by Sean | Sep 18, 2014 | Tips and Tricks
With the announcement of Frozen taking over the current Maelstrom attraction at Epcot the thoughts quickly go to what exactly will Disney do to bring Arendelle to Norway?
First the facts – Maelstrom will be closing Oct 6, 2014 to make way for a new frozen attraction. Yes, I know boooooo
As for what this attraction will be – there is a lot of speculation at this point, but no announcements from Disney. From what we hear there are three concepts under consideration, as you can imagine its budget based to see which one is selected.
- Cheapest – re-theme the current attraction system, maybe instead of trolls “Back Back over the falls” – we would be brought into the North Mountain area where Elsa does not want us and pushes us away over the falls.
- Middle of the Road – they could also update and expand the current boat attraction. There is a lot of land between Mexico and Norway in which to expand. This was originally marked to be another land, but could be used to support an expanded Norway. This area (pictured below) is currently home to many temporary cast member structures.
- Most expensive – how about a trackless dark ride, maybe something similar to the Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland where the attraction vehicle can stop and change direction at different moments in the ride. This option would require an expanded area as the current building could not support a large dark ride.
Reading online you can definitely feel that many are upset to see one of our favorite classic Epcot attractions go away. I’m sure that this was well thought out by those at Disney and it is not a decision that any of us can change. So let’s look forward to the new attraction. What would you like to see? How would you incorporate Frozen into the current ride layout? Let us know in the comments below.
In other Epcot news / rumors – there has been a lot of activity in the area behind Soarin. This area similar to the open area between Mexico and Norway has been home to temporary cast member structures. In the last few weeks these structures have been moved off their foundations in preparation to move them out of the area. This area is rumored to be used to expand Soarin to have 1 or 2 more theaters. Though there has been no official announcement on this the area is large enough and seems easy enough to just add these on. Rumors say that the opening of the new theaters would coincide with the new film Soarin over the World which is set to debut in 2016. These theaters will definitely be needed with the excitement of the new film. Soarin over the World will find us traveling to England, France, Italy, Egypt, India, China, Japan, and for the U.S.A: the Grand Canyon and New York – all I can say is there better be oranges and pine trees involved. What is your favorite Soarin scene or smell today?
by Sean | Aug 4, 2014 | Hidden Mickey
Our Hidden Mickey this week comes from our Downtown Disney – soon to be Disney Springs. As you stroll around the area in front of the World of Disney, be sure to pay close attention the the railings.
Hi Mickey!! Thanks for surprising us at Downtown Disney.
We love Hidden Mickey‘s. Where have you found Mickey at Downtown Disney?
by Sean | Jun 12, 2014 | History
As you stroll around the parks today pins are everywhere, there are entire shops devoted to pins and pin trading and most cast members are ready to trade their pins. But, where did this come from, what started this pin trading craze?
Pins have been sold at parks for many years, but it wasn’t until the 1999 Millennium Celebration that Pin Trading was introduced to Walt Disney World. After its introduction pin trading quickly spread to Disneyland and all Disney Parks including the Disney Cruise Line. During this introduction a book was published which highlighted the pins that were available (pictured above). This book listed all 450 pins that were available along with their pin number, year introduced, and cost (most only $6 at the time).
During the introduction and the Millennium Celebration (Oct 1999 – Jan 2001) pins could be purchased, they were also given as gifts with other store purchases, or obtained by trading with cast members. The “Pin of the Day” was given out with other purchases at select retail locations. This definitely got the craze started.
If you weren’t interested in seeking out the pins you could join the Millennium Pin Club. This club was limited to the first 2,000 people and cost $3,000 (around $4,250 in 2014 dollars). Members of the club would receive a framed pin set each month for 15 months during the Millennium Celebration. After joining you would also receive a free gift and signed certificate by Robert Silvers. Robert Silvers was an artist that helped to design pins that when collected over the month would form a “photomosaic” effect showcasing an Epcot location.
Pin trading continues to grow and is a fun addition to many on their Disney vacation. How many Disney Pins do you have in your collection?
Our post today is part of the FastPass to History Hop hosted by Frontierland Station and featuring other great Disney Bloggers – be sure to visit their posts below.
by Sean | Jun 5, 2014 | Tips and Tricks
Disney Travel Tip
Many of us love to travel with our extended family to Disney or we let our families know that we are planning a Disney trip and they just invite themselves, who isn’t looking for any reason to travel to Disney. As your travel party grows you may find it hard to book your favorite restaurants. Some restaurants are configured in such as way that there are few places for large parties, which make these reservations hard to come by. One thing to consider when you aren’t able to get in is to split the group. Yes I know it sounds drastic, but if you split the group and are able to get times that are close to one another you can request tables next to each other when you check in at the restaurant. You may have to wait an extra minute or two to get in as they get tables next to each other, but this saves you from missing your favorite restaurant.
This week we have linked up on the Travel Tip Thursday Blog Hop with our friends at Love Our Disney. Be sure to hop through and check out the other great tips.
by Sean | Jun 2, 2014 | Hidden Mickey
Our Hidden Mickey this week comes from our room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. One of our favorite spots to find Hidden Mickeys are in the resort pictures. This picture was found in our Grand Floridian Resort room close to the window/patio doors.
Do you see him? Yeah this one is tough to spot and we didn’t get a very good direct picture, but I wanted to give you the placement so you can look next time you are staying there. On the globe towards the bottom of the picture…..
Hi Mickey!! There you are.
We love Hidden Mickey‘s. Where else have you spotted Mickey on a Resort Picture?
