284 Four Parks in One Day

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 284  for 3rd November 2019.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

On this week's podcast, Michelle chats with Tommy Allison to review some of the fun activities they did during their Walt Disney World trip in August. Four Parks in One Day For the challenge, we decided to set some rules. These were:

• One merchandise purchase per park
• Ride at least one attraction
• Meet Mickey and Minnie in each park
• Have our picture taken in front of the park's icon
• Try a food item - whether a snack, counter service or sit down meal.

We decided to start with Disney Animal Kingdom (DAK), purely because we wanted to end our night at EPCOT and we wanted a late lunch at Disney Hollywood Studios (DHS). So that left the Magic Kingdom and DAK and as DAK opened the earlier we opted to start there.

As we entered, we walked towards the Tree of Life and stopped for a picture before heading off to meet Mickey and Minne. We rode Everest then grabbed a snack from Kusafari Bakery and a coffee from Starbucks. It was here it was decided that the park purchases would be the Starbuck's espresso cups.  

Then, it was time to head on over to the Magic Kingdom to meet Mickey and Minnie! Utilising a breakfast ADR at the Wave, we were able to park at the Contemporary Resort and walk across to the Magic Kingdom.  

After a very magical meet with Mickey and Minnie, we rode the Seven Dwarves Mine Train but alas we were unable to ride Space Mountain as it was not operational. However, we rode the People Mover and got some great shots of the lit-up interior!  

We visited Starbucks for our second espresso cup and had the Peter Pan float (which was delicious). By this time, it was around 1.30pm and we had to make tracks to DHS.

  Upon arrival, we decided to head straight to meet Mickey and Minnie. Unfortunately they did not meet together here but the backdrops and outfits that they wore were amazing.
Our next stop was a late lunch at Sci Fi Diner. I had the buffalo chicken salad (wow it was spicy) and everyone else had burgers. It was nice to sit down and enjoy the movie reel and air conditioning!

Before we left, we dropped by the Tower of Terror and then Starbucks (purchased the third espresso cup) for the amazing carrot cake cookie. Its recipe did change a couple of years back and it is now cakeier but I love it and it can be easily shared between two. 

As the sun began to slink down in the sky, we knew it was time to leave and we were fortunate to grab an on the day Fastpass to meet the characters over at EPCOT. So off we went.

On arrival at EPCOT we had our picture taken by Space Ship Earth and then achieved our last meet and greet of the day. Again, Mickey and Minnie were not meeting together but due to the Fastpass, we had a minimal wait. 

We got our final Starbucks mug and grabbed a School Bread from Kringla Bakeri. We rode Living With The Land and waited out to view Illuminations.  

Our four parks in one day sounds exhausting but it wasn't. We plodded at our own speed and used a plan to ensure we met our aims. Have you tried a similar challenge? We would love to hear from you if you have.  

Well, that's just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.

Finally, if you want additional content from the show why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

283 Halloween Horror Nights At Universal Studios

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 283 for Sunday 27th October 2019.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us on iTunes, Libsyn, Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.
On this week's show, Michelle is joined by James H Carter II. James is the director of the Foolish Mortal documentary, the videographer/editor at Nightmarish Conjurings and founder of The Creepy Kingdom Podcast.  Together, they chat through the offerings guests can find at Halloween Horror Nights at the Universal Studios - primarily in Hollywood. 

Universal Studios offers horror nights at four of its parks, namely, Orlando, Hollywood, Japan and Singapore. During the discussion, they focus on Hollywood however a lot of the discussion covers what to expect when attending such an event at any one of these parks.  To view a park map showing all the offerings - park map or we have a smaller image below.

Firstly, James helps de-mystify what to expect at an event as Michelle did struggle initially a little to conceptualize what it involved but she did know it involved mazes and houses. However, a maze is not a maze and a house is not technically a house. So what are there? James explained that rather than saying maze, think a pathway through your favourite movie and the boundaries of these were like large walled structures - with each theme being kept within each structure. 

James listed some of the headlining attractions and discussed what could be expected at each. From Stranger Things to Ghostbusters to Us there sounded to be something for everyone. 

