Monthly Archives: June 2012

06.26.12
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“Indiana” themed Disney moments

From time to time, I enjoy opening HoosierDisneyGuy up to guest bloggers. I am very excited for everyone to read this post from my good friend Dolly Rettig. Enjoy!!

When my friend Jason asked me to be a guest blogger for his HoosierDisneyGuy blog, I was ecstatic!  But, seeing as I’m no longer a Hoosier (I live on the West Side of Cincinnati though, so close), and I’m not a guy (proudly female from birth  ), I feel like I need to at least pay homage to the roots of the HoosierDisneyGuy blog for my first couple of posts.

So, here are some of my favorite “Indiana” themed Disney moments, attractions and stuff…(in no particular order)

1. Indiana Sports at Walt Disney World

Back in 2009, when the Colts won the Super Bowl, Indianapolis citizens were beyond thrilled.  The whole city had “Backed the Blue” for an entire season.  And, as one of the more beloved teams in the NFL, the entire nation was excited when they uttered those famous words, “We’re going to Disney World!” in one of the most well-known advertising campaigns in the country.

This year, when the Pacers went to the playoffs in Orlando, they had some time to celebrate their Guard, Paul George’s 22nd birthday at Walt Disney World.   http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_magic/2012/05/indiana-players-visit-disney-world-during-day-off.html

2. Mickey Head Crop Circles

A couple of years ago, a family with a farm located in Central Indiana responded to their need for more Disney in their lives by creating a Mickey-themed “crop circle” in one of their fields.  Featured in the Disney Parks Blog, in October 2011, these Hoosiers really know how to show their passion for the mouse!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2011/10/indiana-familys-love-for-disney-parks-grows-literally-with-a-unique-set-of-mickey-mouse-crop-circles/

3. Indiana Jones

So, okay, it’s not exactly Hoosier, but who can talk about Indiana in Disney without mentioning the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular in Hollywood Studios or the Indiana Jones Adventure in the Disneyland park?  And, how can we forget the lovely little scene played out in the Great Movie Ride.  As a kid, that scene scared me half to death.

4. Back Home in Indiana

But, my favorite Hoosier moment in the whole World will always be the Voices of Liberty giving voice to their version of Back Home in Indiana.  The first time I heard this live, I had just moved to Indianapolis.  I was still in the early stages of living in a strange place away from my family and friends, and I was uncomfortable when anyone would ask me, “Where are you from?”  When I stood outside of the American Adventure and listened to the Voices of Liberty sing this beautiful song, I felt, for the first time, that I could call Indiana home.  It was a great feeling and one that I cherish even now that I am “back home” in Cincinnati.

So, what are your favorite Hoosier moments in Disney?  I’m sure I missed something.  Next time I post, I’ll talk about my favorite “guy” things at Disney, a very long list!  Until then, have a magical day!

06.22.12
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Get Your Kicks on Route 66

 

 

 

Last week, Disneyland unveiled its 12 acre attraction Cars Land. This week, it was Walt Disney World opening what is sure to be a smash with all ages.

Disney’s Art of Animation resort opened its Cars themed addition, housing 480 family suites and adjoining pool, themed around the popular 2006 Pixar film.

It’s the second phase of the hotel, which officially opened May 31st, with 320 Finding Nemo themed suites.

Upon entering the resort, you will be taken down Route 66, to Radiator Springs, it is along this famous stretch of track, that you will be some interesting characters.

Head down Route 66, until you reach your resting stop. Along the way, be sure to visit Luigi’s Casa Della Tires and the Leaning Tower of Tires, Tow Maters Towing, and the Wheel Well Motel.

You will also get to see most of the characters that I spoke about, including Lightening McQueen, Mater, Sally, Luigi,Guido,Ramone, and Fillmore.

The Cozy Cone Motel anchors the courtyard, which features the Cozy Cone Pool and the orange safety cone cabanas.

The details don’t stop here, the family suites continue with the Cars theming.

The living room area features a pull out bed designed as the back seat of a vintage automobile, with a tool-box dresser. The kitchenette area extends the hot rod red and metallic theming. If you need to make a pitstop, the bathroom looks like a car wash, after all, it’s all about the details.

Rooms have carpeting with orange cones, safety cone lighting, and Cars inspired artwork and luggage stickers.

Be sure to check out Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, which is located next to Pop Century Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.

Ka-chow!!

 

 

06.20.12
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July 4th Weekend Fireworks

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in Orlando and going to Disney World parks, do yourself a favor and check out the awesome fireworks displays.

Here is the full line-up for July 4th:

Magic Kingdom

“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” on July 3 and July 4 at 9pm. (this is a must see event)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“Rockin’ 4th of July Celebration”, with live rock and roll from Mulch, Sweat and Shears at 9:45pm. Fantasmic at 9pm (Mulch,Sweat and Shears performs nightly during regular park days, they play a lot of current and classic rock songs, excellent way to take a break from the activities, they are really good and entertaining for all.)

Epcot

“The Heartbeat of Freedom” finale to Illuminations at 10pm

**There will be no fireworks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or Downtown Disney.

06.20.12
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Glow With The Show Mickey Ears

Disney has long since been an innovator when it comes to park attractions and interaction.

The latest novelty is the “Glow With The Show” Mickey Mouse ears for guests to wear. Debuting this past Friday at Disney California Adventure, the ears include the latest technology that allow the ears to glow and change colors in sync with the music of shows at Disney theme parks.

Disney parks have offered over 200 different varieties of ears over the years.

