A Monstrous Summer Giveaway
As a way of saying thank you for following along during the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer Event, I wanted to have a giveaway. Enter to win prize pack that consists of a Monstrous Summer beach towel, a Monstrous Summer hat, and a Monsters University door hang tag.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
The contest will begin Monday, 4/29/13 at 12:00am EST and end Thursday, 5/2/13 at 12:00am EST. The winner will also be announced on Friday, 5/3/13. The rules and link to enter are below:
Rules:
-Open to residents of U.S. and Canada
-Must be 18 years and older to enter
-Required entry will be to answer a question “What Disney Park or Parks are you planning on visiting this summer?
-Extra entry to follow Diz Thru Brown Eyes on Facebook
-Extra entry to follow @DizThruBrwnEyes on Twitter
- Monstrous Summer prize pack will be mailed to the winner
- All entries will be verified upon selection of a winner to make sure that they are still in compliance with the terms of the giveaway.
Monstrous Summer Preview Trade Show
Disney is known for it’s ability to tie things together and this summer will be no different. With the much anticipated Disney-PIXAR movie Monsters University being released in theaters June 21st, 2013, Disney Parks has deemed this to be a “Monstrous Summer” and this week I had the opportunity to attend a media preview for the event. It was filled with everything from breaking news about the makeover of Mike & Sully’s meet and greet at Disney Hollywood Studios to the major changes happening on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic ship which include the AquaDunk water slide! There was also a trade show that showcased all the things that Walt Disney World has to offer. Everything from runDisney to the great new bowling alley at Downtown Disney called Splitsville was represented and they were there to give us on all the great things we can all experience with them. There were also sneak peeks at new merchandise being released in the coming months in the theme parks and also online as well as samples of food from the popular Be Our Guest restaurant in Magic Kingdom and from California Grill which will soon be reopening in the Contemporary. This truly was an informative event and I was glad to be a part of it. Enjoy this tour of the trade show! – Post and video by Shaene C ( @Shaene_o_mite )
(Music featured is the score from the Original Motion Soundtrack for Disney-PIXAR’s Monsters, Inc which was composed by Randy Newman)
A Monstrous Summer Preview
Photo Credit: EH
I had the pleasure of attending Disney Park’s Monstrous Summer Media Preview. I was so excited to hear about upcoming events and attractions. The theme “Monstrous Summer” was fitting due to the many things that will be taking place over the summer from savings at the Walt Disney World’s Resort hotels, a new Discover Disney ticket for Florida residents, upcoming Limited Time Magic surprises, dining, and new enhancements to the Disney Magic.
Photo Credit: EH
The event started on Thursday, April 25th with a “Peek Behind the Wall” Experience. I had the opportunity to go on the construction site of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train to hear an exclusive update from Walt Disney Imagineers about the attraction and Princess Fairytale Hall. A 2014 opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is still being projected for this family themed coaster. There will be a height restriction. At the time of the tour it was unknown what would be the minimum height to ride. Princess Fairytale Hall is set to open late 2013. Cinderella and Rapunzel will always be present in the hall. A third princess, who will be called their friend, will change on a daily basis.
Later in the evening, I had dinner at Monsieur Paul restaurant located in Epcot. I had a wonderful experience and will do a separate post about my meal.
Photo Credit: EH
After dinner, I attended an IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth dessert party located at the Mexico Vista.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
After the laser show, the group was escorted to the front of Epcot for a wonderful announcement. Since this announcement was so big, we needed assisted from Mike Wazowski. Mike informed us The Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Park, and California Adventure Park would be open from 6am May 24th to 6am May 25th.
Yes, you read it right…24 hours in a Disney park.
Per the media release, in Florida, the Magic Kingdom will feature a Monsters University theme where Mike and Sulley will be the Grand Marshalls of the Celebrate a Dream Come True day parade. In California, guests can party away at a Monsters University “TLT Monstrous” Dance Club and Star Wars characters in Tomorrowland to name just a few events. All three parks will have limited-edition merchandise, food & beverage offerings plus other surprises. I plan on attending and I’m very excited about that.
