Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
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)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Thru My Brown Eyes
During the Disney Parks Monstrous Summer Media Preview, I was able to stay a night at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This resort is my dream resort. When I heard this is where I would be staying, I could not contain my excitement. Every trip to Walt Disney World I would vow to stay at the Grand Floridian. Once arriving at the resort, I wanted to scream, but did not. I did not think that would have been the proper thing to do. So instead, I took pictures and created the video below of how I viewed the resort “thru my brown eyes”.
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.
My day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 15th Anniversary Celebration
I had a wonderful time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom 15th Celebration and wanted to share my experience with you.
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
Take a Tour of Shaene’s Disney Room
Shaene C. ( @Shaene_o_mite ) has invited us into his home to tour his Disney room.
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
Fantasyland Fun with Lady Llewellyn & Tobias
The Royal Majesty Makers, official consultants of Cinderella’s court, acquaint boys and girls with the genteel ways of aristocracy as they entertain audiences in the Castle Courtyard in New Fantasyland. Thank you to Shaene C. ( @Shaene_o_mite ) for recording this interaction.
“Oz The Great and Powerful” Review (No Spoilers)
Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios
Oz The Great and Powerful made its way into theaters on 3/8/13 and has been one anticipated movie. We grew up watching The Wizard of Oz and now here is another film that can take us deeper into the Land of Oz. I saw the movie with my fellow Disney Store Cast Members. There is nothing like watching a Walt Disney Picture with a group of Disney-loving Cast Members. The Regal cinemas at Mall of Georgia is usually packed on a Friday night. However, I was surprised it was not bustling with people. We chose to go to the 10:25pm showing in order for Cast Members closing to be able to attend. I am not a night person and had been up since 3am. So staying up was a struggle for me. The theater was not full once we got settled in, but the showing before us looked to have more people.
The movie started off in black & white and that should not have been a surprise to me. I was introduced to Oscar Diggs (James Franco), somewhat playboy, small-time traveling circus magician, who was carried away to the land of Oz in a hot air balloon. He encounters three witches Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams). Oscar, who now is known as the Wizard, battles with himself in doing the right thing to save a land from the Wicked Witch.
The movie started off slow for me and I did find myself yawning. I am not sure if that was due to me being tired and no coffee to perk me up or just bored. Once the land of Oz appeared, I “woke” up. I loved the vibrant colors of Oz and the quirkiness of its people. How the Wicked Witch evolved held my attention because I wanted to know how she became who she was. Lets just say a woman scorned can be deadly. The China Girl (Joey King voice) was more than what I expected, she turned out to be fearless despite what she experienced. Now Finley (Zach Braff voice) stole the show for me. I would go back just to see this flying monkey, who was full of one liners and laughs. It would not surprise me if the Finley plush will be very popular now.
Photo Credit: DisneyStore.com
The evil flying monkeys, which looked more like baboons, could scare children and even squeamish adults (I could fit in this category for some movies). They do have close- ups, so be warned. Overall, I do feel a child could sit through this movie despite the evil flying monkeys appearances. I did not see the movie on an IMAX screen or in 3D. I do not feel I missed out on that experience because things did tend to leap out on the regular screen.
Am I disappointed I spent $11.50? No I am not. I would say I thought the movie was good and would go back to see it at least one more time. I would even purchase the DVD. However, it did not leave me feeling like “wow”. I would say go to see it at least once.
A Trip Fit for a Princess
Photo Credit: EH
I participated in my first Disney’s Princess 1/2 Marathon on February 24th. I have been in other runDisney events and enjoyed them. The decision to participate was made after Sara (@DisneySara) and I completed The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10 Miler last year.
I arrived in Walt Disney World on 2/21 with family in tow. The family consists of my parents, sister, and my 15 month old nephew. This trip was more than participating in a race. It was my nephew’s first trip and my father’s first trip since having major surgery last year. My sister suggested we stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I was able to secure us a one bedroom villa in Kidani Village with a savannah view. I loved going on the balcony to watch the animals.
