In honor of Coco’s big Oscar wins yesterday, here’s a peak at my custom ears. Remember Me 😭🎶 . . . . . . . . #disney #wdw #disneyblog #disnerd #magic #mickey #mickeymouse #waltdisneyworld #epcot #mexicopavillion #experimentalprototypecommunityoftomorrow #coco #pixar #rememberme #oscars #oscarwinner #wdw #wdwcommunity #disaddict #magic #dayofthedead #sugarskulls #disneymovies #disneyears #customears #disneytravels #disneyvacation #disneyresorts (at Mexico Pavilion Epcot)

Ride thru of everyone's favorite Animal Kingdom ride way before Flight of Passage - Expedition Everest 🏔 Catch a peak at Disco Yeti. . . . . . . . . #disney #wdw #disneyblog #disnerd #magic #mickey #mickeymouse #waltdisneyworld #disneysanimalkingdom #animalkingdom #mounteverest #expeditioneverest #yeti #discoyeti #disneyrides #rollercoaster #disneymountains #asia #avatar #pandora #flightofpassage #avatarflightofpassage #ifirandisneyworld (at Disney's Animal Kingdom)

One of my favorite over at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. You can find these tikis playing hide and seek over at the Gift Shop window behind the register. 🌺 . . . . . . . . #disney #wdw #disneyblog #disnerd #magic #mickey #mickeymouse #waltdisneyworld #disneypolynesianresort #polynesian #moana #liloandstitch #hawaiian #tikis #getleid #lei #tikistatue #dolewhip #dvcbungalows #hideandseek #ifirandisneyworld (at Disney's Polynesian Resort)

Banshee Skull in the Avatar Flight of Passage line queue over at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This phenomenal queue has so much to see that it's an attraction in and of itself 👀 . . . . . . . . #disney #wdw #disneyblog #disnerd #magic #mickey #mickeymouse #waltdisney #animalkingdom disneymust #banshee #avatar #pandora #fop #flightofpassage #bansheeskull #mountainbanshee #avatarlink #ifirandisneyworld (at Pandora - The World Of Avatar)

Beautiful details at Princess Fairytale Hall Meet n Greet. Here we find Snow White's fairytale storybook like the ones seen in Disney Classic Animated film openings such as Jungle Book, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. 🍎 . . . . . . . . #disney #wdw #disneyblog #disnerd #magic #mickey #mickeymouse #waltdisney #magickingdom #disneymust #disneyprincess #snowwhite #sleepingbeauty #aurora #cinderella #junglebook #storybook #fantasy #fairytale #princess #evilqueen #apple #poisonapple #fairytalehall #ifirandisneyworld (at Princess Fairytale Hall)

Dapper Day Brings Vintage Fun Shindig to the Magic Kingdom

Disney is no stranger to ticketed special events such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas parties. However, did you know there are unofficial events, and fan-generated events held annually and regularly at the parks as well?

In honor of recent festivities at Walt Disney World in Orlando,  I’d like to introduce you to a pretty big unofficial event that frequently takes place within the parks. By now, you may or may not have heard of Dapper Day which takes place twice a year with all guests in attendance dressed in quite fancy, vintage attire for the occasion – in fact, looking their very best, or ‘dapper’. The event was sparked by an old soul, Justin Jorgensen, who came up with the great idea to visit the parks in style just as the original Disney Park sketches depicted guests. The first event was held in Disneyland in 2011 and the popularity quickly spread like wildfire. Today, Dapper Day is celebrated at Disneyland, Disney World, and Disneyland Paris in the spring and fall.

For those considering attending, let me tell you the event is like no other. Disney parks naturally ooze nostalgia, especially when walking good old beautiful Main Street USA which provides for a perfect backdrop for guests walking around in full vintage garb. Ladies are seen strolling the streets with their parasols in hand dawning their fascinators and curls while men are pulling at their suspenders and tilting their fedoras. In recent years, the event has even included disneybounding outfits. A

Disneybound

outfit is an ensemble that subtly resembles a beloved Disney character without crossing the line of a cosplay or costume. This new trend was introduced by Leslie Kay on the interweb and has since taken off. I recently attended Spring Dapper Day at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Disneybounding Ursula and Jasmine.