Photo Credit: EH
On Friday, April 26th, an “Around Our World” breakfast presentation was held. Presentations were made by George Kalogridis, Walt Disney World Resort President; Karl Holz, Disney Cruise Line President, and Joe Lanzisero, Senior Creative Vice President for Walt Disney Imagineering. Some highlights were:
-Star Wars Day on May 4th – a day where you may hear “May the Fourth Be With You!” This will be a one-day-only celebration featuring special Star Wars entertainment, shows, characters, exclusive merchandise, a Star Wars dance party and a Star Warsthemed fireworks show at the end off the day. A special edition of Jedi Training Academy, where parents join their children for the training and finale with villains from the Galactic Empire.
-The Disney Magic cruise ship will relaunch with redesigned areas and new spaces including the AquaDunk is a three-story body slide. You will be dropped from a trapped door in a tube that extends 20 feet over the side of the ship.
-A new parade, Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade, will begin in the Spring of 2014.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
After breakfast, the Monstrous Summer Showcase was held giving those in attendance the opportunity to interview several experts in Disney parks, Disney Cruise Line, Disney merchandising, Disney entertainment, Imagineering, Disney dining, runDisney, many more.
This wonderful preview event ended with lunch at Kona Cafe located at the Polynesian Resort.
Photo Credit: EH
I will be doing more posts about the Monstrous Summer event and even planning some giveaways. So stay tuned!!
I would like to give a very special thank you to Disney Parks for hosting such a wonderful media preview.
Take a Tour of Shaene’s Disney Room
Shaene C. ( @Shaene_o_mite ) has invited us into his home to tour his Disney room.
A Disney Cruise Line Vinylmation Giveaway
Photo Credit: EH
To celebrate Spring being here, I am giving away a 3″ Disney Cruise Line AquaDuck (Fantasy) Donald Vinylmation.
The contest will begin, 3/21/13 at 12:00am EST and end 3/28/13 at 12:00am EST. The winner will also be announced by 3/29/13. The link and rules to enter are below:
Rules:
-Open to residents of U.S. and Canada
-Must be 18 years and older to enter
-You can only enter once
-You must answer a question
-For additional entries, follow @DizThruBrwnEyes on Twitter and Diz Thru Brown Eyes on Facebook
- Vinylmation will be mailed to the winner
- All entries will be verified upon selection of a winner to make sure that they are still in compliance with the terms of the giveaway.
Fabulous Find Friday
Today’s fabulous find is a Mickey Mouse picture frame. As you know, my nephew experienced Walt Disney World for the first time this past February. So of course I needed a new frame. I purchased the frame at World of Disney and it retails for $21.95.
Photo Credit: EH
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
Alton F. White: “He Lives in You”
Disney’s The Lion King is a world renowned musical that has thrilled crowds worldwide. From its first performance at Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to its touring company which has performed in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Seoul, Paris, Madrid, to its current home at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway in New York, The Lion King has left audiences in awe of each spectacular performance. One of the main reasons that people around the world love this musical is the lovable characters, one of which is Mufasa. Currently in the Broadway production of the musical, the character of Mufasa is brought to life by Alton Fitzgerald White.
Alton is a triple threat as an entertainer as he can sing, dance and act. He has starred in six Broadway shows in his career. He started his Broadway career as John in the production of Miss Saigon, most notably receiving high praise from audiences for his rendition of “Bui Doi”. From there Alton went on to perform in productions of The Who’s Tommy, Smokey Joe’s Café, and Ragtime: The Musical.
After all this success, it was then that Alton took on the role of Mufasa in the first national tour (The Gazelle Tour) of The Lion King. Alton had been with the touring company for just over a year when he was invited to take over the same role with the Broadway production of the show. In 2007 Alton was approached with the challenge of play the role of Mister in Oprah Winfrey’s The Color Purple opposite American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino. What an amazing accomplishment of being part of two Broadway shows at the same time.
