Cinematographer Janusz Kaminski, during a Variety expose on his career, revealed that his next project is the upcoming fifth Indiana Jones movie. So the question is, would a 72 year old Harrison Ford work or should film makers re-invent the role with a younger actor?

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Lets leap to Animal Kingdom and Zuri's Sweet Shop and it seems to have been doing a roaring trade... well everyone on our twitter feed has been giving it a go! What are your thoughts? On the show, I ask Sarah what she thinks and whether she is game to try! I'll give you a clue, her answer was no!

Moving to the west coast of the USA and in Disneyland have you ever wondered what the bakers, artists and engineers that create the Haunted Mansion Gingerbread extravaganza do during the summer? Well they build a replica castle! Inside the stunning Grand Californian Hotel you will find a 3 foot tall rendition of Sleeping Beauty Castle and it took a staggering a 140 hours to create. We are talking about 54 pounds of rice cereal, 18 pounds of marshmallows, 30 pounds of white chocolate, 40 pounds of gum paste, 15 pounds of fondant and 6 hidden mickeys!

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Finally, more details have been released about the Disneyland Paris inaugural half marathon. Package registration will start next October 6th, 2015. There is also a limited number of individual registrations available from 12th January 2016. From what we gather, package registration is race ticket and accommodations. No prices as yet we are afraid. For further information, go to run.disneylandparis.com

We hope you have enjoyed reading these notes and if you want further details, please take the time to listen to our podcast either via iTunes (subscribe by clicking here). 

Show 50 - Snacks, Poop and Subs!

Welcome to the show notes that accompany show 50 of the Disney Dream Girls Podcast and what a busy show we have for you!

The first half of the show is dedicated to all things submarine themed, as we take a look back in history to where the submarine based attractions came from. This involves looking at Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica and then on to the Submarine Voyage, which debuted in Disneyland on 14th June 1959.

From this, to the Walt Disney World attraction 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage and then the re-imagining of the attraction in Disneyland, following a 7 year closure to be themed around Finding Nemo.

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

(On the podcast this feature is 21:20 seconds onwards)
Following on from this... we talk snacks we want to try and what a varied selection we have for you! Zuri's Sweet Shop has opened in Disney's Animal Kingdom and with it there is a plethora of goodies tempting you to try or chuckle over.

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

Now... lets talk about animal poop! Ok, lets not I hear you call. Alas, this is one of the new temptations that you can try. When this store opened, twitter exploded about it. What are your thoughts? Would you? Could you? Have you?

Photo Credit Disney Food Blog

If you want to read a fabulous write up about these goodies, why not visit Disney Food Blog to find out more!

Photo Credit Josh from @Easy WDW

We also talk about the cupcake at Animal Kingdom, and I am sure you will agree that the icing is quite green!

However, not wanting to be outdone, Disneyland have their own signature brand of truffles as well as a range of cake pops, rice krispy treats and candy apples. Personally, I think these look dazzling!

Photo credit Disney Parks Blog

We hope you have enjoyed reading our show notes and that you will take the time to listen to our podcast either via iTunes (subscribe by clicking here). Alternatively, we are on Stitcher Radio, Libsyn host our show and you can listen direct by clicking Disney Dream Girls Show 50).

Show 49 - The Introduction of the Jedi Tink

Welcome to the show notes to accompany show 49, where we welcome to the team the wonderful Sarah Woloski from Skywalking Through Neverland Podcast.

Sarah Woloski with cartoon drawn by our very own Ciarán

News highlights this week:

• WDW we have Frozen meet and greet and ride details plus Star Wars Weekends ends
• Disneyland Paris announces 'Project Sparkle'
• Disneyland 60^th celebrations continue with prize givings!

Walt Disney World

The 'Royal Sommerhus' is going to exit and showcase the cultural arts and crafts of Norway as well as be the meet and greet area for Anna and Elsa. The attraction, 'Frozen Ever After' will open in Spring 2016 (replacing Maelstrom). However, the new attraction will continue to utilise the track and boats but there will new new scenes, audio-animatronics, music etc. No news on the Norway movie at the end...

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Star Wars weekends comes to an end and although neither Michelle or Sarah personally visited, Sarah interviewed and discussed this at length on her podcast (Skywalking Through Neverland Podcast) throughout May and June. Incidentally, visitors to the Rebel Hangar all seemed to agree it was a great success and if you remember from a previous news show, the themed food was delicious.

