"Oz" Release Date Set

Disney has confirmed plans to release Oz: The Great and Powerful, a "prequel" to The Wizard of Oz, on March 8, 2013. The film, directed by Sam Raimi, begins filming this summer and features the talents of James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, and Michelle Williams.

Can't wait to hear more about this one!

3-D "Lion King" Coming to Theatres and Blu-Ray

Get ready to experience The Lion King like you've never seen it before! Coming September 16 to a theatre near you, for a limited 2-week run, you can see the epic story only in 3-D. (We'll be heading to Walt Disney World right about then...should be interesting to see if they do anything to promote this release in the Parks.) Then, on October 4, you can own the Diamond Edition of the award-winning film on high-definition Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3-D.

The Lion King has been in the vault since 2004, so there's a whole new group of kiddos who haven't had the chance to see this movie. We own it on videotape--not even DVD--so my girls have only seen in once or twice (unlike the dozens of times they've seen most other Disney animated classics).

The Lion King is the best-selling home entertainment release of all time, and the Broadway show it inspired is still entertaining audiences worldwide (listed as the 7th longest running Broadway show).

New Late Summer Room-Only Discount

Walt Disney World has released a new room-only discount for most travel dates from August 14 through October 1. While no specific percentage is listed on the discount, it appears to be somewhere in the range of up to 30% off, with Value Resort rooms going for as little as $69/night, Moderate Resorts for as low as $129/night, and some Deluxe Resorts for as low as $229/night.  You have until August 13 to book this discoun, although availability is limited. Visit the Walt Disney World website, or call  (407) 939-2872 and reference booking code O2R.

Happy Memorial Day

I'm thankful for the veterans in my family--my father, father-in-law, both grandfathers--and especially for the many veterans who gave everything so that I might enjoy the freedoms the United States of America has to offer.



Did you know that ever day in the Magic Kingdom Disney honors a veteran in a Flag Retreat ceremony? Usually at 5:00 p.m., in the hub near the entrance, there is a brief ceremony to take down the American Flag for the evening. If you're a veteran or a current member of the Armed Forces, you can stop by Guest Services first thing in the morning and volunteer to be that day's special guest to assist with the ceremony. You'll receive a certificate of recognition and have a Disney memory that not many can boast.

See AI Winner at DHS

If you're visiting Walt Disney World for the Memorial Day holiday (we've done it before--it's not as crowded as you might think!), stop by Disney's Hollywood Studios on Monday to see American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. His motorcade will be parading through around 10 a.m., and he'll be posing for pics and speaking to fans on the stage outside The American Idol Experience.

There are also rumors that the five finalists will be appearing on Sunday, but Disney has not confirmed.

Free Shipping Site-Wide at DisneyStore.com

For two days only, you can get free shipping with any order at www.DisneyStore.com by using the promo code MEMDAY. There are still a few bargains to be had from the Warehouse Sale that started last week, although merchandise is moving fast. Log on ASAP to snatch up the good deals.

Star-Studded "Eat to the Beat" Lineup

I suppose "star-studded" is in the eye--or ear, as the case may be--of the beholder, but this year's Eat to the Beat concert series--a part of Epcot's Food and Wine Festival--features some great artists. As a child of the 80s, I am especially excited to see the likes of Howard Jones, The Pointer Sisters, Boys II Men, and Air Supply on the roster. (What can I say? I have ecclectic taste.) But there are also some greats from the 90s and beyond, like the Gin Blossoms and Sugar Ray. The concerts are free with admission to Epcot, and the Food and Wine Festival is a great time to visit the Parks. Here's the full lineup, with the dates of each artist's shows:

Taylor Dayne (Sept. 30 through Oct. 2)
38 Special (Oct. 3-5)
Jon Secada (Oct. 6 & 7)
Roger Hodgson formerly of Supertramp (Oct. 8 & 9)
Billy Ocean (Oct. 10-12)
Starship starring Mickey Thomas (Oct. 13-16)
Sugar Ray (Oct. 17-19)
The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (Oct. 20 & 21)
Howard Jones (Oct. 22 & 23)
Boyz II Men (Oct. 24-26)
Gin Blossoms (Oct. 27 & 28)
Sister Hazel (Oct. 29 & 30)
Hanson (Oct. 31 & Nov. 1)
The Pointer Sisters (Nov. 2 & 3)
Night Ranger (Nov. 4-6)
Air Supply (Nov. 7 & 8)
Richard Marx (Nov. 9 & 10)
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (Nov. 11-13)

