Saturday 25 April 2015

Show 42 - News Disgeek Style

Photo courtesy of The Cruise Dudes
Show 42 of the Disney Dream Girls Podcast will be released on 26th April 2015 and this is your sneak peek to discover what we will be discussing!

Our guest on this show is Thomas Allison, who you may already know from The Cruise Dudes Podcast, The Disgeeks Podcast and The Earvengers Podcast. Tommy is no stranger to our show and if you missed any of his previous appearances (shows 5, 6 and 25) they can be enjoyed and listened to via whichever podcast playing app you use (click here for our iTunes page).

This week has been a quiet news week, however we have managed to find a few stories of interest that we wanted to discuss with you.

Disneyland Paris News
1st June 2015 to 13th September 2015, will see Anna, Elsa and Olaf have all sorts of Frozen fun in the park. From a version of Frozen filled Dreams, to an interactive Sing-along, photo opportunities and of course their regal entry to the park via a twinkling carriage.

Disney Hollywood Studio
Once more they are having Frozen Summer Fun Live, this is from 17th June to 7th September 2015. As before there will be a premium package and this will include:
  • Reserved viewing for the Frozen Royal welcome (along with soft drinking and ice cream)
  • Reserved seating for a showing of For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
  • A viewing for Frozen Fireworks, with a dessert party.
Price of this will be $69 for adults and $39 for children.

EPCOT
There is a new musical offering to complement the existing Mariachi Cobre. The new group, Marimba Trio, have a Latin flair and you can hear them on Monday and Tuesday at EPCOT. To hear them right now, WDW Magic have posted this fabulous video on their website, click to view.

Magic Kingdom
The planned temporary closure of The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction has been pushed back from 5th May to 26th September 2015.

Disney Cruise Line
Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Line
From 26th October 2015, guests will be able to enjoy some enhanced areas onboard the Disney Dream. Two new interactive youth areas are being developed, based around the Star Wars franchise. To hear all the details about the new areas and offerings, listen to the show!



Photo courtesy Disney Cruise Line
Also, Vanellope's Sweets and Treats will open for a children to have their very own sugar rush!

If you haven't liked our Facebook page, please do so as we are busily sharing video, photos and fun over there on a daily basis. Just search for Disney Dream Girls or click this link. 

Finally, if you like the podcast, please spare a few moments to leave us a review in our iTunes store. It literally takes one minute and it helps spread the word of our show. To leave a review on iTunes click here.

Don't forget, our Twitter is @DisDreamGirls and you can email us info@disneydreamgirls.com

Till next time its goodbye from us. 



Friday 17 April 2015

Show 41 - A Disney Gem?

Disney Dreams night-time show
So do you want to make a trip to Disneyland Paris? Or are you just curious? Then our podcast, show 41, is a must listen for you. This show will be released Sunday 19th April 2015, so make sure you subscribe via iTunes to ensure you do not miss it!

On the show, land by land, we discuss some of the most loved items in the parks in Paris, as well as discussing whether it is possible to visit without staying in a Disney hotel! But read on and enjoy some of the stunning scenes but for more pictures and video, please remember to visit our Facebook page by simply searching for Disney Dream Girls.
Meet and greet adjacent to Casey's Corner, Main Street USA
My Method of Visiting

  • Flying from the UK to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport 
  • Used TGV train to travel from the airport to Disneyland (arrives by bag check for the park!)
  • Stayed off site hotel in Bussy St Georges
  • Travelled from Disneyland to hotel via RER train system
  • Bought Fantasy Annual Pass (mid level) for approx £121 (including 10% discount from buying via an existing pass holder)
  • Total cost including hotel, flight and annual pass £370
Disneyland Hotel
Disneyland Park

Entrance to the park is via the stunning Disneyland hotel, which has fountains and the traditional Mickey floral in front. Then it is through the turnstiles for park entry.




View towards the station

Then you enter a large plaza area, with the train station ahead of you, as you can see in the picture, the train is not as visible as it is in the USA parks. Once through this area, you will recognise buildings such as City Hall but the main focal point is the castle. 
 
By the way, a down point was that I never rode any of the Main Street vehicles - so I have to go back!

View from train station

The castle surely must be judged as the most fantasy based castle and it is truly stunning. Another plus about the castle, is that you can go inside the dungeon and visit the dragon or climb up to the first floor, where there's stained glass windows depicting the sleeping beauty story. However, the cherry on the cake is the ability to walk outside on the balcony! We have put a short video on our Facebook page, so make sure you take a look! 

Main Street Selfie
Due to the castles size, you have to be quite a long way down Main Street to grab a selfie with it in the background but I don't think I have done too bad here - what do you think? Even from this point, the night-time show, Dreams, can be viewed. However, I recommend being nearer.
To give you an idea of time required to tour the park, I spent one and a half days in this park but I did not get to do everything, so perhaps two days would be the ideal if you visit opening till closing or maybe creep into a third day.

Walt Disney Studios

Standing proudly, Walt and Mickey greets visitors to the park. I spent around two half days here and ideally I needed another half day to make sure I hit everything. What I really loved about this park, were the two unique attractions that were both based in Toon Studios. Queues for these got very long, so I would suggest visiting first.

The theming was amazing, as the photo shows. I felt very lucky to have ridden Ratatouille attraction five times and even better the attraction had a power failure so I got to take some fabulous behind the scenes pictures, which I will share at a later point!

Like all good things, my trip had to come to an end... to find out the lowlights and highlights, subscribe to our podcast by clicking here for our iTunes page.


All photos property of M Young.