Daddy and Jacob on the balcony (Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village) Photo Credit: EH
Due to my sister and I being planners, we knew we had to be at the Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo before it opened on 2/22. Animal Kingdom Lodge was a host resort and a bus would be available to take us to the expo.
Sara, my sister, Sara’s aunt, and I wore these shirts at the expo. Photo Credit: EH
Since the expo was held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, no cars would be allowed and there were no exceptions made. From the bus I could see Cast Members checking cars attempting to come into the resort. If you were not a guest, you were turned away.
Photo Credit: EH
There was confusion when entering the expo due to three lines being formed and different explanations of what the lines were for. I was told two lines where for Packet Pick-Up and one line was for the New Balance runDisney tennis shoes. I made my way over to the New Balance line and waited. We were walked into the expo and formed a line outside of the New Balance booth. The line was moving slowly due to the registers not connecting to the internet at first. An employee stated there would be two pair limit per person. As I moved closer to the entrance of the booth, the same employee was counting people in line and asking how many pairs a person was going to purchase. That made me nervous and I crossed my fingers my size would be available. I think I waited a little over an hour for my chance to step into the New Balance booth for my shoes. Due to me being a Mickey Mouse fan, I wanted the men’s shoe. I had gone to a sport store before the expo to try on a pair of New Balance in order for me to have a general idea of my size. I would take a 7 in a man’s size but the smallest they had was 7 ½. The 7 ½ fit due to the shoes running small. With my tennis shoes in hand and $124.99 (before tax) later, I was skipping to get my race bib.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
I had no issue getting the bib and wristband for the Race Retreat. The line which I thought would be the shortest and quickest turned out to the most chaotic part of the expo. It was the area to get the goodie bag and t-shirt. I was pushed from all sides in an attempt to make it to the front to get the items.
Photo Credit: EH
When I arrived at the expo later in the evening, stanchions where placed in this area to control the crowd. I also had the chance to enter the Official runDisney Merchandise area. I purchased 2013 runDisney Vinylmation, the Princess Marathon medal for the Vinylmation, and Princess Marathon Dooney & Bourke wristlet.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
On 2/23, my sister and nephew participated in the Stroller Division of Mickey and Minnie Mouse Royal Family 5K. I think they both had fun. My sister allowed my nephew to walk across the finish line. He earned his first runDisney medal.
My sister and nephew – Photo Credit: EH
My sister and nephew walking across the finish line – Photo Credit: EH
My nephew with his first medal – Photo Credit: EH
The next morning was my race…13.1 miles. I had traveled this course before during Walt Disney World Half Marathon. I was nervous due to me not training properly due to lack of motivation. I ran and walked the course. There is nothing like running through the castle and having people cheer for you. I finished the half marathon in 3:19:48. Now just imagine what I could of done if I had trained like I should.
Sara and I before the 13.1 miles – Photo Credit: EH
After getting my medal, I made my way to the Race Retreat. I did not have a lot of time to spend here before the race. Before entering my corral I had a bagel and cream cheese. I made sure to go back there for breakfast, which consisted of eggs, hash browns, bacon, oatmeal, fruit, coffee, muffins, cinnamon rolls, Powerade, and water. There were several tables set up under a large tent. Race participants were given pink flip flops and a towel. I would pay for the Race Retreat again and make sure I participate in the offers before the race.
Inside of the Race Retreat – Photo Credit: EH
Race Retreat Goodies – Photo Credit: EH
Members of the Platinum ChEAR Squad were allowed in the Race Retreat after 5:30am. My sister paid for this package since she would have my nephew. The Platinum ChEAR package include a t-shirt, stadium blanket, Mickey clappers, access to the cheering section at mile 5.3 in front of Cinderella’s Castle (with coffee and water), and access to the Race Retreat. She stated they both enjoyed themselves by taking pictures with characters and playing in the Kiddie Corner.
ChEAR Squad blanket and Mickey clapper – Photo Credit: JG
My sister and nephew with Suzy and Perla – Photo Credit: JG
Well this sums up my Princess weekend. I must say I did not have a chance to spend much time in the parks or attend several meet-ups. I felt so rushed with everything going on. However, I did take the take to enjoy my family especially watching my nephew enjoy my Happy Place.
