the Disney Driven Life

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Tag Archives: Magic Kingdom

Doug Ingersoll and the Legacy of Aunt Dorothy

by John M. (NDD#172) | Published: Friday, November 18, 2011

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.

Posted in Community, Literature, Media, NDP Community, Organization and Plannning, Planning, Technology, Vacation | Also tagged Atlantic Dance Hall, boardwalk, Complete Idiot's Guide to Walt Disney World, Enchanted Tiki Room, iphone, NDD #50, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Complete Travel Guide, Walt Disney World Mom's Panel
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Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Media Event

by Bill I. (NDH#35) | Published: Sunday, November 13, 2011

Last night I was invited to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas party press event. Walt Disney World allowed each journalist three guest passes for family and friends to experience this, one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular Holiday event. This separate ticketed party runs on selected nights during the Holiday season. The press event was a wonderful way for the media and its family and friends to experience a night of Christmas entertainment and a chance to celebrate the season with Mickey and the gang.

HOLIDAY WISHES

Posted in Disney Company, Events | Also tagged Christmas, Cinderella Castle, Decorations, Main St., Mickey, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Minnie, Santa
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Celebrating Magic Kingdom’s 40th Anniversary at 5am

by Elantrice H. (NDI#132) | Published: Monday, November 7, 2011

On October 1, 2011, I was in a line at 5am on the walkway between Magic Kingdom and The Contemporary Resort. Why was I in a line this early you may ask? Well to answer your question…for the Magic Kingdom 40^th anniversary merchandise of course!! To be released were pins, Vinylmations, and shirts to mark this special occasion.

At 6am, the line was moved to the far left side of the turnstiles to receive a wristband. We still had to go through security which means we got pushed back some in the line. Three good friends and I received a black wristband that would allow us to buy the exclusive pins and Vinylmations between 9:30am and 10am. There were a limited number of wristbands given out and I am not sure how many were distributed. We spent the time thinking about why Starbucks needed to have a delivery service, tweeting, taking pictures, and talking about this adventure. From what I was told the people who were in the front of the line never left Magic Kingdom after Mickey’s No So Scary Halloween Party. They had been in line since the party ended at midnight. While we were waiting, the crowd was given a button and special guide map for the day. I am not sure at what time the park ran out of guide maps.

Posted in Collections, Hobbies, Pins, Vinylmation | Also tagged 40th Anniversary, pins, Vinylmation
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Mickey’s Grand Welcome

by Molly B. (NDM#398) | @realdisneymom | Published: Saturday, October 22, 2011

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

2010 was a great year for this Neurotic Disney Family. We made it down to Florida twice – once in April to visit my father and take a day trip to the Magic Kingdom, and once in August to take our annual Walt Disney World Vacation. Jake was almost 4, Ben was 18 months, and Maggie, well she was still in my belly! This trip will forever remain in my heart as one of the best we’ve ever taken. It was full of so many fabulous memories!

Posted in Children, Disney Driven Life, Disney Reviews, Gifts, Lifestyle, Parents, Planning, Travel Tips | Also tagged 2011, ADRs, all you can eat, April, August, autograph book, balloon, banner, beds, belly, best, bin, blanket, book, box, celebrate, confetti, crispy rice treats, deliver, Disney Driven Life, Disney Floral and Gifts, Disney Lifestyle, dress up, dresser, expensive, Fab 5, fabulous, Florida, frame, funds, Garden Grocer, gloves, greet, groceries, hands, Heart, Hidden Mickey, Hotel, Kids, Magic, memories, Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Mickey's Grand Welcome, Molly Beckley, move night, Neurotic Disney Family, night, pen, photo album, planning, pool, popcorn, priceless, purchase, save, skillet, sleep, special, The Real Disney Mom, tin, Tinkerbell, trip, Vacation, wall, Walt Disney World, welcome, Whispering Canyon, Wilderness lodge
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Book Review: Four Decades of Magic

by John M. (NDD#172) | Published: Friday, October 21, 2011

Photo Credit: Ayefour Publishing

Four Decades of Magic: Celebrating the First Forty Years of Disney World: a collection of essays, Compiled by Chad Denver Emerson, Ayefour Publishing, 2011, 379 pp.

Amid the pomp and circumstance certain to be part of the Walt Disney World 40^th Anniversary celebration, what will likely be ignored is any reference to the Walt Disney World that never was.