Disneyland Paris News

Ten attractions are to be up-levelled under 'Project Sparkle. These are:

1. Space Mountain: Mission 2 Opens mid July under phase 1, which sees a single rider line and phase 2 in 2017 will see new ride vehicles,
2. Videopolis,
3. “it’s a small world”,
4. Big Thunder Mountain, an approximate years closure promising “explosive surprise”
5. La Cabane des Robinson,
6. Peter Pan’s Flight, no mention of interactive queue but in Jan 2016 a 6 month programme will see improved lighting
7. Pirates of the Caribbean, Early 2017 sees the arrival of Jack Sparrow
8. Animagique,
9. Studio Tram Tour: Behind the Magic sees new scenes being added August 2016-2017 possibly one scene (dinotopia) may be Star Warsified
10. Star Tours still on version 1 but 2016 to 2017 sees a long closure 

Disneyland 60th

Have you seen the amazing bling in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure? What are your thoughts? The new parade and fireworks are sensational and infant there is so much to do both Sarah and I agreed, we didn't know where to look!

Photo Credit Disneyland Website

For more information on the Diamond Days promotion, visit https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/diamond-days-sweepstakes/

We will be back with the next podcast on Sunday 21st June 2015. 

Show 48 - Disneyland in a day

Can you really do a successful one day visit to Disneyland? As a Disney fan, surely all time in a Disney park can be said to be a success, however, join me, as I share some pictures and memories of my one day trip to Disneyland.

Firstly, I hear you ask, you live in the UK, why was this just a one day trip? Well, I flew to Northern California to spend time with friends and I couldn't imagine a trip to California without visiting Disneyland, so I asked one of my friends, Jesse Stephenson (author of the blog Quest For Vault Disney), whether he could be persuaded to spend a day and a half in Anaheim. Luckily, as an avid Disney fan, he said yes and we made plans. We had a simple remit of go and see the parade, fireworks and stand in awe of the 60th bling that Disney had installed (ok we did also want to see the Hatbox Ghost and the upgraded Abominable Snowman aka 'Harold' in the Matterhorn Bobsleds too). Now to the downside, to enable us to get to Disneyland as early as possible, we had to get a 5.30am flight but thankfully, this went to plan and indeed we were at City Hall for just after 9am.

First port of call, for me is always the Mickey floral and I wasn't disappointed. The train station behind was bedecked in drapery and even the lampposts had been spruced up and adorned with the diamond logo and 60th celebration colours of blues and white.

Once on Main Street, I felt overwhelmed and the sparkles of the castle called me closer and closer, as if she was calling my name to hurry to photograph her beauty. Wow! From the roof down, it sparkled and it just looked simply magical. Bear in mind the last castle I had seen was in Disneyland Paris (and boy that is a stunning castle), I was not disappointed by the enhancements that had been made.

As we were in the hub, a decision had to be made on the attractions we wanted to ride. By this time it was 9.45am and we knew Fantasyland queues would be growing longer (the park was busy!). Therefore, we took the decision to go to Tomorrowland first and grab a Space Mountain fast pass and then queue for the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. I had only ridden this once before and was thrilled with the short line. Additionally, I got some great audio that I will be sharing in an upcoming podcast. From Nemo, we had a twenty minute wait for Star Tours. I loved it. Again, my last experience was Paris and as that was an older incarnation, this re-visit was most welcome. I know, you will all be yelling "You don't do Star Wars, Michelle!" I know. I'm sorry. But I do enjoy the attraction. Prior to handing over our Fastpasses for Space Mountain, we had some Astro Blasting fun with Buzz. I never ever get higher than level 2 so I guess I'm a poor shot! Jesse took great delight with his victory... however the scores show a different story!

By this time, I had been awake nine hours and I needed food! What better than a hop, skip and a jump to Jolly Holiday Bakery. I was ravenous and I eagerly began eyeing up the beef sandwich but then I read the salad menus and was intrigued by the mash up of grilled chicken, strawberry and goat cheese spinach salad. I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone; as it was delicious. The strawberry balsamic dressing was sublime and the picked red onions and candied pecans really made it a filling lunch. Of course, there is no trip to Jolly Holiday without dessert and the Mickey-shaped raspberry French Macaron did not fail me. This is a stunning dessert, so much so, when I offered a slither Jesse he uttered WOW and was amazed how tasty it was. He then took my plate and proceeded to clear it of crumbs! (sorry Jesse but just had to share that!)

