Terri Hardin Presents her 60th Disneyland LE Sculpture

In August 2015, I had the pleasure of visiting Terri Hardin, in her Burbank studio, to see a piece of work she was working on for Disneyland's 60th. Yesterday, she emailed me to say it will be completed this month so I thought I would like to share some details with you.

Photo Credit - M Young

What Terri has decided to do, was to create a diamond shaped celebration piece. The main central design is of the iconic Disneyland castle. Then, a close up of six ride vehicles; each one carefully chosen to represent a decade that particular attraction opened in Disneyland. 

Artwork - T Hardin

Work began with sculpting the design, however the completed work will be done in Bas Relief and the completed pieces details are as follows:

Name: 60 Years of Magic
Edition Size: 200, numbered and signed by Terri
Approximate Size: 12" high by 6/7" wide
Cost: $325 + tax including continental US shipping

First Cast From Mold - Photo Credit T Hardin

As mentioned above, this is a limited edition piece so don't delay. If you want one, you can contact Terri direct by emailing terrihardinspeaks@gmail.com 

Show 060 - A Disneyland 60th celebration with Window to the Magic Podcast

Welcome to the show notes for podcast number 060 for 29th August 2015. You can hear the show by subscribing to our show via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any of the other podcast catching places out there. Finally, you can also click on the link below.

This show is very different and requires you to listen to another podcast in preparation. Before listening, listen to Window to the Magic (WTTM) podcast 485.5 iTunes link as that is where our two-part audio adventure begins. 

So part one, on WTTM, begins with a quest to ride one of Michelle's favourite attractions and along with Paul Barrie (host of WTTM) and friend Wendy Cooper the trio walk around Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to try to find and then ride it. With Paul in charge, chaos begins and so does our adventure.

We are running a competition on this show, you need to listen to both adventures, then send us an email info@disneydreamgirls.com listing the attractions we ride (in order) and make a comment on the show. The competition will close on 20th September 2015. So good luck!

Things will be back to normal next week but in the meantime, to see some of Michelle's videos from her trip, visit our Facebook page, Disney Dream Girls. 
To submit your own question or contact the show: 
Email – info@Disneydreamgirls.com
Twitter @disdreamgirls
Facebook Disney Dream Girls
Meerkat – DisDreamGirls

Show 59 - Delectable and Delicious Disney Snacks plus Money Saving Tips

Welcome to the podcast show notes for podcast number 059, dated 23rd August 2015. You can hear the show by subscribing to our show via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any of the other podcast catching places out there. Finally, you can also click on the link below.

So, ahead of you, you will find answers to some listener questions on:

• Summer snack attacks
• How much money should you take

Disneyland - Photo Credit, M Young

Cinderella Castle, Walt Disney World - Photo Credit Disney World Website

First, we would like to share an email with you. Michelle and Jayne. I was hoping you would help me as I am going to Disneyland for the first time in 6 years. I am on a limited budget so I plan to try and eat lots of snacks. Can you advise what I should try? Eric from Wisconson. Well, curiously we also received a message via Facebook from Julian from Bromsgrove, as he and his family are going to Walt Disney World and they are wanting us to recommend our top five snacks. So here goes with the information we shared on the podcast.

Lets start with Walt Disney World: 

• Downtown Disney does offer some cheap options and I recommend the Earl of Sandwich Brownie Sandwich. This is two of the most delicious brownies filled and sandwiched together with creamy, sugary and delicious vanilla, chocolate or peanut butter frosting. This is available in Disneyland and WDW.

  

  Napoleon - Photo Credit, Disney Food Blog

• EPCOT is a fabulous place to graze and get great snacks at a reasonable price – some are quite generous and can be shared! However, we recommend visiting France and Norway. Firstly, in France you will find the Napoleon. This pastry is topped with a thick layer of icing it has layers of flaky, buttery pastry are with thick, rich vanilla custard cream in between. My local Greggs do one and they are delish! Its available at Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie for $4.25 And as you are in France, don’t forget the Artisan d’Glace ice cream brioche sandwich for $4. Next stop we mentioned was Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe for their $3 school bread or the rice cream for $2.69.  