Friday Photo

We've been reminiscing, going through old video tapes and putting them on DVD. It has been fun to see our girls as tiny tots again. This is our oldest daughter Reagan's first trip to Walt Disney World. She was two, and we were having lunch at Cinderella's Royal Table. The star-struck mini-Princess met her likeness...and the little darling was speechless. Moments later, Snow White left a set of red lip prints on Reagan's forehead. What fun, sweet memories!

Thursday's Tip

Do you have a little one who is afraid of the dark? If so, you have probably researched which attractions you might want to avoid at Walt Disney World. (Here's a free bonus tip: Dinosaur is one you'll want to skip.) But what about the seemingly innocent attractions that have brief moments of darkness? There are more than a few "happy" attractions that turn out the lights for effect. It would be nearly impossible to avoid all of them--and you'd miss out on some great stuff! If your child is only mildly afraid of the dark, one solution is to put glow-in-the-dark tape on his or her clothing (around the seams of the sleeves...at the hem of the pants/shorts), so that the child will still have a focal point if the lights go out. If the fear is more pronounced, give the child a small pen-sized flashlight (you can even find lights that clip to a belt loop) so that he or she can "light up" whenever the need arises. This allows the child to feel in control of a situation rather than at the mercy of the attraction. (Discretion and consideration are key. A small pen light pointed at the ground is barely noticeable. A powerful flashlight pointed at another guest's face is just plain rude.)

Careful planning and packing can alleviate a lot of stress fo anxious children and make your WDW vacation more fun for everyone!

Disney Universe Game Releasing This Fall

Expect an announcement from Disney Interactive Studios this week about the new Disney Universe game, which will be available for Wii, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3. We don't know many details at this time, but DU does have its own web page with this teaser video. Looks as if this will have quite a different feel and provide a contrast to the Epic Mickey game (which I think is beyond cool, but a little intense/dark for my little ones). Should be interesting to see what Disney Interactive comes up with this time!

New Teaser Trailer for The Muppets

Watch the new Muppets movie trailer here. Looks like great fun--can't wait until Thanksgiving for this one!

Dangerous Dining: Another Reason I Love Disney

I specifically recall the conversation I had with one of the moms at my daughter's preschool. Well, conversation may not be the right word...it was more of a monologue. And as I listened to her complaining that we weren't allowed to bring certain allergens in our children's lunches, I think I may have nodded or offered passive assent. It wasn't really intentional--if anything, I was nodding in agreement that, yes, it was a pain to have to figure out what my kid might eat besides peanut butter. I do remember feeling she was being a bit harsh as she asserted, as a former dietitian, that she believed that most kids with "allergies" didn't really have an allergy--just an intolerance. Not having the energy or the motivation to disagree with an "expert" (in her own mind), I let it go.

Flash forward a few weeks. I was eating pistachios while sitting on the couch and reading when my oldest (then four) asked for one. I hesitated...but she was now old enough, according to all the parenting books and websites, to eat nuts. (Yes, I was and still am a "by the book" parent.) I gave her one...just one! She popped it in her mouth and went back to the Disney Princess website she was exploring on the computer. Within a minute or so, she was complaining that her throat hurt. She was nearly crying, trying to express to me how bad it was...that it really hurt and she didn't like it! My first thought was that she hadn't chewed, that she swallowed it whole and it was scraping on the way down. (Looking back, I now know this was a sign of respiratory distress and anaphylaxis.) I offered her a drink to wash it down. When that didn't offer much relief, I gave her a piece of bread to help push it down. She continued to complain, but seemed less upset and insistent on how much it hurt and felt strange. Within the hour, her face had swollen up like a basketball.