Alton has also showcased his talents in television by appearing in Law and Order and in film in the movie The Invention of Lying. He has also performed concerts around the world and in 2009 Disney invited him to re-create the role of Mufasa for the now record breaking, sit-down company at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Currently Alton is back on Broadway in the role of Mufasa having a great time doing so.
To stay up to date on everything Alton is doing check out his official webpage.
You can also follow him on Twitter ( @WhiteAlton ) or become a fan on his Facebook page.
Check out this video of Alton singing “He Lives in You” from The Lion King as he sang it on the Disney Vacation Club Members cruise in January 2013.
Post by S. Carson
My Aulani Experience by Shaene C.
I would like to thank Shaene C. (@Shaene_o_mite) for sharing his Aulani Experience with us through words and video below.
Disney to me has always been a magical place. It is a destination where the cares of the real world disappear and a place where imagination and dreams take flight. Generally I end up visiting the Walt Disney World resort 6-7 times a year to keep my sanity and enjoy myself immensely, but I also like to experience the Disney brand outside of the theme parks. I also like to take cruises on the Disney Cruise Line. I have sailed on the Disney Dream, Fantasy and Wonder and have had a great time on every single cruise I have sailed on. I am a Disney Vacation Club member and that provided me with the opportunity to visit somewhere ordinarily that wouldn’t be on my radar and that is Hawaii since Disney has opened up a new resort there. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa located in Kapolei on the Hawaiian island of Oahu and is part of the Disney Vacation Club opened up in August of 2011.
As I arrived at Aulani (it’s about a 25 minute ride from Honolulu International Airport) I was greeted by a wonderful cast member who placed a traditional Hawaiian Lei around my neck. I knew immediately this would be a vacation of a lifetime. The resort is beautiful. From the artwork in the lobby that tells a story to the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean to the lovable Disney characters that roam the property, you can tell that Disney spared no expense in building this luxurious resort. The resort has a relaxing feel in that no one has a care in the world. It is much different from the hustle and bustle of a resort located at a Disney theme park in that you are really there to experience the resort and nothing else. No fast passes, no lines and just relaxing and enjoying being on vacation.
The water activities at Aulani are great. You can snorkel in the pool area, take a ride on 2 great water slides and also relax as you float by on the lazy river. I think I spent the majority of my time riding the water slides myself. They also have rentals where you can go paddle boarding in the lagoon located beach side.
The dining options at the resort are an experience too. Just like at Walt Disney World, Aulani has its own character breakfast featuring Minnie Mouse and Goofy. It’s a fun atmosphere complete with singing, dancing and a visit by “Aunty”. The fine dining restaurant at the resort is Ama Ama and it is definitely a treat. It is a coveted reservation for dinner with everyone wanting to experience eating dinner at the restaurant as the sun is setting in the evening. I did both the character breakfast and dined at Ama Ama at sunset and definitely they are moments I will never forget.
Although you can stay at the resort and never be bored, Aulani also has an excursion desk where you can book adventures to explore all that Hawaii has to offer. While I was there I booked the Polynesian Cultural Center excursion. I boarded a bus at the resort and I was off. This adventure starts with a stop at the Dole Plantation. There I was able to see a pineapple plantation and get a dole whip outside of a Disney park. It was cool to see pineapples being grown and how I could actually grow a pineapple at home as well as all the different things that can be made out of a pineapple. From there we made our way down the North Shore of Oahu passing some beautiful beaches and even passing the site where they filmed the Jurassic Park movies. After about a 30 minute scenic ride, we arrived at the Polynesian Cultural Center. There I was able to see and experience the culture of villages including, Tonga, Tahiti, Marquesas, Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, and Aoteroa. I learned to play a Ukulele and also the drums and even how to climb a tree. The evening was topped off by experiencing an authentic Hawaiian Luau and watching the signature show Ha: Breath of Life. It was truly a great experience.
