Showing posts with label Anaheim. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anaheim. Show all posts

Monday, 9 July 2018

DDG 217 - Spotlight on Pixar

Welcome to part 2 of show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, show number 217 for Sunday 8th July 2018. If you want to listen, whilst you read these notes, all you have to do is press the green triangle on the audio player below. Alternatively, why not listen via iTunes, Stitcher Radio or any podcast catching place!
Coming up in these show notes, is the second part of our show notes and this time we will be looking at the offerings available in Pixar Pier. Firstly, we must thank our friend Thomas Allison (from the Disgeek Podcast and The Cruise Dudes Podcast) for the information and photographs we use. 
Photo Credit Thomas Allison
Whilst there are not any 'new' attractions here, two favourites have been re-imagined to fit within the new Pixar theming. In addition, Toy Story Mid Way Mania remains and there are some games to play linked into the Pixar franchise. In addition, in 2019 there will be Jessie's Critter Carousel.
Photo Credit Thomas Allison
The Incredicoaster
This attraction is definately a thrill ride and is available for guests over 48" to ride. It is the 8th longest rollercoaster in the world (3rd longest in the USA). It has a top speed of 55mph and has one inversion. 
Photo Credit - Thomas Allison
The theming fits incredibly well with the franchise and is a must ride daytime but also in the nighttime. Pixar Pal-A-Round
Photo Credit - Thomas Allison
This is a re-theming of Mickeys Fun Wheel. Here upto six guests can share a gondola and there is an option of a fixed vehicle of a swinging one. There is no height restriction on this attraction. 

Food Offerings
There are four main places to get food that is themed around the Pixar franchises:
  • Angry Dogs
  • Senor Buzz Churros
  • Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats
  • Poultry Palace
  • Jack Jack's Cookie Num Nums
Photo Credit Thomas Allison
On the show we chat in detail about the Poultry Palace as a good place to visit for a meal that offers a change from burgers or sandwiches. 
Photo Credit Thomas Allison
So that about wraps up part 2 of this weeks show notes. If you are planning a visit to Disneyland and would like to review it and share your views - please get in touch with us!

As always, we can be contacted via these methods:

Twitter and instagram @DisDreamGirls
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DisneyDreamGirlsPodcast/
Email info@disneydreamgirls

Sunday, 7 January 2018

Disney Dream Girls 191 - Disneyland Trip Report

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number 191 aired on Sunday 7th January 2018. 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 most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.

Todays show reviews Michelle's Disneyland Christmas trip. Have you ever been to a Disney park at Christmas? Or are you planning at future trip? Well you will need to listen to this weeks show with lots of top tips on how to get the best out of the theme parks at the busiest and merriest time of the year.
First thing to understand is that the parks are busy however, if you do your research it is quite easy to get in 15+ attractions a day! Some of our top tips are:
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to park opening to get through security and be in line at the entrance.
  • Use Fastpasses.
  • Have a plan of which attractions you want to hit - e.g. Michelle went to Space Mountain for a fastpass and then onto Peter Pan as both of these attractions are incredibly busy.
  • Ride Its a Small World in the morning but visit in the evening to admire the exterior. 
  • Queues for quick service food at peak times can be 30 minutes so avoid these  times.
  • Plan to watch shows later in the day.

The highlights of the trip included the cinnamon scented snowfall (always a seasonal favourite), enjoying the stunning Christmas decorations plus riding the Christmas themed attractions and the amazing seasonal Christmas food.
On this trip, I was really pleased to have done two attractions that I had previously ignored - namely the treehouse and the canoes. Lots of fun and I am now pleased to say I have ridden every Disneyland attraction! 

We hope you enjoyed the show, and we will be back with more Disney musings next week! Why not listen to our weekly Disney theme parks podcast? 

You can find it in most places that host podcasts or via iTunes click this link to go to our iTunes page. 

Our social media links are:  
Twitter @DisDreamGirls and @JaynePhipps
Facebook - www.facebook.com/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 - click to visit our Patreon page. 

Sunday, 16 July 2017

Disney Dream Girls 167 - D23 Expo Mini Show

Welcome to the mini show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast for show number 167. This was an additional show looking ahead to the D23 Expo, which was held between the 14th and 16th July 2017.
 
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 most places that host podcasts such as iTunes (click here to subscribe) and Stitcher Radio.

We hope you have enjoyed this show and if you are looking to book a Disney or indeed any holiday, why not get in touch 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   

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

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 

Sunday, 24 April 2016

Disney Dream Girls 104 - Disney Theme Park Chat

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast, show 104 for Sunday 24th April 2016. 

 
On todays show:

  • Sipping cocktails in The Sunset Room 
  • Soarin over California or The World 
  • Toy Story Land update 
  • Animal Kingdom updates and menu talk 
  • UK dining packages added to select 2017 bookings
  •  Re-rideable attractions 
You know we love our food talk, so we just had to share some pictures to tantalise your tastebuds for the upcoming Tiffins and Nomad lounge at Animal Kingdom. 
Berber Spiced Lamb Chop - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog
Calamansi Mouse - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog
South American Chocolate Ganache - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog
Concept Art - Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

Reservations can be made from 20th May 2016 and it will open Memorial Day weekend - yum!