Many in attendance Disneybound in everything from characters, movies, specific parks and even rides all while maintaining that dapper underlying theme dressed in one of the many fashion trends from each decade such as the roaring 20’s, 40’s, nifty 50’s and more. I saw everything from Roger and Jessica Rabbit, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh, the Avengers to Kylo Ren. Some groups even select an overall theme such as two groups in particular over at Disneyland which all dressed as Monster’s Inc characters and Chip n Dales Rescue Rangers. During my visit, there was an amazing group at Magic Kingdom which dressed as several popular attractions such as Thunder Mountain Railroad, Mad Tea Party, Enchanted Tiki Room, Astro Orbiter and even the Monorail (her monorail headpiece even spun!).

Walking around and seeing these lovely guests’ sitting around enjoying the park dressed to the nines never loses its charm. Everyone is so positive and friendly towards one another spending most of their day complimenting each other and taking photos together. “Happy Dapper Day” wishes can be heard left and right. This event in particular for me shines a light on what it means to be part of such a joyous Disney community.

Although Dapper Day is not an official Disney event, and a fan created one, they have begun acknowledging its presence in the parks. It began last year with subtle shout outs during parades but has expanded to Disney selling themed goods, cupcakes and setting up special photo ops with the trolleys throughout Main Street USA. This year they even advertised special picnic boxed meals which included the choice of either a Greek wrap, Caesar salad, Pulled Pork Sandwich or Fried Chicken accompanied by chips, fruit, soda and a themed cupcake for a mere $14.99. I also like to credit the Dapper Day success as the idea behind recently opening the Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane at Disney Springs. It’s difficult to predict what Disney’s involvement will be moving forward but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was an acquisition of the rights at some point in the future.

Unofficial Disney events are all the rage on the west coast as it seems a larger local crowd attends these themed outings such as Bats Day and Pinup Parade. Bats Day is an unofficial event where all dress in dark, gothic, villainous getups paying homage to movies such as the Nightmare before Christmas. Luckily for the east coast this year, Spooky Empire has announced a two-day similar event called Spooky Day in the Parks which will even include special guests, expo and private dining events.

I hope we continue to see more events pop up over the years as they provide a new experience especially for an avid visitor like myself. Have you visited the parks during any of these events? What events would you like to see brought to Walt Disney World?

This article was originally posted on The Mickey Mindset. Please check out their great blog and like them on Facebook! 

You Never Forget Your First Time – Introducing an Adult to Walt Disney World

Sometime in January, one of my closest friends, Hillary contacted me and said, “Hey, my friend has never been to Disney and want’s a couple big fans to give her the grand tour. Can you go at the end of February?”.  I remember thinking…. Duh! Any excuse to visit the parks is a good enough reason for me but I wondered if a first timer adult would enjoy Disney or find it childish? I grew up with a love for Disney ingrained in me but I’m not oblivious to those who suggest adult Disney fans are odd loving and idolizing a place targeted at children and families. This seemed like an interesting social experiment for me as a fan and provided yet a new way to experience the parks.

Late February on a Saturday morning I drove up from Miami to meet the girls at EPCOT. When I arrived I met Maame, my friend’s classmate who had never visit Walt Disney World. I later found out she is originally from Ghana but grew up in the states. However, she was always residing a tad bit too far from Orlando and lacking young or enthusiastic family members to push for a Disney trip. At 27 years old, Maame is ready to graduate with a Masters this upcoming summer with a fantastic career ahead and yet here she stood in front of me, donning purple mickey ears, a celebrating button, first Disney trip button and the biggest smile you’d ever seen. I knew at that moment that she was ready to soak up all of the Disney magic.

