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 25^th 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 17^th 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 22^nd/23^rd May 

In addition, there was an announcement about Disney Springs. 13 new tenants were announced for Disney Springs were announced on May 15^th.  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 Café 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. 

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 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 8^th 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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 16^th to 19^th 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