Hope you enjoyed today's show. Don't forget to tweet us as you listen @DisDreamGirls, you can also contact us via our Facebook page by searching for Disney Dream Girls.

Ways to contact the show:
Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com
Tweet us @DisDreamGirls
Find our Disney Dream Girls Facebook Page  
Support us financially to make the show bigger and better by clicking on Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls

Friday, 11 March 2016

Disney Dream Girls 096 - Disney Boat Ride Competition Part 1

Welcome to the Disney Dream Girls Podcast show notes, for show 096 released on Sunday 6th March 2016. 

On this show, we started a very exciting completition to find the ultimate Disney boat ride and where else could we begin our search but at the original park, Disneyland.

We start running through the attractions ourselves, with lots of fun facts, then we are joined by our friend and past guest, Mr Thomas Allison (who also hosts the Cruise Dudes Podcast and appears on the Disgeeks Podcast).

The show discusses how you can get involved! All you have to do is vote, from your least to most favourite boat ride on our Facebook page (search Disney Dream Girls). All entrants will be entered into a prize draw also. The winning attraction will be entered, along with the attraction chosen by Tommy, in to the grand final.

Then we have our good friend, Jeanie Gallo join us on the show to discuss her recent re-visit to the Boathouse restaurant, located at Disney Springs. If you recall, Jeanie didnt have a magical time on her first visit. So the management invited her back and she shares her review on air. Did she find calmer waters on this trip? Here are some pictures to tempt you!
The Original Lobster Bake at the Boathouse
The Yacht Club Club Sandwich
Smores Baked Alaska
To read Jeanie's review in full, please visit The Princess Papers.


Hope you enjoyed today's show. Don't forget to tweet us as you listen @DisDreamGirls, you can also contact us via our Facebook page by searching for Disney Dream Girls.
Ways to contact the show:
Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com
Tweet us @DisDreamGirls
Find our Disney Dream Girls Facebook Page  


Support us financially to make the show bigger and better by clicking on Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls 

We will be back with another show on Sunday 13th March 2016.

Sunday, 31 January 2016

Disney Dream Girls 090 - Listeners Questions on Dining and Spas Plus Upcharged Events

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, episode 090. On today's show, we answers answer some listeners questions on dining, spas and upcharged events. 
   
Hope you enjoyed today's show. Don't forget to tweet us as you listen @DisDreamGirls, you can also contact us via our Facebook page by searching for Disney Dream Girls. Finally, support us by clicking on the Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls and consider donating a small monthly amount to help us grow our podcast. 

We will be back with another show, on Sunday 24th January 2016.

Ways to contact the show:
Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com
Tweet us @DisDreamGirls
Find our Disney Dream Girls Facebook Page  
Support us by clicking on Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls

Sunday, 17 January 2016

Disney Dream Girls 089 - Departures, arrivals and a guessing game

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls Podcast, episode 089. On today's show, we premiere the game - The Price Is Right!

We start this show with some sad farewells. Our condolences go out to the friends and family of David Bowie, Alan Rickman and Brian Bedford.

We then catch up with some Disney news, then our main feature today is a fun new game. Whilst listening, play along - it is really easy. Look at the photographs below, listen to the descriptions and guess the price. Jayne will be doing her best to play too! All the items were photographed during Michelle's recent trip to Disneyland.
Shot glass
Delicate ladies Minnie bow socks
Gents knit gloves
Christmas tree with decorations
Darth Vader Ladies Blouse
Gents Leather Wallet
So how did you do? Were you close? For a bonus round, how about estimating the cost for a non-hotel guest to park at the Disneyland Hotel Valet without validation for an hour?

Hope you enjoyed today's show. Don't forget to tweet us as you listen @DisDreamGirls, you can also contact us via our Facebook page by searching for Disney Dream Girls. Finally, support us by clicking on the Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls and consider donating a small monthly amount to help us grow our podcast. 

We will be back with another show, on Sunday 24th January 2016.

Ways to contact the show:
Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com
Tweet us @DisDreamGirls
Find our Disney Dream Girls Facebook Page  
Support us by clicking on Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls 

Disney Dream Girls 088 - A Whole New Year

Welcome to the show notes for the Disney Dream Girls podcast, episode 088. On today's show we review some of the eateries Michelle tried out on her Christmas Disneyland trip, found out her top ultimate moments were and also what in park Star Wars offerings you should do.

Food
A massive part of a trip to Disneyland is the food. Regardless the size of your budget, it is very easy to find good quality food - healthy or not! Here are a few things we heartedly recommend.

Peppermint ice-cream served in a chocolate waffle cone that has been dipped in crushed candy canes. This delightful treat is only available during the Christmas season and one scoop is a taste of heaven. Available from the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor.

Another fabulous snack is the Matterhorn Macaroon. Available from the Jolly Holiday Bakery at a around $2 it is a satisfying coconut delight. 