• Now to the Magic Kingdom and on the edge of Fantasyland, almost Tomorrowland, there is a kiosk called Cheshire Cafe and they serve up a Gourmet Cake Cup but it is de-constructed and is basically layers of cake sweet cake and frosting with chocolate decoration on top. This runs in at just under $5. 

  

  Gourmet Cake Cup

• Quick mention for the carrot cake cookie from Writers Stop at DHS.
• Talking of cupcakes, WDW does offer the most amazing array of choices in both parks and resort hotels. From Red velvet to peanut butter, these $5 (or so) treats are very shareable. So try these! 

  

  Butterfinger Cupcake

Now lets move to Disneyland:

• Maurices’s treats offer a range of twists from the cheddar garlic to the strawberry or chocolate one and are around the $4 mark. 

  

  Twists - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

• Edelweiss snacks in Disneyland have the chilli lime corn on the cob which it great value for just under $5.
• Another great snack is available from the Harbour galley – just near The Haunted Mansion. They do a range of jacket potatoes from around the $7 price point and you can choose from BBQ chicken, bacon and sour cream and shrimp salad. Awesome carb loading for the days where you are hitting the park for a long day. 

Next question is about budgets and this is from Clare in Penkridge. I’m going to WDW for the first time. I do not know what expenses I should reasonable expect. I have park tickets and I am staying at an off site hotel and expect to spend three days in WDW (1 MK, 1 DAK/EPCOT and 1 DHS). Can you advise?

This is difficult as everyone has different spending habits and at the end of the day you could manage on around $20 a day but you could aos quite easily spend $400! But here are a few guidelines: 

Walt Disney World - Photo Credit, Disney World Website

• Biggest expense is food. If you eat breakfast off site you only have to purchase two meals in park. So I would budget $35-40 a day providing you are not having any sit down table service meals. This figure sounds high but includes buying water as hydration is important. Remember can bring water in with you too. I buy the small concentrate juice bottles and add that to water bottle or water fountain re-fills.
• Souvenirs range from a few dollars upwards. I like to post myself a postcard, also maybe buy a pin with the year or season on. You can spend $$ on this section so set yourself a budget!
• Ride photos, tend to be a pricey option but if you get one take and you love it, it will set you back around $17. If you want ten or more of such photos or character pictures, Disney do Photopass and in WDW it is around $170 but occasionally you can find vouchers to get it a bit cheaper.
• Things such as headache tablets, sun cream and plasters can be bought inside the park but are expensive. Take your own.
• How are you going to pay for goods? It may seem irrelevant if you live in the USA but as you are from the UK us overseas visitors need to plan ahead as most credit cards charge additional transaction costs for converting currency. I always take currency and a pre-payment card that I load with US dollars prior to my trip.
• Final cost - cell phone use. At Walt Disney World there is wifi in the parks and most hotels offer this free of charge. However, texting and calls if not done via the internet can be costly and leave you with a nasty surprise 3/4 weeks post holidays. For UK guests, the mobile network Three off the ability to take your package with you for no additional cost, where as Vodafone charge £5 a day! So check up on this. In Disneyland, there is no in park wifi. So unless you visit a Disney hotel or certain establishments at Downtown Disney you will have to wait until you return to your hotel.

And that is it for this set of show notes. We will be back on Sunday 30th August with the show notes for show 60 which is a special crossover show! Part one will be released on Window to the Magic Podcast on 24th August (show number 485 1/2) and it begins an in-park adventure, where we begin a quest to ride an attraction but with Paul Barrie in charge, it gets a little confusing! Then, part 2 will be released on Sunday 30th August by us. Listen to both shows, answer the question we pose at the end to win a prize.