My Aulani experience was truly a memorable one. I really could go on and on about all the different things that I did and experienced, but I would be writing for days. If you ever have the chance to go out to visit the Aulani resort, please do. You will not be disappointed!
Disney Dream Crew Assists in Rescuing Boaters (YouTube Video)
While on it’s sea day of a 4 day itinerary on Jan. 16th, 2013, the Disney Dream received a distress call from a small boat. Captain Guus and his team answered the call and went to help out this boat. Upon arriving at the scene, the crew of the Disney Dream lowered down the rescue boat and retrieved the two passengers aboard the boat and brought them aboard the Dream. The passengers were unharmed and relieved to have been fortunate to be rescued. Their “Dream” came true. Here is the video on DizThruBrownEyes YouTube Channel. Thank you to Shaene C. ( @Shaene_o_mite ) for sharing your video.
Welcome to Diz Thru Brown Eyes YouTube Channel
I have decided to venture into the world of YouTube. Here is the Introduction to Diz Thru Brown Eyes YouTube Channel. I can not wait to bring you more videos taped through these brown eyes of mine.
Diz Thru Brown Eyes is 1 Year Old
On 11/30/11, Diz Thru Brown Eyes became reality with my first post going up. I will say this has been a journey for me. I have met so many people, experienced several Disney events in a different way, and most of all was given a forum to express how Disney is a part of my life.
Let’s see…a lot of has happened this year. My nephew turned one. He knew you guys enjoyed the Jacob’s Crib segment that he will be coming back to do a toy review soon. My father had life changing surgery in October. For him and our family, I hope there will be less speed bumps , but if not, we can get through them as a family. I had the pleasure of being interviewed by The Best Magic for the Team Disney Podcast. The podcast got over 400 downloads. I was shocked and very excited. To top it off, I was asked to become a member of the team as a Correspondent. I will keep everyone updated on The Best of Magic news as well as the upcoming The Best Magic’s Disney Fan Meet Up on February 22, 2013. I was also featured on Florida Buzz’s Meet & Greet Monday.
I cannot wait to share with you the second year of adventures of what these brown eyes will experience.
Diz Thru Brown Eyes 1 Year Anniversary Giveaway
As a way of saying thank you for such a wonderful year I wanted to have an anniversary giveaway. I am not Oprah, but I do have a list of favorite things. On the top of that list are Disney and Starbucks gift cards. I am giving away a $20 Disney gift card and a $10 Starbucks gift card to one person.
The contest will begin Friday, 11/30/12 at 12:00am EST and end Monday, 12/3/12 at 12:00am EST. The winner will be announced on Monday 12/3/12. The link and rules to enter are below:
Rules:
-Open to residents of United States
-Must be 18 years and older to enter
-Entry requires you to follow Diz Thru Brown Eyes on Facebook
-Extra entry will be following Diz Thru Brown Eyes on Twitter
- Gift cards will be mailed to the winner
- All entries will be verified upon selection of a winner to make sure that they are still in compliance with the terms of the giveaway.
Happy Thanksgiving from Diz Thru Brown Eyes!!!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!
Photo Credit: http://disney-clipart.com
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
The Body as a Canvas for Disney Art
Photo Credit: Curt & Mel
I met Curt and Mel, my Canadian Disney pals, last year through a good friend. I had the opportunity of spending time with them at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. I was told they both had beautiful Disney tattoos and pictures did not do them justice. I inquired if I could feature them in the blog to share how they express their love for Disney.