To shorten this already long story, after multiple calls to the triage nurse, we were able to eventually control the swelling with repeated doses of Benadryl. A visit to the pediatrician and a pediatric allergist confirmed our suspicion: Reagan is allergic to tree nuts. While no food allergy is a blessing, we feel fortunate that it's only tree nuts (specifically pistachios, cashews, and walnuts, but we avoid all tree nuts for cross-contamination's sake) and that Reagan can still have peanuts. Yes, birthday parties and covered-dish meals are a mine field for us. We carry an epi-pen everywhere we go--including Disney World. Yes, I get asked daily by my anxious daughter if something has tree nuts, if I read the label, and if I am sure...multiple times. But I am glad she is careful.

If I had the chance to talk with that preschool mom again I would tell her that although I never wished to be, I am now the expert on food allergies. I would tell her that being a dietitian doesn't make her an allergist, and kids that have nut allergies really do face life-threatening reaction if they're exposed. And I would tell her that, although I don't expect the world to cater to my child with an allergy, I personally will do anything I can to do to protect any child from experiencing what my daughter experienced.

So what does this all have to do with Disney World? In all our encounters of dining with a food allergy, we have never had better experiences than what we've had at WDW. They are truly creating safe, enjoyable dining experiences for guests with all manner of food allergies, intolerance, and any other special dietary needs. As the mother of a child that stresses over every bite she puts in her mouth, I am put completely at ease by the way Disney handles special food requests. I know my child is safe, and that helps us all enjoy a worry-free vacation.

There are a few things you should know. First, when making ADRs for table service restaurants, ALWAYS note the food allergy on your reservation. It's always a good idea to remind the host/hostess when checking in at the restaurant (usually they mention it before I have a chance to remind them!).  When you are seated, in most cases a chef will visit your table and guide you as to what you can safely eat and what you should avoid at that restaurant. At counter service restaurants, you'll need to ask about allergens. They often have a list (sometimes in a notebook) of which items contain certain allergens. Most Disney restaurants can accommodate nut, dairy, gluten, seafood, and other common allergy requests. You can visit Disney's page on special dietary requests here. Or, contact the representative for each of the Disney World parks via phone or email if you have specific questions:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom
407-938-3288
WdwakSpecialDiets@email.disney.com

Disney’s Hollywood Studios
407-560-3551
WdwStSpecialDiets@email.disney.com

Epcot
407-560-6395
WdwEcSpecialDiets@email.disney.com

Magic Kingdom
407-824-5967
WdwMkSpecialDiets@email.disney.com

By the way, if you neglect to note an allergy on an ADR--as I did on our Wishes Dessert Buffet!--all is not lost. We told the Cast Member at the check-in desk, and they immediately produced a 3-ring binder with a list of all the buffet items and what allergens they may contain--even if only traces. (Our biggest downfall is "may be processed on shared equipment with items containing tree nuts.") We were able to chose the items that would be safe for Reagan and proceed with our evening. By the way, if we had remembered to note the allergy on our reservation, Reagan would have received her very own tray of nut-free goodies.  

I'm a Disney fan for a lot of reasons, but perhaps nothing makes me love Disney more than their willingness to go above and beyond to accommodate the special needs of their guests, enabling ALL guests to have a great vacation experience. This mom appreciates that more than I can express.

Update: Character Meet-N-Greet Changes

As I mentioned in this post, several character meet-n-greets in Disney's Hollywood Studios have been delayed. However, I'm happy to report that the Winnie the Pooh meet-n-greet in the Art of Animation building is now open! We're also hearing that the Phineas & Ferb meet-n-greet will open by May 29, and the Cars 2 meet-n-greet will open on June 5. (In addition, Lightening McQueen will be replacing Herbie the Love Bug in the Lights, Motor, Action! stunt show at DHS beginning June 5!)

Character Changes Delayed

There were several character meet-n-greets scheduled to reopen this week at Disney's Hollywood Studios that have been delayed. No new date has been given for the opening of the new Phineas & Ferb meet-n-greet or the re-opening of the Art of Animation meet-n-greet that is replacing Lotso Huggin' Bear with Winnie the Pooh.