Posted in Celebrities, Disney Company, Disney Reviews, Events, History, Imagineering, Literature, Media, News, Resorts | Also tagged 40th Anniversary, Animal Kingdom, Asian Resort, Bay Lake, Beastly Kingdom, Carousel of Progress, Disneyland, EPCOT, Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, Florida Project, Hoop De Doo Review, Imagineering, Imagineers, Lou Mongelllo, Main Street Electrical Parade, Persian Resort, Sam Gennawey, Seven Seas Lagoon, Spaceship Earth, The EPCOT Film, Thunder Mesa, Venetial Resort, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World History, Western River Expedition
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A 5-YEAR-OLD’S MUST-DOs

by Molly B. (NDM#398) | @realdisneymom | Published: Friday, August 5, 2011

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

My three previous trips to Walt Disney World as an adult have been planned completely by myself with the exception of my foodie husband usually picking out the places in which we will dine. For this year’s trip, I got the added bonus of my son being old enough to have a lot to say about what he wants to do in Walt Disney World this year!

Here is your Disney Dozen for the things my almost 5-year-old Neurotic Disney Kid, must do on his trip to Walt Disney World this year, in his own words.

Posted in Advice, Children, Disney Driven Life, Kids' Viewpoint, Lifestyle, Parents, Travel Tips, Vacation | Also tagged adult, Adventureland, bonus, dining, Disney Dozen, Disney Lifestyle, Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show, EPCOT, Fantasyland, foodie, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros, Hollywood Studios, husband, Kona Cafe, liberty square, Luau, Mexico Pavilion, Molly Beckley, Muppet*Vision 3-D, Muppets, Neurotic Disney Kid, Neurotic Disney Mom, Peter Pan's Flight, Pirates of the Caribbean, Planning with Little Ones, Polynesian Resort, The Hall of Presidents, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Real Disney Mom, to-do list, Toy Story Mania!, trip, trip planning, Walt Disney World
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I’M A VIP WITH THE KEYS TO THE KINGDOM!

by Sherry B. (NDM#393) | @sherryboswell | Published: Sunday, July 31, 2011

NDM 393's photo

Back in October 2010, my husband and I had our first grown-ups only trip to Disney World post-kids, and I must say it was AWESOME! (Murphy’s law, I almost didn’t get to go when my kids both ended up sick that week. Just what I needed-the guilt of leaving behind sick kids to go to Disney World. Thank goodness for medicine!) Of course, we didn’t TELL the kids exactly where we were going-just that it was in Florida for Daddy’s conference.

Posted in Hidden Treasures, Travel Reports | Also tagged behind the scenes, Disney magic, Keys to the Kingdom, tours, Utilidors
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THINGS MY CHILDREN MUST HAVE ON THEIR DISNEY VACATIONS PART 2

by Molly B. (NDM#398) | @realdisneymom | Published: Saturday, June 18, 2011

Photo Credit: Molly Beckley

Here is the second half of the Disney Dozen for things my children must have on their Disney vacations!

#7. Clothing! This might not be something your children are attached to, but wearing the correct clothing while touring the parks in red hot heat is paramount to your Disney survival! We dress in as little clothing as possible! When purchasing summer clothes for my kids I always have our Disney trip in mind, and try to purchase shorts and sleeveless shirts made with very light weight material. I also make it a point to gather Mickey shirts and the like from places like Target.

Posted in Children, Lifestyle, Parents, Planning, Travel Tips | Also tagged clothing, comfortable, Crocs, Disney Lifestyle, Disney Merchandise, dollar store, exciting, fabulous, family, footwear, glow lights, Jibbitz, love, magical, Mickey Ears, Mickey Mouse, novelties, Pediped, sandals, stress, summer, survival, Target, Toys, Vacation, Walt Disney World, water shoes, wonderful
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GIVE A LITTLE WHISTLE

by Brian F. (NDH#44) | Published: Monday, June 13, 2011

Photo Credit: Brian Fee

Photo Credit: Brian Fee

Posted in DDL Photos, Disney Driven Life, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Park Photos, Photography | Also tagged Jiminy Cricket, parks, Photography, Photos, Pinocchio, Statues, Walt Disney World, WDW
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ROMANTIC NOOKS AND CRANNIES AROUND THE MAGIC KINGDOM

by Ami B. (NDM#381) | Published: Sunday, June 12, 2011

photo credit: Ami B-E

One of my all time favorite pastimes while visiting the Walt Disney World Resort is to amble around slowly, taking in all that satiating attention to the finer points. From the music, just loud enough to fill your subconscious with pleasantries, to the subtly jovial colors, mature foliage and precise architectural details, all properties within Disney World are a feast for the senses! Some even have their own aromas! Goodness, what I wouldn’t do to bottle that crisp, Polynesian fragrance!

