Category Archives: Disney Reviews

Dream #8 – Life is a Journey

With a website address that contains TheEnemyIsGood, a lot of people ask Connie M. which enemy is that? Connie laughs and points out how her blog started with a typo, she meant to nab “The Enemy is Food.” But with her new blog formally titled “Life is a Journey” in place, Connie was ready to blog, and embrace what she loved.

“The blog originally was started as a way for me to make a food diary but I gave up that idea when I realized that I am a sensory person and loved the sight, smell and taste of food. So…instead of trying to lose weight by dieting, I embraced my love of food but developed a new respect for it,” Connie said. “Slowly, I began to write less and less about food and now only occasionally include a photo of something I am enjoying on one of my little exploratory trips around Southern California. Or Disneyland!”

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Dinosaur

You climb aboard a time rover.  Everything is going smoothly as you are watching dinosaurs graze and stroll the jungle…but this is only for a short time.  There is a meteorite coming your way!  You have to save yourself!

The attraction I am speaking of can be none other than Dinosaur in Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, which is located in the Dinoland USA portion of the park.  Originally, this was called Countdown to Extinction, which opened the same day that Animal Kingdom itself opened, on April 22, 1998.  However, it was re-named Dinosaur to promote the film, also called Dinosaur, which opened in theatres on May 19, 2000.  There are no obvious mentions about the film in this attraction, although the two main dinosaurs are the iguanadon and carnotaurus, both of which were significant breeds of dinosaurs in the film.

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Disney’s 2012 Movie Slate

It’s that time again!  With a year behind us in 2011, it’s time to look forward to see what Disney has planned for 2012.  If you listen to the Disney Film Project Podcast, you know which one I’m looking forward to the most, but here’s the slate of films Disney will treat us to in 2012.

January 13 – Beauty and the Beast in 3D – Not much to say about this, except that it is probably the best hand drawn animated film ever, and it did get nominated for Best Picture.  The addition of 3D did wonders for the box office of The Lion King, and I’d expect the same here.  This will be a must see for me, if only to see it on the big screen again.

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Dream #7 – Busy with Disney

With a passion for Disney, what pursuits does Craig Duncan squeeze in between a full time job and family? How about working on ‘They Disney Brit’, the UKs largest and longest running Disney podcast, the ‘Destination Disney’ radio show and the ‘Eye on Orlando’ radio show both of which are aired live on Florida radio shows. Then there is ‘Mousemeets’ which is UKs Disney annual fan convention and ‘Mousemag’ a free bi-monthly magazine all about Disney written by the Disney Community for the Community. “We have also done something different with our associated web sites. We have made DisneyBrit.com one of the best sources for Disney related news anywhere in the world. EyeonOrlando.com is a pure Orlando holiday portal.”

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Review of DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel in Downtown Disney

When booking our latest Disney vacation, my family first looked to Disney World’s available resorts for our accommodations.  However, the cost of staying during the Holidays at the Disney World resorts proved both expensive and difficult as many of the rooms were unavailable.  We found that we could get a room at the DoubleTree Suites for a very reasonable price for a suite.  After reviewing the hotel’s website as well as a few other sites (such as TripAdvisor), we felt comfortable with a stay at the resort.

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Wireless Onboard the Disney Dream

Photo Credit: www.allmouseallthetime.com

When you book your magical vacation aboard the Disney Dream, you may want to also consider purchasing access to the ship’s wireless Internet.  This is a great way to stay connected to your friends and family during your vacation!

To get connected, here are the steps:

1.  Purchase a wireless plan that meets your needs:

  • Plan 1 – 50 minutes for $27.50
  • Plan 2 – 100 minutes for $40
  • Plan 3 – 250 minutes for $75
  • Per minute – $.75
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Disney Room Service Please!