Our first day was spent at EPCOT. Most of the trip I would take turns with Hillary providing Maame with fun facts around the park. (Yes… We told her EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow and Walt’s initial vision) We commenced the drinking around the world while visiting each country and sharing tips and pointing out hidden mickeys which were fun for her to find. It never fails to amaze me no matter how many visits I still find myself discovering or learning of new Disney lore. Specifically standing in the middle of the Chinese pavilion before entering the 360° theater and hearing your own voice reverberate back at you if you stand just in the right spot. The night ended with FastPasses for IllimuNations which I have to say, as a repeat visitor I tend to skip it from having experienced it so many times. I quickly realized it had been years since I’d watched Illuminations from start to finish and it was fantastic. Maame quickly realized how exhausting a day at the parks could be as we called it a night and headed to the resort.

For a first timer’s trip, Maame was lucky enough to stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort in one of the Pirate themed rooms. She quickly noted how immersive the property was and admired the details. The next morning we introduced her to the most magical breakfast item of all – Mickey Waffles. At breakfast, Maame announced her must do first thing at the Magic Kingdom was to meet the mouse himself. Again, as a repeat visitor, I found that slightly odd as I tend to skip characters altogether unless it’s a character I’ve never seen. We hopped in the car and drove down to the ticket center to hop on a monorail. The monorail arrived and the day at the Magic Kingdom was about to begin.

As promised, the first stop was to visit the big guy himself, Mr. Mickey Mouse. What an amazing character meet n greet! Mickey as a magician is welcoming and entertaining for audiences of all ages alike. I wore my button again and Mickey himself even sang me a happy birthday. After that experience, we proceeded walking right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A where Maame had to just stop by the grass hub and let it all sink in. She turned to us and said “You guys don’t understand how long I’ve wanted to visit. I can’t believe I’m here”. The day started out to the left of the castle towards Adventureland where we rode the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, Maame is allergic to pineapple and was unable to taste the deliciousness of a dole whip but she did get a citrus swirl. Next, we walked through Frontierland but avoided the long lines as we’d return later with our FastPasses. The path let us directly over to the Haunted Mansion were Disney’s NextGen initiative queues are at its best. No instrument was left unplayed or book pushed in by my crew. Finally we rode Haunted Mansion with zero spirit interruptions. Again, another check and hit with our first timer. (yup, we pointed out the hidden mickey plates, 13th hour, explained the ghost animatronic mirror effects, and the bride’s ring) Next on our journey was Fantasyland! Funny story, while at other rides, Maame saw other guests receive a red card on a lanyard from cast members at the line entrance. She inquired about it and we explained it was random and considered lucky if you’re chosen. She was chosen at It’s a Small World and squealed as if she had won the lottery. (little did she know at the time she would be selected two more times that day).  While in line, I mentioned the boarding area is also a large clock. Coincidentally it was 12:58 PM when I said it and we were in the queue when the clock went off at 1 PM. The ride is a classic and was automatically a hit for her especially when they said goodbye at the end and flashed her name on the screen. New Fantasyland Expansion area was up next. Seeing the little mermaid ride was a dream come true for Maame as well as participating in Belle’s Tales and meeting the princess herself. I’ll never forget to bring over a Lefou’s brew for the gang to sample and having the first timer look at us and say “I get it! I see why this place means so much to you.” My heart literally fluttered for a second knowing someone understood me as well as validating what a good job we were doing as tour guides. The day continued with everything from Shake It Move It parade, Splash Mountain, Casey’s Hot Dogs, Space Mountain and more. Unfortunately, I had to drive back home for work the next day so I called it a night and I bid adieu.

Introducing an Adult to Walt Disney World was more enlightening as a long time fan than I ever expected. It provided me a fresh perspective and caused me to re-experience rides, shows and meet n greets I hadn’t stood in line for in years. Although I’ve certainly never taken for granted how close in proximity I live to the parks, this trip reminded me that the average family really needs to save up in order to fly a family to Florida, book resorts, purchase park tickets, souvenirs and food to make a Disney trip happen. This recent visit reaffirmed my love for Disney and its immersive experiences which provide a positive safe zone and once in awhile much-needed escape from reality. Sharing it made it that much more meaningful.