Then he talked a little about some of his personal favourites at this event and also shared some top tips on how to maximise guests time to ensure as much as the key events were enjoyed. From utilising a paid service - called Express Pass - to having a park strategy, James said it was possible to cover a lot of it in one visit. However, each visit would be different so many people opt to visit on multiple occasions.

Moving away from the horror nights, James explained that there is a permanent Walking Dead attraction at the park and suggested that Michelle visited. At this point Michelle went a little faint as we all know how much of a scardy pants she is! But with a little bit of coaxing, James persuaded her she should visit on her forthcoming California trip and report back about the park in general. So listen in for no doubt an awesome review come January!

If you wish to contact James directly he can be found @Creepykingdom on all social media platforms. 

Well, that's just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.

Finally, if you want additional content from the show why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

All photographs used are the copyright of Universal Studios Hollywood. 

282 A reMARKably Chatty Disney Show

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 282 for Sunday 20th October 2019.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.
On this week's show, we chat through a range of topics before sharing an interview with our friend and long-time listener - Anthony Markham. 

Breakfast At Walt Disney World

Our friend and listener, Angie Mills asked us where should she consider for breakfast when she visits Walt Disney World. In answering, we considered the price, ADR availability, food options and any other perks that come with eating at such a location.  Below you will find a summary of our answer - to get greater details - listen to the podcast!

Non-Character Options
All of these prices include the sales tax but (unless stated) do not include the tip.  Depending on the service received, a tip could be anything between 15 and 20% of the overall meal cost.

Breakfast Skillet at Whispering Canyon

Whispering Canyon endless skillet $23.43
Ale & Compass breakfast buffet  $24.50 .
The Wave breakfast buffet $26.63
Trail's End breakfast buffet $28.76
Boma breakfast buffet $30.89
California Grill Brunch $101.18

Entrees At The California Grill Brunch

Character-Based Options
Each eatery tends to have a theme and where some may have the fab five, their outfits will differ due to the theme. 

Offerings at Cape May Cafe

Cape May Cafe $43.67
Garden Grill $43.67
Hollywood & Vine $43.67
Crystal Palace $43.67
Ohana $43.67
1900 Park Fare $46.86
Chef Mickey's $55.38
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall $55.38
Cinderella's Royal Table $75.38 (tip included)

Interior at Cinderella's Round Table

Where would you be going? Listen in over the next few weeks to find out where Angie took her family!

Next on the show, we have our friend Anthony Markham and he shares details about a trio of trips that he has booked to go to Walt Disney World. 

As we were recording this (Sunday 11th October) he was about to set off on his travels so below, are some pictures that he kindly sent us during whilst on his trip!

Well, that's just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.

Finally, if you want additional content from the show why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page.    

281 Disney for kids, for foodies and the wallet conscious

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 281 for Sunday 13th October 2019.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app. On this week's show, we chat through a range of topics before sharing an interview with Tiffany, Daniel and Abigail Morse. Then we end the show talking about Ohana.

Little Mermaid Takes Over The Coral Reef

When we heard the brief details sent out - i.e. just changing the names of food we were a tad disappointed so we decided to talk through how we envisage this! We would love Ursula to meet and greet with a set backdrop and perhaps Prince Eric and Ariel could wander around. May be even a Sebastian being brough out under a cloche! What do you think? What other restaurants would you like to have turned over to this style of dinner event?

Halloween Disney Delights to Tantalise and Terrorise

Next, we share some top treats to try whilst in the parks during the Halloween season. What do you want to try?

The Morse Family
We welcome back to the show, Tiffany and her children Daniel and Abigail and what a delightful chat we had! Abigail and Daniel presented a list of their top eateries and these were places that they highly recommend for kids.

Then Tiffany shares details about her visit to Walt Disney World and how she found Galaxy's Edge on Opening Day.
Ohana This August, Michelle (together with her husband Tom and Tommy and Lena) ate dinner at Ohana.

The price for Ohana is $55 (approximately including tax but not tip) or one dining credit. It is one of those reservations you have to make at the round about 180 day pre-trip mark.

The meal starts with pineapple bread, then salad, stir-fry vegetables, pork dumplings, chicken wings and noodles.

Then, the endless supply skewers - sirloin steak, chicken and shrimp.

