Sunday 30 April 2017

Disney Dream Girls 156 - Disney Attraction History and Disney Food Gems

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number 156 for Sunday 30th April 2017. As always, 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 places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.
 
Coming up on this weeks show, we start by announcing a podcast giveaway! You can be the owner of one of the wonderful prizes show below. 

The first item is a Disney Couture necklace from their Alice in Wonderland range - whether to keep for yourself or a gift for a loved one - it is a great piece of Disney jewellery. The second item, is a Minnie Mouse stretching room portrait (the one of the far left). These were originally given out to celebrate the Haunted Mansions 45th Anniversary in Disneyland. It is unopened and awaiting a good home to hang it up!
The set of four - we are offering 'Minnie'
Picture from Disney Couture Website

All you have to do is leave us a review on iTunes for the podcast. If you have already done this - don't worry you will be automatically added to the randomised draw. We will close the draw on 13th May 2017 - so please hurry over right now to leave us that review - the link is at the top of the page.
Walt Disney 'on set' at The Carousel of Progress


So on to the show, we start by discussing a much loved Disney attraction - Walt Disneys Carousel of Progress. We look at what happened to it post the 1964 Worlds Fair and how it came to move from Disneyland to Walt Disney World. Along the way, we will share some hidden facts and Easter Eggs you can look for whilst enjoying the attraction.
We also pose the question, should there be an update for the attractions final act? Whilst we discussed this on our Facebook Page, opinion was split to leave it as it is on to a strong positive to yes lets have an update. Nothing official has been announced on this subject, though as always rumours are abound!
Our second feature, sees us sharing some hidden gems that we love to enjoy whilst in the parks. For Michelle's choices, she chose Water Water Snacks at The Grand Californian and The Gasparilla Grill at the Grand Floridian. Jayne opted for the Columbia Harbour House and also Katsu Grill - both of which may be overlooked due to their location. 
The mentioned nachos
We hope you have enjoyed this show and if you are looking to book a Disney or indeed any holiday, why not get intouch with our friends over at Holiday Hamster for a quotation  by clicking here.

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

Sunday 23 April 2017

Disney Dream Girls 155 - Deluxe Dining Dilemma and DLP Get Prepared!

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number 155 for Sunday 23rd April 2017. As always, 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 places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.

 
Coming up on this weeks show, we have two features based around visits to two different Disney theme parks. 

The first feature is thanks to listener John Kretz, he is planning a trip is December 2017 to Walt Disney World. This will be his first Walt Disney World trip and it is to celebrate a special birthday. He has opted to stay at the Boardwalk, then move over to The Portofino Bay at Universal and then end his stay at The Wilderness Lodge. With his package, he has got the deluxe dining package. This consists of:
  • 3 meals (can be table service or quick service) 
  • 2 snacks 
  • 1 refillable mug
This can be bought for currently $106.68 per person (aged 10+). In doing the maths to check its value (if paying for the plan rather than having it as a dining promotion), you can really get great value on this and we will look at how to maximise this on a later podcast. 

On the podcast, we discuss the many places he has chosen to eat. On the whole, we agree with most of them but we do offer a few alternatives and suggestions to his schedule. To whet your appetite, here are some temping food dishes that John may indeed try on his trip.
The Boathouse - John must add a reservation here!
Kona Cafe is a must! Here's some pancakes
Tiffins - for exquisite food
Amorettes in Disney Springs - another must
We know John will have an amazing time. If you would like to give him any suggestions, please get in touch info@disneydreamgirls.com or comment on our Facebook feed for this show.
We now move on to the big Disney news... we (as in Jayne and Michelle) have booked a girls trip to Disneyland Paris! May 2017 will see us both travel to the park and see all of the wonders of the 25th celebrations to come back and share with you. The last time we were in a Disney park together was in 2013 and needless to say, we are both incredibly excited for the trip. 

We couldn't have planned it without the wonderful assistance from our friends over at Holiday Hamster, so if you are thinking of booking a holiday - Disney or otherwise - please get in touch with them and I can assure you that they will take good care of you. 


To speak with them to get a price for your next holiday, click here.

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

Monday 17 April 2017

Disney Dream Girls 154 - The Women Who Worked With Walt Disney

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number 154 for Sunday 16th April 2017. As always, 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 canbe found in places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.
 
Coming up on this weeks show, we answer a listeners question and then move on to a feature about two women who have impacted on our Disney experiences probably a lot more than we ever realise, namely Dorothea Holt Redmond and Mary Blair.