This article was originally posted on The Mickey Mindset. Please check out their great blog and like them on Facebook!

A post shared by Ifirandisneyworld (@ifirandisneyworld) on Apr 4, 2017 at 9:53pm PDT

The Current State of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Its Potential Future

Disney’s Hollywood Studios (which will always be MGM Studios to me) is going through a grim transitional period. Similar to the much needed California Adventure re-theming/rebranding, Hollywood Studio’s has found itself in quite the lull. Like EPCOT, which was meant to feature an actual livable community, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was meant to not only stand as a theme park but also as a fully functioning Studio Lot. Over the years we’ve seen the actual Studio and vital rides pertaining to the theme (Backlot Tour) closed causing a mess of leftover rides with new attractions creating an entirely in-cohesive park. The popular big ticket rides like Tower of Terror (twenty plus years old) and Rockin’ Roller Coaster (16+ years old) are the last of the thrill rides added to the park with Toy Story Mania (8 years old) being the most recent E-ticket family ride. All other changes have been recycled shows and updated rides like Star Tours. In my own personal opinion, this downward spiral began with the addition of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire which later became American Idol. Both pulled away further and further from the old Hollywood movie lot glamor of the park.

Fast forward 15 years and we currently have a half day park with a current map so small, it’s practically unbelievable. The Streets of America officially closed, bringing an end to an era for the highly popular Osborne Light Show and fast paced car stunt show Lights, Motors, Action! Although the park is currently being developed to include an expanded Star Wars and Toy Story area, guests are currently welcomed with fluff Star Wars presentations and cast members playing cornhole and other games on the sides of the boulevard. Two new additions include the Star Wars Stormtroopers march; which consists of guests waiting around an outlined walkway watching them march around in a square before exiting – nothing more nothing less, and the Star Wars Galactic experience where popular Star Wars characters are introduced between clips of the movies with a few pyrotechnics in between.

On a positive note, I’m excited to see what’s to come in the near future for Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. The Star Wars and Toy Story Lands are great additions involving some classic films that add to the Hollywood theme. Recently some AT-AT frames were photographed at a Disneyland lot which leads me to believe this will be quite the immersive experience. As of late, announcements for two rides have been announced including a Millennium Falcon Ride as well as a whole new interactive ride concept that may include deboarding your ride vehicle and continuing on foot to the next vehicle in the midst of a galactic battle.  Not much has been released recently regarding Toy Story land but it appears it will be expanded beyond the current Pixar Place including a slinky family roller coaster (like Disneyland Paris), Alien spinning saucers ride and the third track at Toy Story Mania.

As a long time fan, I’m also hoping they find a way to bring back the Osborne Light Show for the holidays. It became a staple at Hollywood Studios and it’s sorely missed. I have not been able to experience the projection shows at the Chinese Theatre but I can’t imagine it’s equivalent to the dancing lights. The future of the Great Movie Ride should include an update perhaps with new animatronics although I don’t foresee that happening anytime soon especially with the new sponsor’s (TCM) spokesperson, Robert Osborne, recently passing away. Anyone else miss the museum at the end of the backlot tour? I think some sort of film museum should be brought back which can include items from the plethora of movie props Disney must have stored. This would make for a great addition with minimal investment or costs and provide a walk through attraction that can contain many guests. The Star Wars Launch Bay is a prime example of how a space was rethemed to display movie props, art, character interactions and a shop at the exit (Disney’s favorite) for a fun time-consuming area. I myself have lost track of time looking around and admiring everything within the attraction. Nonetheless, I’m still sad the Magic of Disney Animation is no longer situated there. Where can a fan watch a Disney cell get painted nowadays?

As a longtime fan of this once great park, I can only hope they will continue the momentum and slowly roll out more of that Hollywood glamor that made the park’s theme so great. All in all, I wouldn’t recommend anyone visit until the park’s expansions are completed. What are your thoughts? Are you still interested in visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios despite all these changes?

This article was originally posted on The Mickey Mindset. Please check out their great blog and like them on Facebook!