I'll update when I have confirmation that these have indeed opened.

Move Over Pirates, the Mermaids Are Here

Starting today, apiring mermaids can purchase a Mermaid Transformation Package at the Pirate's League (near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at the Magic Kingdom). For $29.95, guests will have makeup applied, including a facial gem, and have a hairstyle that includes an accessory. They'll also go home with a full-sized bottle of OPI's Pirates of the Caribbean: Mermaid Tears nail polish as well as a mini OPI nail lacquer set. Oh, and don't forget the special Pirates League sheath!  Not a bad deal, when compared with the prices of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This offer is for a limited time, ending July 2. You can make reservations for the Pirate's League by calling 407-WDW-CREW.

Friday Photo

This pic of my youngest daughter just makes me smile. It was taken in the queue for the Buzz & Woody meet-n-greet at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

One Man's Dream: a Hidden Gem

An often overlooked attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios is One Man's Dream. This walk-through attraction features artifacts and memorabilia from Walt Disney's personal and professional life, up to and including what's being created for the next generation. While it's not usually first on our "to do" list (mostly because you can usually fit it in whenever it's convenient, since there's rarely a wait associated with it), our family--OK, mostly me--really enjoys this mini-museum of Disney!

Imagineers have posted a mini-tour of this attraction on YouTube. You can view it here...and maybe it will whet your appetite for more on your next visit to the Studios.

Rumors Abound Regarding the Fate of Pleasure Island

When I'm walking around Downtown Disney with my family, it's sometimes hard for me to remember that a whole section of it was once filled with bars and clubs. Sure, there are still a few restaurants that feature live entertainment and attract nighttime crowds, but Downtown Disney is largely a daytime family destination since the close of Pleasure Island.

Rumors are once again flying about exactly what is going to fill some of the now-empty clubs that were previously a part of this adults-only area. Yes, there are plans underway for the new Hyperion Wharf district--a "vibrant waterfront district," as the official Disney Parks Blog calls it. With few details outlined in this post,  there are rumors that former PI hot spots 8Trax and Mannequins, both sitting empty, will once again house clubs--either similar to their previous versions, or something new. And while PI fans have most often spoken out in favor of bringing back the Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse, it seems doubtful that Disney would go back to those formats, due to the extensive talent pool required to keep them operating. (If you'll recall, AC immersed guests in an adventure story and featured dozens of live actors. CW also required a steady stream of funny comics to keep guests laughing.)

It will be interesting to see if any of these rumors become reality. Hyperion Wharf is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2013.

Star Tours in Soft Opening Mode

A lucky few have already seen the new Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, now that it's in soft openings at Disney's Hollywood Studios (it officially re-opens this weekend), and the reviews are pretty impressive. There are some 54 possible scenarios for where your crew will go and who will go with you. The new attraction definitely pays homage to the old, both in the queue and in the actual attraction. There are plenty of so-called "Easter eggs"--those little moments and sites that highlight other Disney films and characters. And there are, of course, so many favorite characters and settings from all the Star Wars movies.

With so many possible scenarios, expect this attraction to top the "must do" list for Disney's Hollywood Studios, possibly un-seating Toy Story Midway Mania in that area. And since most fans will want to ride multiple times, in order to experience more scenarios, expect FastPasses for the attraction to be gone each day by, say, noon...if not earlier. In other words, you'll want to head straight to the Star Tours FP machine first thing in the morning when visiting DHS if you plan to ride. (And, of course, you plan to ride, right?)

Watching More Disney Documentaries

This weekend I watched The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story, a documentary about one of the most famous and prolific songwriting teams, Bob and Dick Sherman, who were responsible not only for dozens of Disney hits but for several non-Disney songs as well. If you've been to Walt Disney World or seen a classic Disney movie, you've probably heard a Sherman brothers tune. Here's a sampling of some of their most famous work:

• Film scores for Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Aristocats, Snoopy Come Home, and many others.


• Billboard chart-topping hits such as "Tall Paul", "You're Sixteen", and "Let's Get Together."