Posted in Dating, Lifestyle, Marriage, Park Photos, Photography, Relationships, Solo Life, Travel Tips, Vacation | Also tagged beautiful moments, center st., fairytale theatre, peoplemovers, romance, savoring, secrets, slowing down, Tangled, wishing well
6 Comments

DISNEYLAND ALL-AMERICAN COLLEGE BAND

by Shalon G. (NDI#167) | Published: Saturday, June 4, 2011

One of my favorite musical acts in Walt Disney World is the Main Street Philharmonic. Being a former marching band member I always stop to watch them when in the Magic Kingdom. Luckily when I took a trip out to Disneyland a few years ago I was treated to an even more exciting marching band, the Disneyland All-American College Band. Don’t get me wrong I love Disney World’s band but Disneyland’s version speaks more to me because it is actually comprised of current college marching band students. The All-American College Band has been a staple of Disneyland since 1971. Many people say the summer doesn’t officially start at Disneyland until the band has their first performance of the season.

Posted in Culture, Lifestyle, Music | Also tagged All-American College band, Disneyland, Dr. Ron McCurdy, jazz, Main Street Philharmonic, military, music, show band, University of Southern California, Walt Disney World, Yamaha
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FEATURED BLOGGER OF THE MONTH

by Connie R. (NDI#176) | Published: Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The featured blogger of the month of May is Jessica Clawson, also known as Lady_Aurora on Twitter and NDI#21. Jess is an ultimate Disney fan, who writes here about current events. Her life is like a sponge that soaks up everything and anything concerning Disney.

Jess’s first trip to Disney World was in 2002 with her family. They try to visit every other year and make memories each vacation. On her last two trips, Jess was able to meet up with her online friends and do the things she loves in her favorite place ever. Sounds like fun was had by all! On her trip last June with her boyfriend, Chris, she made the most out of her last day. The Magic Kingdom was open until 3 AM that day, so she and Chris spent the whole day there trying to enjoy every attraction they could. At about 2:59 AM, they were on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority and were the only riders. Jess said it felt they were the only people in the park too. “It was completely magical!”

Posted in DDL Blogger of the Month, Disney Driven Life | Also tagged Fantasia, Neumann University, Twitter, Walt Disney Company
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D23 CELEBRATES WDW’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

by Bill I. (NDH#35) | Published: Friday, May 20, 2011

On May 14-15, D23, the Official Disney Fan Club celebrated Walt Disney World’s 40^th anniversary at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. For two magical days in the Fantasia Ballroom, D23 members were treated to the most amazing collection of stories, history, unseen pictures and videos of the creation of Walt Disney World. There were Disney Legends on hand to help tell the story of Walt’s dream here in Florida… Marty Sklar, Dave Smith and Robert Sherman just to name a few. The stories and history told here was a Disney Fan’s nirvana. Whether you just had a casual interest, a history buff or Disney fanatic, this was the place to be.

There are not enough words of praise I can heap upon the folks at D23 for the amazing show put on this weekend. It was well presented, in fact so much information was available, and there is no way I could possible cover a tenth of what transpired in those two days. What I will do is to go over the major highlights (For me, everything was a highlight!) and hope you can appreciate this major event.

Posted in D23, Disney Company, Events, Imagineering, Movies, Resorts, Travel Reports | Also tagged Animal Kingdom, attractions, Bay Lake, D-23, Dave Smith, EPCOT, Florida Project, History, roy disney, Walt Disney
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NOT-SO-SCARY DATES FOR 2011

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Sunday, May 15, 2011

Photo Credit: Gene Duncan

Disney has announced the dates for this year’s “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. This party, which costs extra, occurs every year around the fall and Halloween season and brings out a spooky, but not frightening side of the Magic Kingdom. Guests dressed in costumes can trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom, ride some open attractions and are able to view a special stage show, parade and fireworks extravaganza!

Posted in Disney Company, Events, News | Also tagged dates, Halloween, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, Walt Disney World
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THE OTHER DISNEY PIN COLLECTIBLE

by Connie R. (NDI#176) | Published: Thursday, May 12, 2011

In addition to the Disney pins we’re all aware of, there’s another Disney pin collection that includes vintage and newer free versions. I’m talking about the Disney pins or badges from the days of the Mickey Mouse Club to the First Visit pins you can get for free today. Those Celebration Buttons come with wishes like Happy Birthday, Just Married, Happy Anniversary, Just Engaged, I’m Celebrating, My Magical Triumph, etc.

