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.
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s guest mug or cup I should say comes from Madi J ( @MadiJExperience ). Madi J stated the following “I love Princess Jasmine and that is why she is one of my favorite Disney Princesses. I went to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and my Fairy Godmother-in-training made me into Jasmine. ”
Photo Credit: Madi J
If you would like your coffee mug on Mean Muggin’ Monday, email picture and description to DizThruBrownEyes@yahoo.com.
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
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s guest coffee mug is from Mary H. ( @Tink302 ). Mary stated “Tinker Bell is one of my favorite characters so I had to have this mug when I saw it. It has extra sentimental value for me because I got it in Disneyland on my first trip there last summer.”
Photo Credit: MH
If you would like your coffee mug on Mean Muggin’ Monday, email picture and description to DizThruBrownEyes@yahoo.com
Mean Muggin Monday
Today’s guest coffee mug comes from Stacie C. ( @scook522 ).
Photo Credit: SC
Photo Credit: SC
If you would like your coffee mug on Mean Muggin’ Monday, email picture and description to DizThruBrownEyes@yahoo.com.
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s guest coffee mug is from Kelli S. (@plusthemagic). Kelli’s blog is Plus The Magic. In describing this mug, Kelli stated “My very favorite mug- the E-Ticket mug! I’ve always been drawn to Disney memorabilia that features the written word, especially when it’s got a retro feel. That’s why this E-Ticket mug was ideal for me- and it brings me joy whenever I use it!”
Photo Credit: Kelli S.
Photo Credit: Kelli S.
Photo Credit: Kelli S.
If you would like your coffee mug on Mean Muggin’ Monday, email picture and description to DizThruBrownEyes@yahoo.com.
Fabulous Find Friday
Today’s fabulous find was given to my nephew for Valentine’s Day. It is ”It’s a Small World” Book – I Love You! I first saw this book while browsing DisneyStore.com. The book tells how “I Love You” is said in different languages. There is also a bonus book that tell about the It’s a Small World kids and their animal friends. The book is made out of cardstock and a nice size for toddler hands. I also found the book on Amazon.com. On DisneyStore.com the book retails for $7.99.
Photo Credit: EH
Bonus Pull-out Book
Photo Credit: EH
Mean Muggin’ Monday
Today’s guest coffee mug is from Dana H. (@DragynAlly). She is the owner of the blog The Dragyn’s Lair.
Photo Credit: DH
If you would like your coffee mug on Mean Muggin’ Monday, please email picture and description to DizThruBrownEyes@yahoo.com.
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
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.
Happy Thanksgiving from Diz Thru Brown Eyes!!!
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!!
Photo Credit: http://disney-clipart.com
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*
Snapshot Saturday
Photo Credit: EH
Remember When Project
Once again Shaene (@Shaene_o_mite) with the assistance of Marc (@MarkyMarc70) created a slideshow that shows more of what Disney is about…memories of trips to the Disney Parks with family and friends. So as you watch it and possibly see your picture flash across the screen, think about that trip, the laughs, the attractions, the food, etc.
Fabulous Find Friday
The item I am presenting this Friday is the Disney Classic Messenger made by Harveys The Original Seatbelt Bags. Now I will warn you that I have a thing for bags. I was first introduced to these bags in 2009 while in California for the D23 Expo. Since that was my first time at Disneyland, I was walking around Downtown Disney and saw one of the bags in a window. I had to go into the store to inspect the bag even closer. I love being different and a bag made out of seatbelts was right up my alley. I currently own three Harveys bags, with 2 being Disney. The bag really is made of automotive seatbelts printed with a Mickey Mouse comic strip. Other Disney touches included Mickey Mouse charms, Mickey ears zipper pull and a Disney lining. I can fit a binder, wallet, and iPad inside with some room to spare. The bag can be purchased at Harveys Seatbelt Bags . The messenger retails for $168.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Being A Member of D23
Photo Credit: EH
I have been a D23 Gold Member since the Charter Year of 2009. I did not sign up on the first day but waited until April. I have been to several D23 events:
- 2009 – D23 Expo
- 2009 – Magic and Merriment
- 2010 – D23’s 1st Anniversary Party
- 2011 – D23’s Great Disney Scavenger Hunt at WDW
- 2011 – D23’s Destination D: Walt Disney World 40th
- 2011 - D23 Expo
Other than information gained at events, I have also met many Disney fans. On several of the events I was a solo attendee. Several participants welcomed me into their groups to prevent me from being alone. Over the years, I have kept in touch with people I have met and still meet up with them during D23 events.
I look forward to attending the 2013 D23 Expo with friends and the planning has begun. I did notice a big change between the 2009 and 2011 expo. The 2009 expo was over a course of four days vs. the 2011 one being three days. I do remember long lines in 2009 but the lines in 2011 were ridiculous. If you wanted to attend programs in the Arena you had to be in line at least a hour before and was still not guaranteed to get in.
I have registered for D23 Disney Fanniversary Celebration in Orlando on 6/23. It was nerve racking to get registered due to the site being overloaded. Per the website, “each show will be hosted by a Disney archivist and D23 team member and will highlight the rich behind-the-scenes stories of these magical moments through rarely (or never-before) seen film footage, concept art, photography, and exclusive interviews with many of your favorite Disney Legends and luminaries.” The event is being held on different dates in Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco (which is reported being sold out), Chicago, and New York. I cannot wait to do a post on my experience at this event.
There are so many different views about D23, the events, the price of events, location of events, lack of perks, etc. I feel this “official club” could use a makeover in some areas. However, I will still renew my membership and attend events.
Are there any memorable D23 events you have attended? One of my favorites was touring Cinderella’s Suite during Magic and Merriment.
Photo Credit:EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit: EH
Fabulous Find Friday
The item I am presenting this Friday is the 7” Light-Up Vinylmation. I am a huge Vinylmation collector and knew I had to add this to my collection. This Vinylmation was released at D-Street on 3/2. It comes in four colors and with 2-AAA batteries. There is also an on/off switch on the bottom. As you can see I chose green. The Vinylmation retails for $24.95.
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit:EH
Photo Credit: EH
Photo Credit using Instagram: EH
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