Sunday 12 April 2015

Show 40 - Modern Mouse News

On our next news show (show 40), Michelle is joined by one of the the hosts and creator of Modern Mouse Radio, Josh Taylor. For more information about Josh and all things Modern Mouse Radio, visit his website. Anyway, here are some of the things Josh and Michelle discuss. 

Tickets for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are available

November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 29 2015
December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18 2015 
Adult prices range from $74 to $82 plus tax
No changes advertised as yet
Photo Credit WDW website
Tickets for MNSSHP are also available
September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; 
October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31 November 1
Adult prices range from $69 to $98 plus tax
Only change I’ve heard about is a new castle show which will, I guess replace the Villains Dance Mix Party. 

Star Wars Weekends 

New for this year - Ian McDiarmid (Emperor Palpatine) and Frank Oz (voice of Yoda). Returning artists include Warwick Davis, Ray Park, Peter Mayhew and Jeremy Bulloch. New show called 'Star Wars: Rebels,' presented by host James Arnold Taylor and guests. Ashley Eckstein’s will also be attending each day of the event as host of "Padawan Mind Challenge – Family Edition." 
Star Wars Weekends will be hosted once again by James Arnold Taylor. 
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Website
First Weekend May 15 – 17 
Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
Second Weekend II May 22 – 24 
Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) 
Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith) 
Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels) 
Third Weekend May 29 – 31
Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) 
Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones) 
Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)
Fourth Weekend June 5-7 
Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)
Fifth Weekend June 12 - 14
Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)  
Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace) 
Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)

Variety of opportunities to plus up this event, which runs May 15 to June 14 2015 and Disney have lots of ways of helping you lighten your wallet with:- 

  • Feel the force package
  • Star Wars Dine in Galactic breakfast
  • Jedi Mickey's STAR WARS Dine at Hollywood & Vine
  • Disney VIP Tour Services Presents The Ultimate Day at Star Wars Weekends

More info visit the Disney website.  

Ride Changes Coming 
Since D23 in 2013, where an animatronic The Hatbox Ghost appeared, rumours began circulating that a return was coming. The news broke this is finally the case and the hatbox ghost is reappearing in May. He originally was positioned just right of the exit of the attic. The hunched figure of the ghost had a head that would disappear and then reappear in the hatbox he held all the while his spindly cane gripped in his hand trembled.  Alas he didn’t last long as the effect was not reliable, though many other rumours circulated. 

Also new effects are coming to the Matterhorn Bobsleds that promises changes to the yeti and Peter Pans Flight is to have a re-imagined nursery scene plus other effects.

Hungry Bear Re-Opens
Friend Tommy Allison visited yesterday and said it looks freshly painted. He didn’t eat there but the menu on the website appears unchanged.

Star Wars Celebrations hits Anaheim 16th to 19th April at the Anaheim Convention Centre
4 day tickets are available for $140
Friends from Skywalking through Neverland will be there and covering the event quite extensively, so if you don’t already, follow them @skywalkingpod or visit their website.
Photo Credit - Sky Walking Through Neverland
Remember to listen, subscribe and review our podcast in iTunes by clicking here and when you listen tweet us your thoughts to @DisDreamGirls

Sunday 5 April 2015

Show 39 - Magic to the UK plus WDW, DLR and DCL Chat

Show 39 (released on Sunday 5th April) has one of our foodie challenges and details of the 2016 Disney Cruise Line itinerary that takes a trip around the British coastline. To hear the show, either visit iTunes, Stitcher Radio or one of the many podcast-catching apps. Remember to tweet us @disdreamgirls as you listen.
This time, we have chosen five delicious snacks /drinks that are available in either Anaheim or Orlando and we invite you to let us know your thoughts on them. On air, we discuss them in mouth watering details and for your visual pleasure, we share pictures below.

The PB&J milkshake from the 50's Prime Time Diner in Hollywood Studios
vs 
PB&J Shake
Photo Credit Disney Parks Website
PB&J soda, Carnation Cafe, Disneyland Park  (currently, we believe this is not offered)

Boysen apple freeze, Maurice's Treats, Disneyland park 
vs
Boys Apple Freeze
Photo Credit - MagicMikey on ink361.com
LeFou’s brew, Gaston’s Tavern, New Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Le Fou's Brew
Churos ice cream sandwich in Downtown Disney, Anaheim
vs 
Churros Ice Cream Sandwich
Photo Credit - Yelp.com
Chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich from Plaza Ice Cream Parlour, Magic Kingdom
Cookie  Ice Cream Sandwich
Photo Credit Michelle Young
Carrot cake cookie from The Writers Stop, Disney Hollywood Studio
vs 
Carrot Cake Cookie
Photo Credit Michelle Young
Mickey Macaroon from Jolly Holiday Bakery, Disneyland
 
Mickey Macaroon
Photo Credit Michelle Young
School bread from Kringla Bakerie og café from Norway in EPCOT
vs
School Bread
Photo Credit Michelle Young
Matterhorn macaroon from Jolly Holiday Bakery, Disneyland 

Matterhorn Macaroon
Photo Credit Michelle Young
Butterfinger cupcake at Starring Rolls, Disney Hollywod Studio
vs
Butterfinger Cupcake
Photo Credit Michelle Young
Butterfinger Cupcake
Photo Credit Michelle Young

Black Forest gateau cupcake, Pinocchio Village Haus , Disneyland
Black Forest Cupcake
Photo Credit Michelle Young

So it’s, ahoy there shipmates! Disney Cruise Line is setting sail around the UK in 2016 for a 12 night sailing, taking in some stunning scenery, historical places and each one is filled for opportunities for you to explore. Will you? Does this interest you? Let us know!

We look forward to hearing your feedback and hope you have enjoyed reading and that you have also listened to the audio version on show 39.