With full tummies, we grabbed fast passes for Indiana Jones, which luckily were due just before our dinner reservation, and then sped to the Mansion. Whilst we weren't fortunate enough for a ride slowing or stoppage in front of Hattie himself, it was at a pleasing enough speed to take in the full effect and marvel at those clever imagineers for enabling him to reappear. Post Hattie, it was off for Swashbuckling fun on Pirates. Whilst in line, the couple in front turned round and introduced themselves - they were only podcast listeners! Oh my... apart from organised meets this had never happened to me before, so it was a fun first! Final stop in New Orleans Square, and was the most dangerous attraction of the day... the Pandora charm shop and I'm afraid my purse got badly damaged!

Following my financial exertions, we went to Fantasyland and went to say hi to Harold, the infamous abominable snowman. Now, I have ridden the Matterhorn twice and both times found it too brutal and rickety on my back but I had to ride it to report back the changes... The suffering I go through for my listeners! Anyway, single rider line was going down quickly and within ten minutes, I was ushered to a front sled seat. Oh my word! What a smooth ride and I loved the new effect. I actually enjoyed it! So from now on, I will always ride the front seat. At this point, I met my good friend and fellow podcaster Thomas Allison (he hosts a fabulous podcast about cruises) and we just had to ride its a Small World. With Jesse and I whizzing then to Big Thunder and Indy, we left Tommy to shop for some 60th merchandise and then met up with him later for our evening meal.

Our evening meal was at Carnation Cafe. I have never had a bad meal here and today was no different. Now, those of you who listen closely to the show, will know my aversion to Disneyland pickles (well most green food!). However, I had heard such amazing things about them from Ashley Kennedy-Turner I had to try the appetiser; which sees them coated in a covering of Panco and parmesan breadcrumbs. Yum yum! They were delicious so I urge you all to give them a try! My entree was the Main Street Cheeseburger and whilst it was tasty, I had had better.

 

By this time, time had ticked to 6pm and Main Street was pretty crowded already with blankets and towels. No this wasn't a protest or an organised nap but prepared Disneylanders sitting out waiting for the first parade to pass through, in around three hours time! Already, the curb spaces had gone so we decided, as this was a major reason for the trip, that we had best go and grab a spot and prepare for a long wait. However, it wasn't too bad as we got a pre-parade of podcasting friends as Paul Barrie (from Window to the Magic), with his friend Wendy Cooper, and Richard and Sarah Woloski (from Skywalking Through Neverland) popped by to say hi (as you do!)

I appreciate many of you will not have seen the parade and fireworks, therefore I have decided not to spoil it for you. And all I will say is that it was well worth the wait and I recommend you plan in at least two nights to view the fireworks from different locations.

Post parade and firework fun, we wandered straight on to Mansion and then made the grave error of going to Splash Mountain. Yes, it is a firm favourite. However, post ride I couldn't have gotten wetter if I had swam my way around rather than sitting front row in my log. Anyways, I'll never learn! In the distance, we then heard a familiar strand of music... Fantasmic was starting. Well it would be rude not to try find somewhere to stand. Luckily, as most park guests were waiting for the second showing of the parade we were able to grab a hot cocoa and enjoy the show from a fairly good walk up location. By this time however, my sugar levels were dropping, my clothes were dripping and my eyes were drooping so we made a slow meander down Main Street to head back to the hotel. However, as always, we popped in by the Fire House and said our thanks to Walt before heading for the exit.

Can you do Disneyland in a day? Yes... well nearly all of it anyways. I am so thankful for my fourteen hours of Disney fun and I think I managed to cram quite a lot in the day. However, I believe that every now and again doing a one day trip is fun however, for my next trip (a whopping sixteen days) the pace will be much much slower!

For an audio version, where Jayne and I chat through the day, please listen to our podcast via iTunes by clicking this link - iTunes podcast player.

All photographs and content can not be reproduced without the explicit permission of Disney Dream Girls. 

Show 47 - Mr Jones and I

On our latest podcast, episode 47, we talk and celebrate about the many varied incarnations of Indiana Jones in the Disney parks before we do a little imagineering of our own, where we discuss what we would like to see in the parks for this exciting franchise. 

Disneyland has Indiana Jones Adventure

Promotional Image With Decoder
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog

Exhilarating Stuff!
Photo Credit Disneyland Website

Disneyland Paris has Indiana Jones et le Temple du Peril 

Awesome Rollercoaster
Photo Credit - Disneyland Paris Website

Walt Disney World has Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Walt Disney Worlds Offering
Photo Credit - Walt Disney World Website

Photo Credit - Walt Disney World Website

Disneyland Resort, in Tokyo, has Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull

Photo Credit Tokyo Disneyland Resort 

Here is a link to the Tokyo Disney Resort Website

Apologises for the brief show notes this show, I have been travelling around California and time got the better of me! Normal service will be resumed with our June show!