To submit your own question or contact the show: 

Email – info@Disneydreamgirls.com

Twitter @disdreamgirls

Facebook Disney Dream Girls

Meerkat – DisDreamGirls

Show 055 - Disney News Show

Welcome to the show notes that accompany podcast number 055 that can be listened to be either subscribing in iTunes (click here), Stitcher Radio, using a podcast catching app or clicking on the link below. 

On the show, we talk about the upcoming D23 event in Anaheim, which is on Friday 14th til Sunday 16th August 2015. Sarah shares her top tips and strategies to be able to see the hot tickets. If you wish to plan your own schedule, why not visit to D23 website.

Next on our news agenda, was Shanghai Disneyland. The park opens in 2016 and there will be six themed lands, plus a Disneyland and Toy Story Hotel, a Disneytown and a Wishing Star Park.

Pirates Cove - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Both Sarah and Michelle agreed it looked awesome and also discussed rumours that some of the attractions will be coming across to the USA parks. 

Then, Michelle shared details of a brand new tour available at Walt Disney World, Fort Wilderness Resort, called Walt's Wilderness. This five hour tour costs $109 and whilst it showcases many of the things to do at Fort Wilderness it also connects everything to stories about Walt.  

Tri-Circle-D Ranch - Photo Credit Disney Website

Breakfast - Photo Credit Disney Website

Frozen Meets at WDW

What about the Ice Palace Boutique? This is offered at DHS for children age 3-12 for a Frozen makeover. Starting at $19.95 to $240 plus tax, there are a range of packages available from an Olaf glittery hairstyle and t-shirt to the deluxe package which has make-up, nails, hair pieces, photo op, access to the Ice palace Café and reserved seating at the ‘For the first time in Forever” sing-along, and an Ana or Elsa costume. The show seating is for up to 6 guests, and the higher end packages include entry to the Ice Palace Café with snacks whilst they wait to meet and greet. Available til 7^th September.

Photo Credit Disney Website

Also, Sarah discussed the 60th celebrations that occurred at Disneyland and her disappointment over the event only being 18 minutes long. Despite waiting three hours, Michelle got a better view from 5000 miles away! But Sarah did win out as she got to spend the day in Disneyland with her lovely husband, Richard, as well as try one of the 100,000 free cupcakes Disney gave away.

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Finally, we recently received news that we had won a Disney Podcast Award - yay! We have now won the best foreign show two years in a row. We would therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful listeners because without you we are just girls talking Disney!

Show 53 - Disney News

Welcome to the show notes that accompany our podcast episode 53. Our show can be found by visiting the iTunes store or by using the player below.



This week, it was officially announced that Disney Quest will close in 2016 to make way for the NBA Experience. Disney Quest has been open since 1998 and this high-tech, five storey indoor interactive theme park is now slightly out of date. We guess Disney want to ensure this large space is giving them, and their guests, the best return possible.

Next is another Walt Disney World closure and this time it is at Disney Hollywood Studios. The Magic of Disney Animation is due to close by 18th July 2015. It is quite a sad day with the animation element of this park leaving but as we are unsure on what is coming, I guess I will hold judgement. However, I will be very upset if elements of One Man's Dream is not incorporated somewhere within WDW.

Whilst at DHS, permits that have been submitted hinting that the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights will be around for 2015 but further than that their future is unknown. 

Over at Walt Disney World is the Contemporary Resort and their new offering titled 'Family Culinary Adventure'. This is a cooking based activity for guests aged 9 and over, offered twice a week in the resorts kitchens. It involves being assigned to a kitchen station and spending an hour performing food preparation, before sitting down to a five course meal (wine and beer are included with the price) with chef entertainment/demonstration. Roughly lasting 3 1/2 hours guests will then leave with not just full tummies but a signed Disney cookbook and a chefs hat. Cost? $175 for adults and $125 for guests aged 9 to 12. Personally, I think for those ages 12-20 who are not able to drink alcohol that price is a little high otherwise it is something I really really want to do!