Mel’s first tattoo was a simple Mickey on her back. Her journey with a full back tattoo began in November 2011. Here are her words in describing her experience:
“The idea started with wanting a castle on my back and had plans to add to it in future. My artist, Tyler Alderson, suggested doing it all at once. He thought that we would end up with a much more detailed piece. So I sent him a photo of the castle, the statue, and the characters that I wanted. That was all that I did. Tyler put the whole piece together. Tyler drew up a rough idea and from there my first visit to the shop he placed each individual character and all other aspects of the piece adjusted for size and placement. The details added to the piece were first drawn on my back with a basic sharpie marker. I should add that this entire project when being planned was done by email. I never did have a consult with my artist, he was just that good! My first session was for 7.5 hours with a couple 10 minute breaks. This finished the outlining. In December I returned for another 8 hour sitting. In this sitting he did the background color. In April 2012, we started working on more color this was another 8 hour session. During these tattoo sessions, Tyler would often say to me how about this idea fireworks reflecting of the castle, wind through the air, and many other small details that really added to the piece. In July, I returned for my final session. We did back to back 8 hour days to finish it up in this last trip. A total of about 40 hours was put into this piece, and a lot of driving time being we travelled 6 hours each way to go to this artist. I compare my tattoo sessions to a day at the spa! Tattooing is one of the most relaxing experiences for me. My other tattoos consist of a Disney cruise line logo on my ankle, a Tinkerbell silhouette on my foot, a dragonfly with hidden Mickeys on my other foot, Tinkerbell on my upper arm, and the words believe and dream on my wrists. The arm Tinkerbell and words on wrists are my latest tattoos. They were done in August by Jason Doll. I came upon the Tinkerbell idea while searching online. I loved everything about this idea for a tattoo. This tattoo took one sitting of 5 hours. The words believe and dream have so much meaning to me and my life. I wanted to see them everyday reminding me to believe in my dreams and in myself. These took about half hour for both wrists. As far as healing time, about a week of an itchy feeling with them and 4 weeks to be fully healed.”
Photo Credit: Curt & Mel
Photo Credit: Curt & Mel
Curt’s tattoo ideas came from his favorite characters and princesses. He wanted a sexier Tink and Belle. Below is his experience per Mel:
“His back piece was about 5 hours of tattoo time. He wanted Walt’s signature to credit Walt’s work and accomplishments. The saying was shortened on his back for proper fit while still being in proper English. The Tink is in the process of having a redo to brighten her color and add the feet. This tattoo was also about 5 hours of tattoo time. Belle is the latest addition. We also found this idea online and liked that it was along the same line as my Tinkerbell. Jason Doll was also the artist on this piece. Jason spent a couple hours making sure that he got every detail just right before starting. Curt says that a tattoo on the back of the calf is a little tender. He also has the matching cruise logo to mine.”
Photo Credit: Curt & Mel
I cannot wait to see their tattoos in person. Theirs put my tattoo of Mickey balloons to shame. I do want another tattoo with Hidden Mickeys. I will keep you updated of my addition.
Please leave comments and questions for Curt and Mel. I will make sure they see them.
*All photos used belong to Curt and Mel*
Late Summer Vacation Offers at Destinations in Florida
Photo Credit: EH
As being an affiliate partner with Destinations in Florida (@WDWFan), I wanted to pass along some of the latest travel offers that are available.
For Walt Disney World the following offers are now available:
Late Summer Florida Resident Rate- Disney has released a Late Summer Florida Resident discount that includes Dining! The guest must travel from August 17- September 28th and no minimum stay is required. All packages include 4-day Florida Resident (this cannot be changed) However, the passes do not expire for 6 months and blackout dates apply.
Free Dining – Travel on the following dates 9/30-10/4, 10/19-11/1, 11/23-11/29, and 12/10-12/13 (3-night minimum stay) and get a Free Disney Dining Plan! Value Resort Rooms get a Free Quick Service Dining Plan and all other resorts get a Free Basic Dining Plan. The guest can always upgrade the dining plan just by paying the difference. This promotion is booking fast. The Moderate Resorts are already sold out on most dates but are still available in December. Book now for best availability! This promotion must be booked by September 30th.