Photo Credit: www.turkletalks.com

One of my favorite Disney Resorts is the Pop Century where you can find plenty of fun and whimsy!  During a recent vacation’s stay at the Pop, my family decided to try the Peace of Pizza delivery service offered to resort guests.  We were, as always, tired and hungry after a long day of walking through the parks.  Usually, we would go to Everything Pop for a late evening snack but decided to instead try the room service.

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The Santa Clause

Years ago, when I was in college, I liked nothing better than gathering my friends up on a weekday evening and heading off to the movies.  We didn’t have much money, because we were college students, but there was one theater that featured a discount night on Tuesdays.  It was with this group of people, one of whom I married and three others who were in my wedding, that I first saw The Santa Clause.  And it’s probably because of them that I still love the movie to this day.

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Dream #6 – Words with Walt

Words with Walt or Of Mouse and Man is a theatrical presentation written by Chris Lucas. “I play Walt Disney circa 1965 as he gets ready for the press conference announcing the ‘Florida Project.’ He re-caps his life story in an entertaining and moving way. Chris researched to find stories that most people have never heard about Walt or were not well aware of. “My goal is to have today’s generation realize that Walt Disney was a human being and not just a corporate icon. The show can be as short as 30 minutes, or as long as 2 hours, it varies by the group I’m speaking to. It’s currently on hiatus as I work on my father’s movie, but I will probably resume performances in Spring 2012.”

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The Muppets

I love the Muppets.  No, I mean, I really love the Muppets.  I have seen the original Muppet Movie more times than I care to count.  The Muppet Christmas Carol is probably my favorite holiday film.  My children constantly demand to watch all three seasons of the Muppet Show on DVD, despite Sandy Duncan hosting.  So when I say I was greatly anticipating Jason Segel’s take on The Muppets, that is possibly the biggest understatement I could make.

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Bedknobs and Broomsticks

When my son had a particularly hard time with his homework last weekend, I offered him a chance to celebrate when he was finished.  Whatever we could do at home to make a big deal out of finishing this task, I’d do it.  He chose watching a movie.  I knew I loved the kid.  It was the movie he chose that surprised me – Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Growing up, this was one of my favorite Disney films.  The escapism of this film is undeniable, especially for kids.  If you’re not familiar with the movie, it’s basically the story of three orphans during World War II who are sent off the country to avoid the bombing in London.  What they encounter there is a witch in training, played by Angela Lansbury, who gives them a spell to keep them quiet about her witchy ways.  The spell is an enchanted bedknob, which gives their bed the ability to travel wherever they want.  You can see how this appeals to a kid.

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Mickey Band-Aids Make Mouse-Sized Boo-Boos Feel Better!

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

Are your children the type that get the smallest little prick of a scratch and scream out “MOM! I need a Band-Aid!”? Mine are. Band-Aids are used like stickers in this house. I have to hide them so we actually have them when they are really and truly needed! And what could be better to a Neurotic Disney Kid who is Band-Aid happy then ones decorated with Mickey Mouse?! Ppsshh, not much.

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Doug Ingersoll and the Legacy of Aunt Dorothy

Photo Credit: interactivewdw.com

Doug Ingersoll never visits the Magic Kingdom without spending some time in the Enchanted Tiki Room. There, he feels the presence of his long-departed Aunt Dorothy.

Originally from Indiana, Ingersoll spent much of his youth living and attending school around the world. His father’s work abroad forced Ingersoll to live away from his hometown, his friends and his extended family throughout most of the year. Returning to the Unites States to visit family each summer, he would stop first in Tampa to spend some time with Aunt Dorothy, his “spiritual grandmother.” During each annual visit, Aunt Dorothy would take Ingersoll to Disney World.

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Kids Find Fun at the Aulani Resort in O’ahu

Aulani Aunty’s Beach House Photo Courtesy of Disney

 

Many DVC member and Disney fans are extremely excited about the opening of the Aulani Resort and Spa in O’ahu, Hawaii.  This resort is situated miles away from the hustle and bustle of the Waikiki Beach, while remaining close to the island’s airport.  Guests are now able to book their stay by visiting Aulani.com or by calling 866-44-Disney.