Ding ding ding goes the trolley 🚃 Anyone else enjoy stopping in at the Art of Animation store at Disney Springs? #disneyart #disney #wdw #downtowndisney #disneysprings #disneymust #disnerd #disneynerd #trolley #dingdingding #mainstreetusatrolley #mainstreetusa #mickey #mickeymouse #minnie #minniemouse #dapper #art #orlando #waltdisneyworld #ifirandisneyworld #disneyblog (at Disney Springs)

No better breakfast than Mickey Waffles 🙈 #mickeywaffles #mickeymouse #disneyfood #disneyblog #disneyeats #disneymust #disneybreakfast #disneyfoodie #syrup #boomerang #disneyworld #wdw #waltdisneyworld #foodporn

Meet and Greet with some special Characters at the DVC members only event 😍 #DVC #disneyvacationclub #dvcmoonlightmagic #magickingdom #clarice #chipndale #disneycharacters #disneymeetandgreet #dapper #mickeymouse #mickey #wdw #waltdisney #waltdisneyworld #ifirandisneyworld #happiestplaceonearth #disneyhome #disneynerd #disneytrivia #disneyblog (at Disney's Magic Kingdom)

Beverly always gets the best of first timers over at the Club Cool 🇮🇹 #disney #disneynerd #clubcool #epcot #disneymust #disneyfoodie #disneyeats #disneyfreebies #mickeymouse #waltdisney #waltdisneyworld #sodas #aroundtheworld #ifirandisneyworld (at Club Cool At Epcot)

Have you checked out the new #piratesofthecaribbean themed rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach resort? Absolutely stunning upgrades that the whole family can enjoy. 🏝☠️#caribbeanbeachresort #disneyhotels #disneyresorts #dvc #pirates #piratetheme #disney #wdw #mickeymouse #ifirandisneyworld #disneynerd #disneymust #disney #disneyworld #yohoyoho #yohoyohoapirateslifeforme (at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort)

Here you leave today and enter the World of yesterday, tomorrow and Fantasy! Keychain found at the Emporium Shop at Magic Kingdom 🗝 #magickingdom #wdw #waltdisneyworld #mickeymouse #waltdisney #themepark #mainstreetusa #disneyemporiumshop #keychain #disneyquotes #disneyana #piecetotakehome #wordstoliveby #disney #disneynerd #disneymust #disneytrivia #ifirandisneyworld #hereyouleavetodayandentertheworldofyesterdaytomorrowandfantasy (at Magic Kingdom Main Street)

Nothing like a Casey's Hotdog and some great tunes on Main Street USA. 🌭 #magickingdom #wdw #waltdisney #caseyshotdogs #piano #tunes #dapper #hotdogs #disneyfood #disneyfoodie #disneymagic #ifirandisneyworld #stripes #mickeymouse #mainstreetusa (at Main Street USA at Walt Disney World)

Loving the #snapchat #filters throughout #waltdisneyworld. Can't visit Fantasyland without picking up some LeFou's Brew 🍺 #wow #Mickey #lefousbrew #beautyandthebeast #fantasylandexpansion #gastonstavern #frozendrink #apple #passionfruitfoam #magickingdom #musteats #disneydrinks #disneyfood #disneyeats #disneyfoodie #bellestales #beastcastle #theressomethingsweet (at Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom)

How Lin-Manuel Miranda is Re-Imagining Disney

Every so often, someone new comes along exuding a certain amount of enthusiasm for their craft making them a perfect fit for Disney. Whether it’s a comedian like Robin Williams, funny guy Jason Segel, actor Johnny Depp, Ms. Mary Poppins herself Julie Andrews or jack of all trades Dick Van Dyke, they all have a passion for what they do. For example, Jason Segel is a huge Jim Henson fan who approached the Walt Disney Company for the opportunity to write and star in a film hoping to relaunch the Muppets. Every interview I saw of him discussing the film included a grin from ear to ear. He was like a little kid on Christmas morning talking about the whole experience which included him receiving his own Muppet. He truly breathed life into a long-lost and it was due to all the heart he put into the project.