These latest ears will cost you around $25, while the plain black version sells for around $14 inside the park.

Disney officials say that the ears include circuitry to receive signals to light up and change colors. They currently work for not only the “World of Color” show at Disney California Adventure, but also the new “Mad T Party” dance party.

Time will tell if these ears will make it to Walt Disney World in Florida.

06.07.12
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Mayor of Main Street USA

 

 

 

 

If you have ever been to the Magic Kingdom before the rope drop, you may have noticed a gentleman, with a sash that says Mayor. This individual is Mayor Christopher George Weaver, he is the Mayor of Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom.

I have been going to the Magic Kingdom for a very long time, and just recently, I was able to see the Mayor for the very first time. He was greeting the crowd of runners heading to their favorite attractions.

Greeting with a smile and posing for pictures, his campaign slogan  is “When you pull the lever, vote for Weaver.”

The mayor makes appearances, but probably not in any sort of rotation.

The best opportunity to see him, would be if you are in the park for an early morning tour, or if you are waiting for the rope drop for the day.

 

06.07.12
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Epcot’s 30th Anniversary/D23

If you are a D23 member, save this date in your calendar : September 30,2012. This is the date that D23, the official Disney fan club, is preparing a day of EPCOT related activities to salute the theme park’s 30th anniversary.

This is the day before the actual birthday, which was October 1st, 1982.

Imagineers and Disney Legends including Tony Baxter, Charlie Ridgway, Ron Logan, Jason Surrell, Jason Grandt, Alex Wright, and many others, are scheduled to appear.

Marty Sklar will make a pre-taped appearance at the event. (Lineup of speakers is subject to change.)

A general admission ticket for D23 members (World Passport) will sell for $65 per guest, and will include all presentations, a commemorative gift and access to D23 merchandise. A “World Key” admission for $185 includes all the World Passport rights plus reserved seating, a dessert reception (with rare film of EPCOT’s early days) plus meet and greet opportunities with Disney officials. D23 members can bring up to three guests.

These prices do not include Epcot admission, which is required to participate. The event will run from 9am to 5:30 pm on September 30th at the theme park.

Tickets go on sale June 21st at 10am, if you are a member you can go to http://www.D23.com, you can also become a member at this website as well.

06.07.12
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Guest Turned Away For Tinker Bell Outfit

 

 

 

Several news sites are reporting that a 15-year old dressed as Tinker Bell was asked to change her outfit recently before entering Disney’s Animal Kingdom park. According to the reports, her boyfriend was dressed as Peter Pan.

I normally would not give this any attention, but I felt that it was warranted. I received several emails and text messages asking me what I thought about this.

It’s rather simple, Disney World has to protect the experience. If you allow someone who looks identical to one of the characters to enter the park, you will have a rather interesting issue on hand. Who knows? Maybe they will be able to walk freely around the park and not be bothered. My thought is that people will not know the difference and its a matter of security, with 10,000-12,000 people roaming around the park or asking the individual to stop for autographs, thus disturbing her experience.

The theme park forbids adult visitors from wearing costumes that could be mistaken for official Disney characters.

Interesting situation, that unfortunately will gain a bit of bad publicity, I just hope that the individual who was dressed as Tinker Bell, didn’t take it in the wrong way. I hope that they told her to come back in October, when the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is taking place :)

 

06.03.12
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Bongos Cuban Cafe

 

 

 

My wife and I recently had the opportunity to have dinner while at Downtown Disney. There are several options while there, but we decided on Bongos Cuban Cafe. The little Cuban hotspot owned by Gloria Estefan, first opened in 1997 in Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World resort.

The restaurant and nightclub are housed in a building that offers Old Havana architecture, which is also home to a giant pineapple shaped structure that can be seen upon entering Downtown Disney.

We visited Bongos on a Saturday evening, which I was expecting a longer than usual wait, but we only had to wait 25 minutes. They were going to seat us indoors, but it was such a beautiful evening, we asked for outdoor seating. They were able to accommodate us very quickly with a table for two on the patio.

Upon being seated outside, our waitress was Gabriela. She was very nice and fixed our table, which was leaning and tipping. She placed napkins under the leg to balance the table. My only criticism for the evening, was that after fixing the table, she took our order, and for whatever reason, she forgot what I ordered. Her service was a tad bit slower the rest of the evening, including waiting for our check. Minor inconveniences.

Now on to the good stuff…..

The menu items are very well priced, and you get very good portion sizes for the price. This is sometimes hard to find anywhere in and around Disney World resorts.

I ordered the Cuban Style Milanese Steak or Bistec a la Milanesa, it was AWESOME!!!! Cuban breaded steak, topped with Marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, served with Fried Sweet Plantains (you can substitute, I got fries) and Moro Rice. Again, moderately priced at $19.

My wife ordered the Grilled Chicken Breast or Pollo a la Plancha, according to her it was REALLY GOOD!!! Grilled chicken breast marinated in garlic and lemon topped with grilled onions, served with Fried Sweet Plantains, white rice, and black beans.

The atmosphere at Bongos, was really nice, not just do to the patio seating outside, but they had a live band indoors, that was playing fairly current music as well as cuban music. It was a great distraction from the days activities.

Of all of the meals that we had on this recent Disney trip, I would have to say that this was my second favorite meal. I will share my  favorite meal in an upcoming blog.

If your desire is a quick meal, they also offer a lunch menu, with a killer Cuban sandwich. If you wish to check it out before you go, they can be found at    www.bongoscubancafe.com