The Bondi headband my sister gave to me – 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
Disney Dooney & Bourke Inspired Outfit
I created an outfit around the colors of my newest Disney Dooney and Bourke Bag. The print was created for the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Take a look at the video below and let me know what you think!!
Making YOU A Priority DizThruBrownEyes YouTube Channel
Due to me being in the mental health field, I wanted to take the time to address well-being. Of course Disney touches can be added in the journey to take care of an important person…meaning you. You are a priority. Take a look at the video for tips on taking care of yourself.
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: SC
Fabulous Find Friday
Today’s fabulous find is related to runDisney. On February 24, 2013, I will be participating in my first Disney’s Princess Half Marathon. I will be taking on this challenge with Sara M. (@DisneySara). In 2007 and 2008, I participated in WDW Half Marathon with my sister JoVonn G. (@jhgive). So it is only fitting that I purchase the runDisney 13.1 Mickey Mouse Icon Magnet. It can be purchased at the Disney parks and DisneyStore.com. Once I get my car washed, I will place the magnet on it. The magnet retails for $7.95.
Photo Credit: EH
Disney Inspired Outfit on DizThruBrownEyes YouTube Channel
I was asked to go into my closet to see what I could come up with that was Disney related. Well I have designed a Disney inspired outfit. Here is the 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.
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
Disney’s Prep & Landing Giveaway
I love Disney’s Prep & Landing so much so that I am having a giveaway. The giveaway includes the Totally Tinsel Collection Blu-Ray and DVD, which includes Prep & Landing and Prep & Landing: Naughty vs. Nice, and the Vinylmation Prep & Landing 3” Set.
The contest will begin Friday, 12/14/12 at 12:00am EST and end Monday, 12/17/12 at 12:0oam EST. The winner will also be announced on Monday 12/17/12. 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
-Entry requires you to follow Diz Thru Brown Eyes on Facebook
-Extra entry will be following Diz Thru Brown Eyes on Twitter
-Extra entry if you tweet about the giveaway
- Movie and Vinylmation set 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.
New Fantasyland Thru These Brown Eyes
On 12/6/12, New Fantasyland had its official grand opening ceremony. I had the pleasure of being in front of the castle for the ceremony. I was so excited to see Ginnifer Goodwin from Once Upon A Time and hear Jordin Sparks, an American Idol winner, sing several Disney songs. Tom Staggs, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman, welcomed guests to the new area of Magic Kingdom and the Disney confetti rained on us.
Even though all eyes were on New Fantasyland, another important event was taking place as well…the release of the New Fantasyland merchandise!! A preview of the merchandise was seen on the Disney Parks blog before the grand opening. I made my list of pins and an event t-shirt. I did like how a list of shops of where merchandise would be sold was given as well as what merchandise would be sold where. Due to me staying on property, I was able to participate in the Morning Magic Hours and entered the park at 8am. Once I entered Magic Kingdom, I went to the Emporium shop. Here there were event t-shirts, Cover Your Ears Ear Hat covers. and D-Tech cell phone cases. I was surprised there was no madness. I was able to get my shirt with no issues and had a quick checkout. I found the shirts to still be available after 12/6.
As with these events, there were commemorative pins. This event was no different. However, the pins and other items were being released at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. The items would be sold between 5pm-9pm with the line forming no earlier than 4pm. I arrived around 3:30pm and there were two lines, once outside of the convention center and the one inside by The Pepper Market. The line outside was the “unofficial” line and I moved into that one. Close to 4pm, we were allowed to line up outside of the assigned convention hall. A checklist was given that listed all the items available, edition size, prices, limits, and a column for your to list how many of an item you wanted. The selling of items began before 4:30pm. I waited in line for over an hour. Tables were also set up for those who wanted to trade pins and Vinylmations.
Overall, my experience was a positive one. I knew there would be lines and was prepared for that. The selling of items started before 5pm which gave me more time to get to another event. Most of all, fellow collectors I was in line with were nice and courteous.
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