A recent newcomer that can be added to the list is Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda. If you haven’t heard, he’s responsible for Broadway smashes like In the Heights and a little show called… HAMILTON. Miranda, deemed genius by some, has won several Tony & Grammy awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and an Emmy making him one step away (Oscar) from holding the PEGOT title. As a big Disney fan, I think I was attracted to Lin-Manuel not only for his talent but his raw passion and commitment similar to his character Alexander Hamilton. He executes everything with such precision similarly to what I refer as the Disney magical touch which is used on every detail in Disney films and parks.

Recently Disney released their newest film Moana which features music written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Although not his first Disney gig (he wrote the Star Wars Force Awakens Cantina Song), Miranda became the face of this project after all of his Hamilton success. I got the opportunity to see Moana over the weekend and it was fantastic. The main song We know the way used in most of the advertising has Miranda himself singing the track. Although not known for having amazing vocals, he does have a soothing and comforting voice which transcends throughout the song. The whole album is an upbeat tropical culturally appropriate take on the type of music this movie required which Miranda nailed. His lyrics are empowering, uplifting and thought-provoking while paying homage and justice to the Polynesian culture.

As a Hamilton fan myself, I could’ve identified most of the songs as being Miranda’s work even if I hadn’t already been aware it was his music. He has a way with words unlike any other in the industry today. Moana’s song, How Far I’ll Go, and Dwayne Johnson’s singing debut You’re Welcome both tell a story with some of the best lyrics I’ve heard in a Disney film (Even better than Let it Go in my opinion). For instance, below is a verse from the beautiful cry from Moana longing for the ocean in How Far I’ll go:

I’ve been staring at the edge of the water ‘Long as I can remember, never really knowing why I wish I could be the perfect daughter But I come back to the water, no matter how I try

When I heard this song for the first time my heart melted when I caught Miranda rhyming daughter and water. Pure perfection. Dwayne Johnson’s song which is a mix of upbeat pop with a quick rap is a bouncy fun tune packed with a lot of information on his character Maui who’s a Demi God helping humans. He goes on and on with examples of favors he’s achieved on our behalf including this quick little bar from his rap:

I killed an eel, I buried its guts. 

Sprouted a tree, now you've got coconuts.

Seriously Guts and Coconuts? Mind blown. Miranda is a serious word ninja. If you don’t believe me check out his stint on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon below where he has to rap and include three random words provided to him on the spot during the talk show’s game Wheel of Freestyle.

There’s one song in particular in the film that I didn’t quite care for. One of the obstacles that Moana and Maui come across on their journey is a large Crab named Tamatoa who’s song Shiny just didn’t do it for me. Although typically villainous songs are allowed to have a darker different sound, I felt this song stood out in a bad way. Shiny felt very reminiscent of a 70’s Beatle song even down to the English accent which reminded me of Eddie Izzard. Although catchy, it felt out of place and a little too thrown together; more of a filler song. All in all I’d say this album is pretty spectacular. I haven’t stopped listening to some of the songs since watching the movie. Maybe it was just me but I highly recommend some tissues if you’re planning on checking it out anytime soon. If the songs don’t poke at your heart strings the story definitely will. No spoilers.

Lin Manuel is also set to play Jack in the new upcoming Mary Poppins Returns film slated for 2018. Although it’s currently in production in London we still know very few details. Emily Blunt will be playing Mary Poppins with Miranda at her side as her new Dick Van Dyke counterpart. Based on IMDB, we also know Michael & Jane Banks will be back and introduced as adults in the new sequel.  I truly can’t imagine a better casting for Jack than Miranda as I categorize him as our modern day Dick Van Dyke or Gene Kelly.

I could not have been happier to see this new relationship between the Walt Disney Company & Lin-Manuel Miranda come to fruition. Before any of these projects were announced, I remember thinking “Wow could you imagine if he wrote songs for a Disney movie?”. It’s clear he has a way with his words & songs and has worked his way into our hearts in such a short time frame. I’m thrilled to see what’s to come from this unstoppable teamwork.