The Celebration Buttons can be found at guest services in every park at the Magic Kingdom and at the EPCOT bus station service center. When you wear them, be prepared for CM’s to wish you a Happy Birthday or Anniversary! Your pin can create some great conversations with other guests as well.

Posted in Collections, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Shopping | Also tagged Disney Vacation Club, EPCOT, Mickey Mouse Club, Walt Disney Company, Walt Disney World Resort
9 Comments

MY FIRST DISNEY HAIRCUT

by Betsy B. (NDI#152) | Published: Friday, May 6, 2011

The other day one of my good friends asked me if I was going to get my haircut any time soon. This was asked out of love, I’m sure, since every time she sees me on Skype, I have my hair up in a pony tail. I do live in Florida and it is hot, so my hair is up most of the time when it is long enough. I tend to prefer to keep it short, but there is a reason I’m letting it grow out. I explained to my friend that I was considering letting my hair grow out for a while longer because I was thinking about donating it to Locks of Love again this year.

For those of you not familiar with Locks of Love, it is a non-profit organization that takes donated hair and makes wigs for children under 21 in the U.S. and Canada with hair loss from medical conditions. You can read more about the donation process here. There are several other similar charities like Pantene Beautiful Lengths and Wigs For Kids. Each charity has their own requirements, so read carefully before considering donation. The lengths range from 8 – 12″ minimums in a pony tail.

Posted in Charity, Disney Reviews, Gifts, Leisure, Lifestyle, Recreation, Travel Reports, Vacation | Also tagged charity, haircut, harmony barber shop, Recreation, Walt Disney World
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PASSING THE TORCH

by John M. (NDD#172) | Published: Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Photo Credit: Dennis Brown, NDU 5

In the typical parent-child relationship, there comes a time when the child becomes better at something than the parent. It is as inevitable as night following day. Some parents consider this moment a sign of their imminent uselessness. To me, it’s a sign I taught my children well.

Recently, I had to face the fact that my daughters’ Disney knowledge now far exceeds my own. It did not happen overnight. They’ve been taunting me about it for years. Every time they read one of my Disney-related articles, their comments–good or bad–are accompanied by the observation that they should be writing about Disney. Whether they mean instead of or in addition to me is not clear, but I have my suspicions.

Posted in Children, Kids' Viewpoint, Lifestyle, NDP Community, Parents, Relationships, Teens | Also tagged Cinderella, Disney channel, Disney Sing Alongs, disney trivia, Even Stevens, family stories, History, Lizzie McGuire, Main Street Electrical Parade, Relationships, So Weird, teens, The Lion King
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WATER ON CINDERELLA DRESS

by Amy P. (NDM#365) | Published: Monday, April 18, 2011

Photo Credit: Amy Falk Petermann

Contributed by: Amy Falk Petermann (NDM #365) Amy is the DDL Hidden Mickey and Organization Blogger. She is also the creator of The Relocated Tourist.

Visit Steve Barrett’s Hidden Mickeys to learn more about these secret Mickey tributes throughout Disney Parks.

Posted in Hidden Mickeys, Lifestyle, Photography | Also tagged Cinderella Dress, Hidden Mickey, lifestyle, Photography, wet spot
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NEW SPOOKS TO EXPLORE

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Sunday, March 20, 2011

Photo Credit: Jessica Clawson

Changes have been coming to the Haunted Mansion, we knew they were. The walls were a dead giveaway… no pun intended. We have been patient, waiting to see what Disney had up their sleeves for us. Some were nervous but, as we found out in the past week, there was no reason to be because Disney has outdone themselves yet again!

Posted in Disney Company, News | Also tagged Disney News, Haunted Mansion, interactive queue, nextgen, WDI
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DISNEY EDIBLE SOUVENIRS

by Ashley R. (NDW#43) | Published: Monday, March 14, 2011

Photo Credit: Ashley Reeve

Edible souvenirs are some of my favorite things to bring home from Disney World. Not only is inexpensive, but it also can be a fun mission to find something new you’ve never tried before. There are so many to choose from in all the different parks and resorts. I will name three of my go-to selections.

The Giant Rice Krispy Treat from the Confectionery on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom is a must for me. It usually takes me about a week to eat, but it really is delicious. It’s worth the price for the gigantic treat rather than buy several of the smaller variety. I love the one completely dipped in chocolate. It also comes in half dipped, plain, or with little candies on it.

Posted in Fitness | Also tagged Confectionery, disney snacks, edible souvenirs, EPCOT, food, Japan, Main Street
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