• The score of the Broadway smash Overe Here!, which was the largest-grossing orignal Broadway musical of 1974.


• Songs for numerous Disney Parks attractions, including "It's a Small World", "In the Tiki Room", and "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" (Carousel of Progress).

The Boys,which debuted in 2009, features interviews with dozens of famous faces from film and music, including Roy E. Disney, Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Randy Newman, John Williams, and Angela Landsbury. The complicated and often strained relationship of these two musical genius brothers is on full display here, courtesy of their sons Gregory Sherman and Jeffrey Sherman--cousins who rarely had the opportunity to play together as children, despite the fact that they lived only a few miles from each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie...perhaps more than any of the Disney documentaries I have previously watched. Perhaps it's because I'm a music person at heart. Or maybe it's because of all the famous faces who shared their insight. But I think it's mostly because their story is just so compelling--the complexity...their personality differences...the way that, even after years of being more or less estranged, the brothers greeted each other as if nothing had transpired between them. Fascinating!

In case you're wondering, Bob Sherman now lives in London...he moved there several years ago after the death of his wife. But Dick Sherman maintains his close ties to Disney, and was a featured performer at the Destination D event at Disney World this past weekend.

I give The Boys two thumbs way up and encourage you to check it out when you have a chance.

Confirmed: Enchanted Tiki Room Returns to Its Former Glory

Hooray! Soon Disney fans will be singing the Sherman Brothers' happy tune, "In the Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Room..." with renewed glee! It seems that Disney has indeed taken advantage of the fire that temporarily closed The Enchanted Tiki Room: Under New Management and will " reshape the attraction into a version reminiscent of the original show," according to the Official Disney Parks Blog. Read the full story here.

Countdown to Star Tours Return

One week and counting until the opening of the new Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. If you're among one of the lucky guests who signed up online for the preview, you'll get to experience the attraction beginning at midnight on May 20 (checking in at Blizzard Beach at 10:45 p.m. on Thursday). But since that registration was completely full in less than an hour, most guests will have to wait until the officially opening. And while Disney's Hollywood Studios is scheduled to open to guests at 8 a.m. on Friday, the attraction isn't expect to open until midday!

What? Not open until midday? How will all the Star Wars fans, who have swarmed the Studios for the annual Star Wars Weekends opening, be able to stand it?I kid, of course, but can anyone doubt the loyalty and fervor of Star Wars fans? If you're visiting the Studios next weekend--or even any time in the next few weeks--expect the stand-by line to be rather long for this popular attraction. I highly recommend using FastPass.

Friday Photo

Last September during our WDW vacation, our youngest started running a fever and said her tummy hurt. After a quick trip to the walk-in clinic (trying to head off strep or anything bacterial), it was determined to be viral. We got the go-ahead to give her ibuprofen and continue touring the Parks. Our sweet girl hardly complained and seemed to have a great time despite how she felt. But she did take a few naps in the stroller (as above)--not the norm for her at Disney World.

It pays to have addresses and phone numbers for pharmacies, walk-in clinics, and even the nearest hospital at hand on your vacation, just in case. We've needed them on more than one trip!

Thursday's Tip

I'm a natural-born planner. I like to have an itinerary in hand months before we ever load up our car en route to Walt Disney World. And while not everyone shares my fervor for planning, most everyone who has ever been to WDW will agree that, at least to some extent, planning is an essential ingredient for a great experience with Mickey and the gang. Today's tip: create a strategic Park touring plan, based on your family's preferences.

For example, if you have teens or older kids who love thrill rides and adventure, your touring plan for, say, the Magic Kingdom will need to focus heavily on getting to the Mountains--Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. But if you're like me and have two little princesses in the family, you'll want to make sure you get in line early for the new Rapunzel & Flynn Ryder meet-n-greet. In other words, your strategy needs to focus on what's most important to you, and then you can fill in any "spare" time with the attractions that aren't quite as essential to your crew.