To close the meal is their famous bread pudding with banana and caramel sauce.  

The meal was delicious and if you have a big appetite then you will definately get value for money.  However, for people like myself, with smaller appetites, it is a lot of money. So... how about visiting the Tambu Lounge - which is next door - then ordering from their menu. You are able to get a single serve skewer (it comes with a trio of the protein offerings) for $13, the bread, noodles and the dessert. This would be my top tip and also - no reservation is needed!

Another consideration, is that we felt the service was incredibly rushed - in and out in 70 minutes. Have you eaten here? Is it a must do?

Well that's just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.

Finally, if you want additional content from the show why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page.  

280 - Angie Mills Talks Disney

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 280 for Sunday 6th October 2019.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.
On this week's show, Michelle and Jayne start off by chatting through some Disney news. Then they share an interview with Angie Mills, who talks about how her WDW plans were nearly scuppered by the collapse of Thomas Cook and then Angie reviews Villages Nature in Disneyland Paris. 

Jayne Attends Feel The Force Event in Peterborough

Jayne looks amazing as Governor Pryce!

Price Increases
Snack prices have increased at the Magic Kingdom... can you believe that a Mickey bar is now $6!!

Princess Leia Bun-Inspired Ears

Do we usually love all of the Her Universe merchandise - especially Jayne but we both totally agreed these were not for us as they reminded us of a UK breakfast favourite!  

Angie Mills - The Discussion

Angie and her family booked a trip to Walt Disney World - with Disney. However, the flights she got were with UK tour operator - Thomas Cook. Sadly, the company collapsed leaving travellers in a confused state. After many calls back and forth, Disney (via a great cast member Sadie) were able to offer the family indirect flights so that here October dream trip could go ahead. 

Moving on from that, she discusses some of the things that she is looking forward to such as seeing Pandora for the first time and attending Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Then, she moved on to reviewing her trip to Villages Nature in Disneyland Paris.  This was the first time she and her family had stayed there and the resort had plus and negative elements. 

Then what she enjoyed doing in the parks. One of these things is taking park photographs. These will be used at a later date as part of her upholstery business and she can be contacted via @ajmills9

Well thats just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.

Finally, if you want additional content from the show why not consider joining our Patreon supporters. To find out more visit Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page. 

279 What Becky Did at Walt Disney World

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 279 for Sunday 29th September 2019.  If you want to listen, whilst reading these notes, just click the player below or alternatively find us in iTunes, Libsyn, on Stitcher Radio or via any good podcast catching app.

On this week's show, Michelle is joined by travel blogger (and friend of the show) Becky Manion. Together they discuss some items of news before chatting through a few highlights from Becky's recent trip to Walt Disney World.

News
Becky was  very excited to bring forward the topic of the Skyliner and she can not wait to report back on them!

We also chatted through the announcement about Walt 
Disney World creating and making available around 400 menu items that were plant based and we hear from a Disney chef to explain about some of the offerings. 

Staying Concierge
So firstly, Becky and her family did not book this level, in fact when they arrived at check-in it came as a complete surprise!

So on the show, she goes into detail about what the lounge looked like and what was available.

Becky explained that is was definately something that she would seek out to add to a booking again because between the snacks and alcoholic beverages she felt it was worth the upcharge cost.

Gardens of the World Tour

Frequent listeners/readers of ours will know that Becky loves to do a new tour on each and every trip. So being at EPCOT during Flower and Garden Festival she could not resist doing this one!

With a pair of horticulturists as her guide, she explored World Showcase with a slant on the planting and the efforts Disney does to ensure everything looks in pristine condition. 

At the end of the tour, she received a really cute pin too! Despite being the youngest on the tour, Becky found it very interesting and would highly recommend it others - particularly if you have a gardening interest. 

Well thats just about it for this week, as usual, you can contact us via Email: info@disneydreamgirls.com Follow our posts on Twitter @DisDreamGirls and Instagram @disdreamgirls. Plus don't forget our Facebook page by searching Disney Dream Girls.  
   

Finally, if you want more Disney Dream Girls audio - why not become a supporter via our Patreon page https://www.patreon.com/DisneyDreamGirls