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D23 Is Ready for 2012!

Copyright: Disney

2012 is a good year to be a D23 member! “The Official Disney Fan Club” is celebrating the magic of Disney throughout the year and all members are invited!

D23 is celebrating its third year of existence (what they are affectionately calling their “fanniversary”) with celebrations all across the country. They have so much in store, including tours of Walt’s boyhood hometown, Marceline Missouri, an experience at Smoke Tree Ranch, and archivist tours that will be visiting Orlando, New York, Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.

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I Dream of Disney-Part 1

Hi everyone! Trip reporting is so much FUN-I have TONS to tell you about from our October land/sea trip to WDW and the Disney Dream. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must tell you that I had never cruised before, so we were fortunate to have our first cruise experience with what can only be described as the Rolls-Royce of the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line. After our 3 night cruise on the Disney Dream, I can say unequivocally that it was AMAZING! The food…the service…the smorgasbord of endless kids’ activities! Seriously, if your kids don’t have fun on a Disney cruise, then they are downright unsatisfiable. I have finally got my sea legs back, but I truly wish I was still enjoying all that the Dream has to offer. Oh well, a girl can DREAM…

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The Great Movie Ride

Ready when you are, CB!

These are the words uttered right before you take off into the glamour of Hollywood.  I am speaking of none other than The Great Movie Ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!  There is much debate over whether people love, are simply okay with it, or feel it needs a complete refurbishment.  I am one who absolutely loves this attraction.  I would only make two small adjustments.  I would alter the scene in Alien and possibly not make it as long as it is; with the part they remove from this, they could add a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.


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Disney Aulani Entertainment Details

 

Disney's Aulani Resort Photo Courtesy of Disney

 

 

Entertainment is always paramount to Disney and at Aulani, prepare to be entertained:

  • Menehune Adventure Trail – Meander through these exciting trails to discover mysteries of the Resort and a variety of surprises
  • Visit the Starlit Hui to be entertained by the Hawaiian dancers
  • Snorkel the Resort’s private lagoon, where you will find over 40 species of native sea life
  • Book a guided excursion with a traditional storytelling sharing the legends of the island or to learn how to prepare a recipe with the Aulani chefs
  • Spend time in the Waikolohe Valley where you can tube a variety of slides, watch the sunset in a whirlpool or lazily float alongside the Resort’s lush landscaping
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The Lion King

There’s just something about The Lion King, isn’t there?  Disney’s re-release of the film has broken through everyone’s wildest expectations, adding to the already massive box office totals that it earned in its initial release.  The Bluray is selling like crazy, and as we approach 20 years since The Lion King came out, it’s characters are still all around us, in the parks and elsewhere.

Why does The Lion King last?  What is its appeal?  I think it has to do with the characters and their struggles.  The film does an unbelievable job of setting up the world of Pride Rock, especially in the epic opening sequence.  As a viewer, you feel the depth of this world and the emotion of Mufasa as he unveils his new son to his loyal subjects.  Then, we are immediately introduced to Scar, his jealous brother.   The dynamic between these two is so well done that we instantly know the story.

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So Dear To My Heart

In all my time watching Disney films, I had never seen So Dear To My Heart before.  For that and other reasons I sat down to watch it with great interest.  After all, here was a film that was produced in 1948, the very early days of live action at the Disney studio.  It had some animated pieces as well as live action, but for such an early film in the Disney live action canon, I had heard very little about it.

That’s a real shame, because So Dear To My Heart is not only an important film in Disney history, it’s a great one as well.  This is a movie that tugs at your heartstrings; it makes you cry, laugh and smile –  sometimes all in the same sequence.  Sure, it’s not original or very inventive, but watching this movie will show you where all the fun Disney sentimentality of future films came from.

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