What about meals? For steaks you can not go wrong with Steakhouse 55. Michelle had their rib-eye and was suitably impressed. Excellent service (much better than on her last trip) and she managed to squeeze in their 24-layer chocolate cake (oh my!)

Whilst talking fine dining, Michelle ate dinner at both Carthay Circle and Club 33. At Carthay, she decided to go for a serving of their delightful biscuits and then their house salad. This was heirloom apples, roasted walnuts, winter greens, bacon, dates with a creamy citrus vinaigrette. All so far was delicious. However, the peppermint ice dessert was  very below par. Not worth the $12 price tag in Michelle opinion. Though other guests tried the Christmas cream puffs and they raved about how delicious they were. Over at Club 33, Michelle ordered the five course dinner with a wine pairing. Coupled with the ability to watch Fantasmic from the balcony made this a big highlight of her trip.

Many friends had recommended the Cove Bar Lobster Nachos to us to try. Well, we can report they were not wrong! 

Attractions
No trip review would be complete without mentioning some of the wonderful attractions that you can ride. For the Season of the Force, there were quite a few Star Wars themed additions. 

Firstly, Star Tours - The Adventure Continues has had an additional scene added. This was a great link to the Force Awakens film and makes for a fun upgrade. Next, moving through Tomorrowland is the Path of the Jedi. This is a ten minute film and uses addition effects well. It is definitely worth a visit. 

Moving on, the next attraction is Hyperspace Mountain. This, in Michelle's opinion, is a great ride enhancement. Luckily for her, it had a temporary stop mid-ride so she luckily got to ride part of the attraction with the lights on! 

For character meet and greets, you can not beat the Launch Bay, during Michelle's trip Chewbacca and Darth Vader were in residence and the meet was very interactive. In addition, you are able to enjoy the exhibition with replica props, models, costumes and items from the Star Wars films. 

How about a break for something to eat? We have spoken on the show before about the food offerings at the Galactic Grill. However, Michelle tried the 'Chopper' chicken salad and rated it 'meh'. Perhaps, she would have fared better with a burger, but her friend, Stephen Klimosko, said the First Order Speciality Burger was spicy and in his opinion felt the chorizo didn't sit well with him.

Perhaps whilst eating you fancy some entertainment? There is an updated version of the Jedi Training Academy. However, Michelle never seemed to time her visits correctly and missed it!

Must Do Disneyland at Christmas
Full information is available, as always, is available on the podcast but here is Michelle's top tips:
  • Visit the Disney hotels! There was additional entertainment in the hotel lobby, as well as wonderful decorations. At the Grand Californian, Michelle really enjoyed avoiding the crowds and enjoying a hot chocolate.
  • Watch the entertainment whether it is the parade, fireworks, Fantasmic or any of the many live musical offerings.
  • Character meet and greets as they are resplendent in their Christmas attire.
  • Arrive early and stay late. The crowds are lighter and the waits are shorter.
  • Prepare for the crowds.

Thats about it for this set of show notes, though there is lots more on the podcast. 

Ways to contact the show:
Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com
Tweet us @DisDreamGirls
Find our Disney Dream Girls Facebook Page  


Support us by clicking on Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls 

Sunday, 6 December 2015

Disney Dream Girls 074 - Home and Away with the Dream Girls

Welcome to the Disney Dream Girls podcast, show notes for episode 074

Firstly, can we begin by saying our Patreon page is now live! If you would like to contribute to the show, you can support us, by visiting Disney Dream Girls Patreon Page

Now on to the show notes. We start by discussing some of our coping strategies to bring Disney magic in to our homes at Christmas. When there isn't any prospect of a Disney park fix, how do you manage? We share some of the ways we make our lives have a lot more Disney! On the show we discuss:

·      Disney tree
·      Ornament exchanges
·      Disney stockings
·      Disney movies
·      Disney Christmas music
·      Disney Christmas apparel
·      Disney Christmas cards
·      Disney baked goods
·      Disney gifts buying or receiving
·      Social media stalking of friends in the parks

Did we miss any? Let us know what you do.
Photo Credit - Disney Parks Blog

Then we move on to talking about Disneyland at Christmas. Whilst we do not review everything (seriously it would be a three hour show!). We cover some main points and hope, if you are going it will assist in your planning and if you are not going, will help with the homesickness pangs! From the wonderful parade (21st years old this year, so we discuss that!) to the attractions and of course the food!

                                its A Small World - Photo Credit Disneyland Website

                                  Bundt Cake Above and Peppermint Beignets Below
                                              Photo Credit Disney Parks Blog

   

The podcast will be back on 13th December 2015. In the meantime, you can always:

Email us info@disneydreamgirls.com
Tweet us @DisDreamGirls
Find our Disney Dream Girls Facebook Page
Support our show via Patreon Patreon Page for Disney Dream Girls

Sunday, 30 August 2015

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

Monday, 24 August 2015

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: 
Twitter @disdreamgirls
Facebook Disney Dream Girls
Meerkat – DisDreamGirls