Sunday 24 May 2015

Show 46 - Springing into a News Show!

Welcome to the show notes for our podcast episode 46 and just like all the recent even-numbered shows, this is your fortnightly, 20 minute or so, burst of Disney news.

Now unless you have been hiding away, you will be aware that Disneyland's 60th celebration began on Friday 22nd May 2015 (on their 24 hour day). However, earlier in the week media representatives had access to advance showings of the wonderful offerings, merchandise and food that will be available. If like us, you were salivating at all of this, then thats great but we took the decision not to share anything from the new night-time entertainment offerings (except one picture from World of Color). As Michelle will be in Disneyland on 28th May, we have decided to wait till she has experienced it in person.
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
So on to the news and below is a quick run through of what is happening in the world of Disney:


  • EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival from September 25th to November 16th announced
  • Soarin re-opens with new screen and digital projection in DCA (in the Grizzly Peak Airfield area of DCA)
  • Disney animation’s 2016 PROJECT of Zootopia, voice talents announced as Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman
  • The eighth release from The Legacy Collection celebrates the 60th anniversary of Disneyland Resort with a 3-disc set, which features classic music from attractions
  • Antman, due to be released in the USA 17th July, an insider has disclosed to us that it has had a whole new musical score recorded changing the films vibe
  • Permits filed for building of 26 waterside villas at Wilderness lodge plus new restaurants and a new pool and upgrades though not formally announced by Disney
  • 24 hour events at WDW and Disneyland happened 22nd/23rd May 

In addition, there was an announcement about Disney Springs. 13 new tenants were announced for Disney Springs were announced on May 15th.  On the retail side there is Zara, Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Uniqlo, Pandora, UGG, L’Occitane en Provence, Edward Beiner. Also, new dining. Edison, Sprinkles, Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, Vivoli Gelateria, Tea Traders CafĂ© by Joffrey’s. 
The Boathouse. Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog
Previously announced and now open are these establishments: The BOATHOUSE; Erwin Pearl; APEX by Sunglass Hut;  Chapel Hats;  Art of Shaving;  Sanuk ( street-style casual footwear);  Sound Lion; (Offering the latest technology in headphones); Havaianas: (Specializing in a wide array of fun footwear and accessories, including a station where guests can create their own flip-flops) and Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC (Offering a full selection of gluten-free, vegan baked goods such as award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter) and savory items).

So until next week, that is all from us. 

Sunday 17 May 2015

Show 45 - Disney Artist Dave Avanzino

On podcast 45, Michelle had the pleasure of interviewing Dave Avanzino. Dave is a fabulous artist who creates the most amazing 3-d pieces of artwork themed around Disney. Below, we share some of his work with you. In addition on this show, Michelle and Jayne talk about what they would do during a one day trip to a Disney park, which fits in nicely seems Michelle will be making a one day trip to Disneyland later this month. 


Firstly, can I say these pictures do not do justice to the fabulous artwork that Dave does. Seeing is believing and they literally pop off the page! Anyway, I share below some of my favourites with you. 


Haunted Mansion, Walt Disney World
Haunted Mansion Disneyland Limited Edition

Disneyland Limited Edition
Tiki Homeage

So, if you have fallen in love with Dave's work... below you will find the dates he will be a the Disneyana shop, where you can buy from him direct. Also, he will be at the D23 Expo in Anaheim 14th to 16th August.  



All pictures are courtesy of Dave Avanzino, unless otherwise quoted.

For the full interview, search for Disney Dream Girls in your podcast playing store including iTunes.

Saturday 9 May 2015

Show 44 - DDG Doing The News

Michelle and Jayne chat through the news on this weeks podcast and below you can find some of the details discussed together with pictures. Remember, if you want to help us please leave an iTunes review for us.

First item in our news, was the announcement of some of the presentations that will be happening during D23 at Anaheim between 14th and 16th August 2015. 

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday, August 14. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at all the latest from Disney Animation and Pixar.  To accommodate more attendees, Disney is creating “Hall D23,” a new 7,500-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center, so that more guests than ever can see the presentations live and in person. Do you have plans to attend? Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price until June 30, 2015. Adult one-day adult admission is $67 but if you are a D23 member you will only pay $58. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information, visit their website.

Now, lets move to Tokyo. The Disneyland Resort, which is operated by the Oriental Land Company, has announced major expansion to the parks.
Concept Art - Alice in Wonderland
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Concept Art - Beauty and the Beast
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Disney Sea is to get a Frozen-themed area and this will be part of a land based on Scandanavia. This area will make the resorts 8th port. Disneyland Park will have an expansion to double the size of its Fantasyland with a new elements themed on Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland. Exciting times ahead!

The last piece of news we are sharing in this post, is Star Wars Weekends related.  Star Wars Dining Experience Announced has announced there is going to be a Rebel Hangar and it sounds like it is going to be the place to find shelter and good quality food and drink during Star Wars Weekends. Rumour has it, this lounge experience was once a place for all the cool rebel pilots, aliens and smugglers to kick back. This will take over part of the Backlot Express area at Disney Hollywood Studios and requires a reservation. 
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Above, you will see the Fruit and Cheese “Sabers” featuring Tillamook cheddar, Brie, goat cheese, pickled vegetables, crostini, cheddar crackers, blueberries, raspberries, honeydew melon, strawberry, olives and gherkins

Finally below, is the trio of Star Wars mini cupcakes, including Mini Darth Vader (chocolate-peanut butter), Mini Yoda (chocolate-hazelnut), and Mini Jabba the Hutt (salted caramel latte) served in the Han Solo Carbonite Souvenir Box. 
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog

Prices range from $5.49 and and $16.99 I gather there will not be any characters wandering around but it does add – you never know who might be dining there!

For more photos and Disney news, remember to like our Facebook page but until then, it is goodbye from us. 

Monday 4 May 2015

Show 43 - Seen, Un-Seen Disneyland

Show 43 of the Disney Dream Girls Podcast was released on 4th May 2015 and these are you companion show notes to give your some more details (and pictures) of what we will be discussing!

Michelle and Russell in April 2014
We welcome, Russell D. Flores the author of Seen Un-Seen Disneyland to the Disney Dream Girls podcast and he shares with us details of his upcoming book. Additionally, he gives some top tips on how to manage the 24 hour day if your were planning on making a visit to the park. 

If you want to purchase your own copy of the book, it is available via amazon buy Seen Un-Seen Disneyland on Amazon.com

Russell shortly after
publication of 1st book 
Then, we hope you are hungry as we would like to invite you to join us to do some fantasy dining at The Boathouse Restaurant. The Boathouse is a new eatery in the Landing in Disney Springs and it has an amazing menu as well as theming that is sure to make it a very popular place to visit for a special occasion. To find out more, read The Boathouse Menu.

The Boathouse
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Once inside, you will see lots of wonderful details and there seems to be a heavy influence of ducks, but come one... everyone loves a duck - don't they?



Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog

The menu at The Boathouse has many different sections and we decided to eat something from every course! Obviously, this is not advisable but we wanted to be thorough! Anyway, below enjoy some of the delicious food options that we talk about on the show.
Coconut frogs legs
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Sear tuna salad
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Cedar Plank Salmon
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
Whisky Caramel Cornbread Cake
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
S'mores Baked Alaska
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog
It all looks very delicious doesn't it! We can't wait to try it out but if you have, we would love to hear from you. As usual, you can contact us via email at info@disneydreamgirls.com or by dropping us a tweet @DisDreamGirls plus if you haven't already, like our Facebook page - The Disney Dream Girls.