How do you make a touring plan? First, as previously mentioned, prioritize attractions as "must see," "see if time permits," and "skip." (There might be a few attractions you know you wouldn't visit, even if you had all the time in the world. Haunted Mansion was that way for us until just recently. Our girls had no interest in being scared...none. If my husband was choosing, he'd say Country Bear Jamboree fits in that category.)

Next, plan your FastPass useage. Yes, I said plan...there is a strategy to using this service. Since you can't get a new FastPass until the timeframe on your current FP has started, you don't want to pick up a FP in the morning that has a return time for 4 p.m. or after--that's too many hours to sit idly without a FP! Instead, head to another attraction with an earlier return period and get that FP first. [The exception to this rule is an attraction such as Toy Story Midway Mania that tends to run out of FastPasses by midday. Grab whatever time you can, or you'll be waiting for two hours in the standby line.] It's a complicated system, but when you learn how to use it properly, FP will save you a ton of time!

Finally, as much as possible, finish attractions in each area at once. Now, I know there are major touring websites who will disagree with this approach--and there are instances when it does make sense to skip around in order to fit in more attractions. But as a mom of small children, avoiding criss-crossing the Parks as much as possible saves us from having tired, cranky children. Also, to some extent there is an "instant gratification" thing going on. If the children see Dumbo, they want to ride Dumbo...now. Don't get me wrong, we do our fair share of hopping around; we simply try to avoid going from land to land irradically, unless there is a quick form of transportation (such as a train) very close by.

Just a few additional comments: It pays to arrive early (before rope drop). You'd be surprised how much you can see and do in the first two hours if you arrive before the Parks open. Also, it is imperative that you know what the newest and most popular attractions are, so that you can either get a FastPass or get in line for those first. Finally, come to terms now with the fact that you won't see and do everything you'd like to see and do. I've been to WDW over a dozen times and there are still attractions I'm going to get to "one of these days."

Disney Store Warehouse Clearance



The Disney Store has just announced a warehouse clearance sale. While I noticed dozens of new markdowns, I must say that these prices aren't yet what I'd call "rock bottom." Still, if you're in the need of birthday presents or even just some new summer wardrobe for the kiddos, you might be able to find some nice things at a good price. You can check out all the deals here.

Kermit Reports from Black Carpet

copyright Disney

I was a Sesame Street kid. Watched it every weekday, then caught the recap of all five weekday episodes on Saturday. And maybe my favorite thing on Sesame Street (I mean the old Sesame Street) was when Kermit the Frog would do a "breaking news report," usually featuring a fairytale or children's story. (My favorite was the Rapunzel one!)

I'm excited to tell you that Kermit is once again reporting the news--well, entertainment news, at least. He got back in the groove at the world premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean:On Stranger Tides at Disneyland on Monday. It's comedy gold, I tell you! Oh, and he's plugging his new movie too, The Muppets (coming in time for Thanksgiving 2011).

You can watch Kermit in action here.

Walt and El Grupo

I really enjoy Disney-related documentaries. I especially enjoyed Waking Sleeping Beauty, which chronicles the revitalization of Disney animation that took place in the 1990s. This week, I've been watching Walt and El Grupo on streaming Netflix for Wii. (Not trying to plug Netflix, but I do find myself watching a lot of things I might never think about, were they not suggested to me via Netflix...and since I don't usually get to sit through a complete movie at home, I love that it lets me resume right where I left off!).

Honestly, I was less interested in this Disney documentary than I have been in others. I really didn't know what it was all about. And although this story doesn't have a huge climax or even a truly linear story, it is packed full of personal letters, film, and photographs of the two-month South American tour .

A little back story: This trip was actually arranged by the US government in 1941, as a part of what was called the "Good Neighbor Policy." In reality, there were some real concerns at this time in history about the Nazi and Fascist influence that might be infiltrating South America. While the Disney trip was not political in nature, it certainly was politically driven.

The "Grupo" of Disney artists, animators, administrators, and, of course, Walt himself toured explored several South American countries--experiencing the culture, food, and music. Their experiences were recorded on film but also in hundreds of sketches created by the talented artists on hand.