For Disney Cruise Line the following offers are now available:
This fall, Disney Cruise Line is offering 7-night California Coast cruises with a taste of Pixar! The total cost of an standard inside stateroom aboard the September 16th or September 23rd sailing is just $1,703 for two guest total. This is less than $900 per person for an all-inclusive, week-long trip!
Special Verandah Offer On Galveston Sailings – Book a verandah stateroom (categories 5A-7A) for the price of an ocean view stateroom (categories 9A-9D) on most 7-night Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston, Texas Sept 22-December 21, 2012. (Offer excludes November 17th sailing).
Military Discount – Special military rates available for cruises through September 2012. Rates vary by cruise.
Canada Resident Rates – Canadian residents can receive a 15% discount off prevailing rates as quote on most California Coastal sailings commencing Sept. 16- Oct. 7, 2012. Offer applies to Categories 4A-11A staterooms.
For Aulani – Hawaii
Guest can get two nights FREE from September 10, 2012 to December 18, 2012 book a minimum of three nights at Aulani and your next two nights are FREE! The guest must book a minimum total of 5 nights and available most nights. Book now through November 10th.
To find out about these offers and other destinations such as Universal Studios or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, click here to request a quote. Do not forget to tell them Diz Thru Brown Eyes sent you!!
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
Summer Offers at Destinations in Florida
Photo Credit: EH
As being an affiliate partner with Destinations in Florida (@WDWFan), I wanted to pass along some of the latest Walt Disney World offers that are available.
The time to book Disney’s Free Dining is coming to an end very soon. Travel dates are August 25 – September 25, 2012. Click on the link below for more information and a quote:
Get FREE DINING if you book a Disney Resort Package between 8/25 and 9/27 – click here for a quote!
There is still time to save at least 25% on stays at most nights June 15 – August 14, 2012. This type of rate can allow you to stay at select Disney Value Resorts, Disney Moderate Resorts, Deluxe Resorts, and Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts. To add more fun and savings to your vacation, just add Theme Park tickets to this offer. For example, with the summer savings listed above, you can enjoy a 6-night, 7-day vacation at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, including Theme Park tickets, for as low as $69 per person, per day (based on 2 adults, 1 junior, and 1 child in a standard room). That is a total package price of $1914 for stays most nights June 15 – August 4, 2012. The package must be booked by June 14, 2012.
To get more information about the Summer Room discounts, please click the following link:
Save up to 25% on Disney Resort Hotel Packages this Summer – click here for details.
If your trip dates are in the late summer period, you can still take advantage of savings if your travel dates are between August 15 – September 29, 2012. For example, you can stay in a standard room at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resorts starting at just $70 per night, plus tax, for most Sunday through Thursday nights August 15 – September 27, 2012. That is a savings of 20%. You can add on Theme Park tickets as well. To receive this type of savings, book by August 14, 2012.
To find out more about these offers or other destinations such as Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios, or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, click on the banner below. Don’t forget to tell them Diz Thru Brown Eyes sent you!!
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s mug was purchased on the Disney Dream. I experienced my first Disney cruise in March 2011 and I had so much fun. I am looking forward to a cruise on the Fantasy, the newest Disney ship.
Photo Credit: EH
2012 Disney Blog Hop – “Disney Bucket List”
Photo Credit: EH
This is the second week for the Disney Blog Hop started by Lisa of Babes In Disneyland. If you are a Disney blogger, I encourage you to sign up at Babes In Disneyland .
This week’s theme is “Disney Bucket List”. Several things come to mind of what I would like to do that is Disney related. Due to me going to Walt Disney World several times a year, I am ready to venture out and experience new things.
My Disney Bucket List consists of the following:
- To visit Disneyland Paris Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Tokyo Disney Resort
- To visit Aulani Disney Hawaii Resort
- To cruise on all the Disney ships – Fantasy, Magic and the Wonder. I sailed on the Dream, March 2011
- Stay at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World
This pretty much sums it up my Disney Bucket List. I would love to hear what is on your list.
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