So to start with, we welcome another question from our lovely listener Shannon Holland. Her question covers two elements - Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party and transportation from park to park. Lets start with MNSSHP.
Firstly,  this year it is starting out incredibly early with two parties scheduled for August! Shannon's question was what would we recommend she does prior to going to the party? She was hoping to spend the day at Hollywood Studios.  So we give her our thoughts and we both agree to have a much easier day, perhaps by the pool or at Disney Springs. Mainly because you can gain entry to the Magic Kingdom with a party ticket from 4pm and the party runs til midnight - its a tiring day, especially if you have done another park prior to it.
The second part of her question, relates to how long should she allow for transportation park to park as she had heard it could take an hour. Whilst this does sound a long time, it can take less or even more - there are many factors to consider. An important note to remember is to use the the whole array of Disney transportation from monorail to the watercraft and buses.  
Dorothea Redmond - Photo Credit D23
Finally, on to our main feature where we look at some of the contributions made by the women who worked with Walt Disney. Our first woman who worked with Walt Disney is Dorothea Holt Redmond. Her name may not be familiar but her work will be. Apart from Disney, she is well known for her contributions to films made by Alfred Hitchcock and also Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. On the show, we give a mini biography charting her life and involvement in the film industry prior to taking a post with Walt Disney Imagineering. Also, we share where you can find her work.
Shadow of Doubt Sketch - Credit Alfredhitchcockgeek.com
Gone With The Wind Concept Art - Credit Art Directors Guild
In the Disney parks, you will find her work across the theme parks. The most iconic is the mosaic she designed inside Cinderella Castle. It is stunning and incidently is signed by her, as well as the craftsman Hanns Scharff. Additionally, over in Disneyland, she worked on the redesign of the Red Wagon Inn to The Plaza Inn and a majority of New Orleans Square - including concept art for The Haunted Mansion (she has her own tombstone acknowledging this in the graveyard).
Murals inside Cinderella Castle
Our second woman, is Mary Blair. Her contribution to attractions, in park artwork and animation is legendary.
Mary Blair at Work
On the show we discuss how she came to work at WDI and also the projects she worked on. Many of our favourite attractions have become so well loved due to the styling by Mary. For the 1964 Worlds Fair, she worked closely with Walt on its a Small World. Who then would ever have imagined that the original dolls could still be found in Disneyland? 
Mary discussing its A Small World with Walt Disney
Tony Baxter sharing artwork by Mary
Her 'hard hat'

We hope you enjoy listening to the podcast, and until next time, it is goodbye from us! Don't forget to keep upto date with us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhippsDLP 25th, Disneyland Paris
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

Sunday 9 April 2017

Disney Dream Girls 153 - Disney Cruise Line and Star Wars at Sea

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number 153 for Sunday 9th April 2017. As always, if you wish to listen to the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player below.
 
Coming up on this show, Michelle is joined by Becky Manion to share her recent first trip on the Disney Fantasy. Becky is a big Star Wars fan so to her, there was only one itinerary she could choose - The Star Wars At Sea. On the show she covers many aspects of her trip from the perspective of an adult wanting a 'grown up' experience. 
A highlight was Castaway Cay
For her room, Becky choose to have a balcony room. Was a difficult choice due to the cost, however she highly recommends paying the extra.
Room on the Fantasy for two
On her cruise, Becky also booked some excurisons via Disney. She did Tequila tasting in Mexico and a day out in Jamaica, which included Dunn's River Falls.
Tequila tasting
Jamaica
On the show, Becky also talks about the Star Wars at Sea part of the cruise and what was on offer. Whilst impressed by the fireworks show, she was disappointed with the viewing ability for some aspects of it. Additionally, she really wanted to meet a wider range of characters but only got the chance to meet Chewbacca.
Photo Credit - Disney Cruise Line
However, a big highlight for her was a trip to Disney's private island - Castaway Cay. She and fiance Luke loved it!
    
We hope you enjoy listening to the podcast, and until next time, it is goodbye from us! Don't forget to keep upto date with us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhippsDLP 25th, Disneyland Paris
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  

Sunday 2 April 2017

Disney Dream Girls 152 - Beautiful Belle and DLP Sparkling Ceremony

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number 152 for Saturday 2nd April 2017. As always, if you wish to listen to the podcast, whilst reading this blog, all you have to do is click on the audio player below.

 
Coming up on this show, we have two fun features for you and our first is a comparision between the live action Beauty and the Beast and the animation. Whilst we do mention the plot, to be fair we don't really spoil anything for you, especially if you haven't as yet seen the new movie. 
We just look at the so called 'plot holes' of the original and how Disney have strived to fill these gaps in the new movie. 

Then, Michelle is joined by Mitchell (I can't tell you his surname as, like Madonna, he does not have one!) to talk about Disneyland Paris and their 25th Time to Sparkle promotion - which opened last weekend. 


Mitchell was incredibly fortunate to visit the park for the day and experience what was on offer. From the opening welcome, to the new stage shows, a new nightly spectacular and the celebratory costumes for in park meet and greets. He saw it all and he enthusiastically tells us all about it!
Miss Bunny (with 25th special bow) and Mitchell
Sadly, with all the excitement - we missed off his review of the new parade! Not to worry, he will be back after his trip later this month for more tales from Disneyland Paris. However, he did very kindly shared a much prized picture with us (and alas it is not Max!).
Mitchell, Tony Baxter and Jenna
Mitchell was such a great guest, and if you wish to follow him on Twitter, he can be found @MitchellDisney 

We hope you enjoy listening to the podcast, and until next time, it is goodbye from us! Don't forget to keep upto date with us by ensuring you follow along on all of our social media sites:

Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhippsDLP 25th, Disneyland Paris
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