So what does this all mean to the history of Disney? Well, this trip certainly inspired Saludos Amigos and The Three Caballeros--and probably more than a few other Disney attractions, if we're looking closely enough (enchanted Tiki Room comes to mind). But perhaps even more significant is the animator strike that was in full swing as the delegation left California. A very dark time personally for Walt, one has to wonder if perhaps this trip might have been a personal reprieve for him from the strife he was facing at the studios.

If you enjoy Disney history, and even world history in general, told from a personal perspective, you'll enjoy Walt and El Grupo.

Animal Kingdom Wins Kentucky Derby!

So, some of you may not know that I grew up in Kentuckian--that's basically the parts of Indiana and Kentucky that surround the Ohio River and, more specifically, Louisville, Kentucky. So, yes, I have been hearing about the Kentucky Derby my whole life. I must admit that when I moved to Nashville, it made me a little sad that no one hear seems to know or even care that the first Saturday in May is Derby day. Having lived her for over 15 years now, I even find myself forgetting until the last minute.

And so it wasn't until this very afternoon that I got online and looked up the field to pick my horse. I used to choose my horse primarily by jockey (loved me some Pat Day!) or even trainer, but these days, I don't know the players well enough to do that...so I just go by name. Was there really any question who I would choose? Why, yes, I was routing for Animal Kingdom!

As my 7-year-old lay sick on the couch (sad face), I had the volume turned down on the TV and actually missed the start of the race. But as soon as I realized it had started, I got up to see where my horse was in the field. Quite frankly, it didn't look good. And then, all of a sudden, AK started making the move! I'm not trying to say I was responsible for this win...but things did start turning once I started engaging and cheering. So, ya know, if you want to give me credit...how could I argue with that?

Congratulations, Animal Kingdom! Sure wish I had been there to place my bet.

Friday Photo

Found this Hidden Mickey in my eye shadow...strange, right?

Thursday's Tip

If you're a coffee drinker who has ever been to Walt Disney World, you're aware that quality coffee is hard to find. (Yes, they really do serve the instant stuff in the Parks...and not even the high-end Via from Starbucks. Nope, it's Nescafe. Really.) But good coffee can be found...if you know where to look. And I'm here to lend a hand. Whether you prefer a French press or are addicted to Starbucks, here is a list of places where you can find real brewed coffee in the World.

• Magic Kingdom: Crystal Palace and the popcorn/beverage cart near the castle hub


• Epcot: American Adventure kiosk, Canada/UK kiosk, Rose & Crown (UK), Tangierine Cafe (Morocco), Italy kiosk, Les Chefs de France, Test Track kiosk


• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Writer's Stop, Starring Rolls Cafe (beans roasted onsite!)


• Animal Kingdom: Tusker House and all the coffee carts (Joffrey's brand)


• AK Lodge: Boma and Jiko (French press)


• Contemporary: coffee bar (Joffrey's) and the Wave (organic)


• Polynesian: Kona Cafe and coffee bar (First Roasters)


• Grand Floridian: Grand Floridian Cafe, Citrico's, Narcoossee's (French press), Victoria & Albert's (Jamaican Blue Mountain and Kona)


• Wilderness Lodge: Artist Point


• Yacht & Beach Club: Cafe Cape May and most locations


• Coronado Springs: Pepper Market and Maya Grill


• Ft. Wilderness: Trail's End


• Port Orleans Riverside: Boatwright's


• Swan & Dolphin: Starbucks served throughout


• Shades of Green: Starbucks kiosk


• Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach: Joffrey's at snack bars


• TTC: Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Outlet


• Downtown Disney: almost all eateries serve real coffee; Bongo's Cuban Cafe serves Cuban coffee and Cafe Con Leche; Earl of Sandwich serves Kona Coffee; Wolfgang Puck's serves Illy Italian Coffee

You should be able to get your fix at nearly any corner of Walt Disney World with this list. Of course, the Affording the Mou$e suggestion is to bring your own and brew it in your room. That's a great way to save $5 or more a day!

