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Friday, October 31, 2014
Happy Halloween!
Last weekend I went the Descanso Gardens for The Rise of the Jack O Lanterns. It was an amazing way to get into the Halloween spirit. There were so many awesome sculptures and I was surprised by how many Disney themed pumpkins were there. My camera isn't that fancy and it was hard to capture the details on the pumpkins, but enjoy!
Sunday, October 26, 2014
What I learned from my Disney World Trip
I just got home from my much anticipated Disney World trip (see packing, planning binder, 15 step guide) and I learned a thing or two while I was there.
First, Snow White related thoughts:
I'm in love with the Seven Dwarf Mine train. The attraction is fantastic! I thought that I would miss the older attraction, but the combination of roller coaster and dark ride was so great that I didn't. I also enjoyed having my photos (2) and the video appear right in my Disney photopass account with the magic band. This worked wonderfully for me (I didn't have the same luck with another attraction-see number 3 below).
Speaking of magic band, currently there is only one Snow White related magic band item available. You can find the evil queen in a pack with two other villains.
I was disappointed to learn that there was only one piece of merchandise related to the mine train. It was a pin that I found in the Winnie the Pooh exit store.
Penny hunting for all the dwarfs is a real pain and a huge time killer unless you have a car. The pennies are so spread out and taking Disney transportation is great, but it is a whole lot of transferring. And the pennies are just about the only thing I found that are Snow White centric and exclusive to Disney World.
At Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, I got in the line to meet the dwarfs at 6pm and waited until about 730 to meet them. I had read that the lines for the dwarfs never get shorter, but I found that later there were not nearly as long as the first crush. I think I would do that differently. I also was disappointed in the picture. It was hard to find me among the dwarfs because I went in the back, I should have gone in the front. Also, because the line was so long, they were really just snapping a couple and sending you on your way. Later that night I got my picture with the hag and those turned out much better, more interaction and the photographer was able to take many more pictures.
Some other non-Snow White related thoughts:
1. There are mug washing stations in some of the resorts. No soap though.
It wasn't until the last day of my trip that I saw there was a sink among the soda machines in our resort food court. Much easier than using the room sink.
2. Wild Africa Trek is worth the money twice over!
This was such an amazing experience! I love Animal Kingdom and to get to go into backstage area?...awesome! I loved being able to wave at the safari trucks as we stood in the hippo enclosure. Having a chance to sit on the savannah, also totally worth it.
3. Memory Maker is totally worth it if you love pictures as much as me.
Some photopass photographers go way above and beyond, others just snap photos. Watch them interact and wait in line for ones that go all out! Take pictures of all the ride photos. You'll need the date and time to find missing photos. If they are still lost they can try to find the number. I had to call the number to try to find my Buzz Lightyear attraction photo and even with the number they were not able to find my picture.
4. If Disney research stops you - talk to them! You never know what they may ask or give you.
I got stopped near the end of our trip and for talking to them for an hour, I got $100 gift card!
5. Resort hopping is a great way to dine.
I enjoyed taking a break, sitting down, and truly enjoying a meal. When i go to sit down restaurants in park, I always feel a sense of hurry. Like I need to eat and then get out in the park and ride more! At the resorts, it takes that sense away and makes you relax more.
6. If you don't use all your quick service meals, you can redeem them for snacks, but not in the gift shops.
We were there on free dinning plan. On our last day we had three counter service meals left. We used one for our lunch and another for sandwiches to take on the plane. We did not get the drinks with the sandwiches(can't take them in the airport) and we found out we could get another dessert. Upon realizing we still had one meal left, the cast member said we could redeem it for two snacks and a drink. She said we could do that in the hotel gift shop. However, the gift shop couldn't do it unless we went to guest service and had our meal plan changed. The cafe in the resort, however, could do it without having to wait in the guest service line.
I will be working on Finding Snow White articles in the coming months, so stayed tuned!
First, Snow White related thoughts:
I'm in love with the Seven Dwarf Mine train. The attraction is fantastic! I thought that I would miss the older attraction, but the combination of roller coaster and dark ride was so great that I didn't. I also enjoyed having my photos (2) and the video appear right in my Disney photopass account with the magic band. This worked wonderfully for me (I didn't have the same luck with another attraction-see number 3 below).
Speaking of magic band, currently there is only one Snow White related magic band item available. You can find the evil queen in a pack with two other villains.
I was disappointed to learn that there was only one piece of merchandise related to the mine train. It was a pin that I found in the Winnie the Pooh exit store.
Penny hunting for all the dwarfs is a real pain and a huge time killer unless you have a car. The pennies are so spread out and taking Disney transportation is great, but it is a whole lot of transferring. And the pennies are just about the only thing I found that are Snow White centric and exclusive to Disney World.
At Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party, I got in the line to meet the dwarfs at 6pm and waited until about 730 to meet them. I had read that the lines for the dwarfs never get shorter, but I found that later there were not nearly as long as the first crush. I think I would do that differently. I also was disappointed in the picture. It was hard to find me among the dwarfs because I went in the back, I should have gone in the front. Also, because the line was so long, they were really just snapping a couple and sending you on your way. Later that night I got my picture with the hag and those turned out much better, more interaction and the photographer was able to take many more pictures.
Some other non-Snow White related thoughts:
1. There are mug washing stations in some of the resorts. No soap though.
It wasn't until the last day of my trip that I saw there was a sink among the soda machines in our resort food court. Much easier than using the room sink.
2. Wild Africa Trek is worth the money twice over!
This was such an amazing experience! I love Animal Kingdom and to get to go into backstage area?...awesome! I loved being able to wave at the safari trucks as we stood in the hippo enclosure. Having a chance to sit on the savannah, also totally worth it.
3. Memory Maker is totally worth it if you love pictures as much as me.
Some photopass photographers go way above and beyond, others just snap photos. Watch them interact and wait in line for ones that go all out! Take pictures of all the ride photos. You'll need the date and time to find missing photos. If they are still lost they can try to find the number. I had to call the number to try to find my Buzz Lightyear attraction photo and even with the number they were not able to find my picture.
4. If Disney research stops you - talk to them! You never know what they may ask or give you.
I got stopped near the end of our trip and for talking to them for an hour, I got $100 gift card!
5. Resort hopping is a great way to dine.
I enjoyed taking a break, sitting down, and truly enjoying a meal. When i go to sit down restaurants in park, I always feel a sense of hurry. Like I need to eat and then get out in the park and ride more! At the resorts, it takes that sense away and makes you relax more.
6. If you don't use all your quick service meals, you can redeem them for snacks, but not in the gift shops.
We were there on free dinning plan. On our last day we had three counter service meals left. We used one for our lunch and another for sandwiches to take on the plane. We did not get the drinks with the sandwiches(can't take them in the airport) and we found out we could get another dessert. Upon realizing we still had one meal left, the cast member said we could redeem it for two snacks and a drink. She said we could do that in the hotel gift shop. However, the gift shop couldn't do it unless we went to guest service and had our meal plan changed. The cafe in the resort, however, could do it without having to wait in the guest service line.
I will be working on Finding Snow White articles in the coming months, so stayed tuned!
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Finding Snow White at Walt Disney's Barn
It took me a long time, but I finally made the trip to Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California to see Walt Disney's Barn. I was surprised to find so many things inside the barn, there is a lot to look at, and even two Snow White trinkets in the barn itself, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
Here is a photo tour of my day at the barn:
If your in the Los Angeles area on the third Sunday of the month, stop and check out Walt's Barn. It's an interesting afternoon and there are often Disney legends that stop by. The gift shop sells quite a few autographed books too.
Here is a photo tour of my day at the barn:
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| Be on the lookout for the sign. They are open the third Sunday of the month. |
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| No cost, but they encourage donations |
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| The barn is located at the back of the Los Angeles Live Steamers area. You'll see people riding around during your visit. |
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| You cross the tracks a few times to get into the beautiful park-like area. |
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| There is the barn and the combine that they are restoring. |
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| Gift Shop |
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| Flag pole honoring Michale and Sharon Broggie |
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| Even the trash cans look like ones you would find in the theme parks. |
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| Photo of it's original location at Walt Disney's home |
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| They had lots of things lying around the barn to look at. LOTS of things. |
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| That sink has seen lots of work! |
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| One of Walt's Hats |
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| Walt Disney's railroad pass |
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| Snow White sighting one - Happy on brochure for Disneyland |
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| Firehouse five helmet |
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| Ollie Johnston's Tool Box |
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| Disney Legends Award |
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| Roger Broggie's Tool Box |
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| Quite the good crowd that day |
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| A model that represents Walt's Live Steam Engine |
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| Track plan for the Carolwood estate |
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| Walt used a broom stick to make a place for his work overalls |
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| Snow White sighting number two - on a toy train |
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| Walt's Workbench |
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| Walt used this phone to communicate between the barn and main house |
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| They are working on restoring this combine from Disneyland |
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| This was part of Ollie Johnson's garden layout |
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| Side of the barn |
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| other side |
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| Weather vain |
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| The back of the barn. |
If your in the Los Angeles area on the third Sunday of the month, stop and check out Walt's Barn. It's an interesting afternoon and there are often Disney legends that stop by. The gift shop sells quite a few autographed books too.
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