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Final WDW stop is at EPCOT and this is for the dates of the Candlelight Processional. Whilst, not all narrators have been announced, we hope this guide will help you plan your trip.

TBD - November 27 to 29, 2015
Neil Patrick Harris - November 30 to December 3, 2015
Whoopi Goldberg - December 4 and 5, 2015
 Joe Morton - December 6 to 8, 2015
TBD - December 9 to 11, 2015
Meredith Vieira - December 12 to 14, 2015
 TBD - December 15 to 23, 2015
Edward James Olmos - December 24 to 26, 2015
 TBD - December 27 to 28, 2015
Amy Grant - December 29 to 30, 2015

The show takes place three times a day, except for 6th December 2015 and as usual, narrators and details can change. Park tickets cover the cost of this, however lines for showings can get long. Therefore there is the option to take advantage of a dining plan which guarantees a seat.

Now lets visit Disneyland and Anaheim City Council has agreed to extend the arrangement of not charging visitors to Disneyland ticket-taxes for a further 30 years. This is in return to Disney being committed to commence building work by the end of 2017 for a theme park expansion. This expansion must be complete by 2024. Can't wait to hear what these plans will be!

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Finally, we mention two pieces of merchandise on this weeks show. Artist Jasmine Becket-Griffith stunning artwork and the uber cute Orange Bird plush.

Photo Credit D23 Website

This week sadly, Disney imagineer, sculptor and legend, Blaine Gibson, died at the age of 97. Blaine Gibson began his career at Disney Studios as an artist working under an assistant animator; working on Fantasia, Bambi and Peter Pan. However, he was a student at Pasadena City College studying sculpture. This led to Walt moving him to work on his Disneyland project and rising to the role of head of sculpture in WED Enterprises. If it is sculpted, it’s likely Blaine did it. We are left with a legacy of figures in the parks, the most prominent being the partners statue, namely Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney, which was installed in 1993. 

“Blaine Gibson was one of the most important storytellers among all the great talents on Walt Disney’s team of Imagineers,” said Marty Sklar, former vice-chairman of Walt Disney Imagineering. “He showed all of us how to make our Disney park show characters so realistic you never had to guess the role of any three-dimensional figure in our attractions.”

Thank you for reading and hopefully listening. We will be back on July 19th with more Disney food and a special mouth-watering food filled feature.

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 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.

Show 38 - Window To The News

On our news show, I was joined by fellow podcaster and friend of mine, Paul Barrie (of WTTM). However, it was a quiet news week, nevertheless, we found lots of talk about.

Changes are rumoured to be a foot for the former Pixie Hollow to a possible new restaurant in Adventureland, WDW. What could be on the menu? Will it actually happen? Time will only tell.

News story 2, was the price rise from $29 to $49 for the Dessert party in the Magic Kingdom. What do you think about it? The menu is slightly different however, alcoholic beverages have been added.

Then we pop over to the west coast, to talk about how Disneyland is looking as it prepares for the 60th celebrations.

Photo Credit Michelle Young

Then, it is all about Easter and how you can meets the characters in all their best Spring time attire as well as for the third time running the Easter egg hunt has started and will run to the 5th April 2015.

Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Our penultimate item, is the 60th merchandise event at Disneyland and how for $100 you can get the opportunity to buy merchandise. There are lots of amazing things to buy!

Credit Disney Parks Blog

Credit Disney Parks 

Finally, we end with Paul sharing his first hand experience of eating at the refitted eatery in DCA, Smokejumpers Grill.

Photo Credit Paul Barrie

Photo Credit Paul Barrie

We hope you enjoy the show (which is released on Sunday 29th March 2015) click to subscribe here. 

Please feel free to tweet (@disdreamgirls), email (info@disneydreamgirls) or send a message via our Facebook page, especially with regards to this new additional news show.