"The English Channel" Replaces "British Invasion"

As I told you last week, British Invasion had their last show in the United Kingdom pavilion of Epcot this week. We now know that their replacement is a band called "The English Channel." Unlike British Invasion, who were a Beatles tribute band, The English Channel play a variety of British music--everything from the Beatles and Dave Clark Five to Led Zeppelin and the Police...seriously. The group neither wears costumes nor offers guests even a hint of fake Madonna-esque British accent.

I'm going to try very hard to reserve my judgment until I have actually heard the group perform. But, really, one of the things that made British Invasion so popular is their total commitment to the characters they were playing. I mean, if I wanted to hear any old cover band, I could hop into a local bar. When I'm at Epcot, I want kitsch and stereotypes, thank you very much! (So much for reserving judgment.)

I'd love to hear feedback from readers who've actually seen the show. How do the new guys compare with the beloved BI?

May the Fourth Be With You

Just in time for "Star Wars Day" (or at least that's what several of my Facebook friends and Wikipedia are claiming), the new signage is up for Star Tours: The Adventures Continue. Check out this post from the official Disney Parks Blog to see it for yourself.

Refurbishment Update

I have a few refurbishments to tell you about. First, the Liberty Belle Riverboat (Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom) will take a two-day refurbishment beginning today. It should be back to normal operations by Friday. Next, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Disney's Hollywood Studios) will be out of commission from August 15 through September 4. (Let's hope they stick to the schedule, as my little mermaids will be very disappointed if this attraction is still closed when we visit in mid-September!)

Finally, the water parks. Blizzard Beach will be closed for its yearly refurbishmment beginning October 30, and it set to reopen by December 4. Typhoon Lagoon will then close on December 4 and will reopen by March 18. (Why would anyone want to go to a water park--even in Florida--during those months? Seriously, I need at least 90 degrees to even consider it.)

That's about all for now. Expect more winter refurbishments to be announced in the coming weeks.

Star Wars Weekends Celebrity Guest List Announced

Is your family as geeked out about Star Wars as mine? My husband, particularly, is a fan, but thanks to the Lego Star Wars game for Wii, my girls are pretty into it too. (In fact, we contemplated a Star Wars costume theme for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, but all three of us girls would probably fight over who got to be Leia.)

Disney's Hollywood Studios will once again be hosting its annual Star Wars Weekends in May and June. Schedule celebrity guests are listed for each weekend.

May 20-22: Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Dave Filoni (Clone Wars supervising director)

May 27-29: Anthony Daniels, Bruce Spence (Tion Medon), and Dee Bradley Baker (Captain Rex in Clone Wars, General Grievous)

June 3-5: Ray Park (Darth Maul), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), and Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker in Clone Wars)

June 10-12: Ray Park, Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Tom Kane (Yoda in Clone Wars)

So, those are the scheduled celebrity guests, right? But I'm hearing rumors of a VERY IMPORTANT un-scheduled celebrity guest that is expected on the opening Star Wars Weekend (May 20-22). No, it's not Harrison Ford (aw, shucks!). It's none other than Star Wars creator George Lucas! Makes sense, right? Of course Mr. Lucas would like to be on hand for the May 20 launch of the new Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

We've been at Disney twice for Star Wars Weekends, and it's great fun. But expect large crowds during scheduled SWW activities--and especially if Lucas makes an appearance.

Star Tours Preview?

If you're anxious to see what the "new and improved" Star Tours might have to offer, you can check out the attraction's page on the official Disney website for a few clues. I'd say it's safe to say that pod racing on the planet Tatooine may play some role. And is it possible we might see the character everyone loves to hate, JarJar Binks? Looks like we'll be visiting Naboo, so there's a pretty good chance. Throw in Wookies, a visit to the frigid planet Hoth, and an attack on the Death Star, and you've got quite an attraction.

Star Tours re-opens on May 20!

Free Fall Dining Now Available to All

I told you last week about the Free Fall Dining deal offered to Disney Rewards Visa cardmembers. The deal is now available to the general public. Check out this post for the details and regulations. Call soon to take advantage of this limited offer. Then make your ADRs ASAP, as the most popular restaurants tend to fill up quickly during this promotion.