Category: Disney

  • The Great Movie Ride – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    The Great Movie Ride – Disney’s Hollywood Studios

    The very first time we came to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it was so exciting for me to explore the new theme park.

    I remember going with my grandfather and even though he was over 75 years old, he still got on The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride.

    The name changed from MGM Studios to Hollywood Studios.

    They have a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater.

    I’ve been lucky enough to see the real thing in person while I was in L.A. and it looks identical to the one at Hollywood Studios.

    My friend, Gigi, came with me for a day at Disney.


    The Great Movie Ride debuted at this park location on May 1, 1989.

    The ride is based on twelve classic films throughout motion picture history.

    Most of the scenes use Audio-Animatronic figures, practical sets, live actors, special effects, and projections to recreate iconic scenes from each movie so it’s like you’re traveling back in time to see a film develop, in classic Hollywood, to present time.

    While waiting in line, a short film is played, then you enter the ride like you’re entering a film studio.

    There are palm trees set up, just like in Hollywood.

    I love the color lighting at the entrance.

    One of the most interesting things you see from the entrance are the Disney incorporated films, outside of its own library.

    Normally they focus on their own property, but this ride has movies that are through its licensing agreement with MGM. Turner Classic Movies began sponsoring the attraction in 2015.

    The ride duration is 22 minutes and there are 59 Audio-Animatronic figures.

    The first genre of films introduced were musicals, which begins with a cake of starlets from By a Waterfall from Busby Berkeley’s Footlight Parade.

    The Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) and Bert (Dick Van Dyke) singing on the rooftops of London are original movie scenes from Mary Poppins.

    The next scene was a tribute to the gangster film, The Public Enemy. This is the part of the ride where the cast members interact with the guests.

    An actor plays a live gangster named Mugsy (Boy) or Mugsi (Girl) who shows up and gets involved in a shoot-out with rival mobsters (Brains, Legs, and Weasel).

    Somehow the live gangster takes over and hijacks the ride, moving from scene to scene.

    The fire looks so life-like.

    The Man with No Name (Clint Eastwood) stands outside of a saloon, along with Ethan Edwards (John Wayne).

    This alien was part of the original Alien film.

    There’s also a scene from Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.

    This is the part where there’s a shoot-out with the rival mobsters and the tour guide from the beginning of the ride, returns.

    The scene from The Wizard of Oz looks just like it does in the film.

    The Audio-Animatronic figures sing while music plays.

    The details of the Audio-Animatronic figures look like real people.

    Tarzan the Ape Man.

    This ride has always been my favorite and I enjoyed all of the classic films they showed.

    Sadly, The Great Movie Ride closed on August 13, 2017, becoming the last operating attraction from the park’s opening day to close.

    Fortunately, the attraction will be replaced by Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Hopefully it will be a fun and amazing ride.

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort in California

    Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort in California

    I want to thank Lester for sharing his experience after attending the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.I was so excited when I saw his IG stories, showing the grand opening.

    The brochure for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is definitely a collectible.

    Lester with his family.

    Smile! You’re on camera.

    Lester is ready to get this thing started!

    According to Lester, the way things were set up is that they had 4 hour slots where you could pick a time to go on the ride or eat at the restaurant.

    The longest wait was to get a custom lightsaber. The customization is super detailed so I’m sure The Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run will be the most sought after item.

    Lester with his wife, Lene / @lenejenius, and special guest, space slug (aka Exogorth).

    The Millennium Falcon was huge!

    They even had droid garbage cans.

    Disney definitely didn’t skimp on any of the details.

    This is the view from on top of The Millennium Falcon.


    It’s just like in the movie.

    Lester also had the opportunity to check out the food selection.

    There was blue and green milk! The blue milk was found at the Black Spire Outpost Market.

    Lester said the blue milk tasted like a slushee.

    They also picked up the MSE-6 Series Repair Droid Popcorn Bucket. I hear it retails at $19.99.

    The food at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo looked really good!


    Yobshrimp Noodle Salad – chilled shrimp served with noodles, vegetables and sweet orange dressing, plus small lowfat milk or small bottled water ($10.99).

    Fried Endorian Tip-Yip – Crispy Chicken, Roasted Vegetable Potato Mash, Herb Gravy ($15.49).

    Sporks! In Batuu, you eat with sporks! Sadly, you can’t take them home.


    Outdoor Seating at Docking Bay

    They also checked out Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto.

    Hyperspace Mountain looked so awesome!

    Side note, at Disneyland, they still have Toontown, which has been gone for awhile at WDW, so I’m glad they kept it around.

    Thank you so much to Lester /@tx3017 and his wife Lene / @lenejenius for sharing their experience.

    Be sure to follow our friends on their IG at:
    Lester /@tx3017 and Lene / @lenejenius.

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • Chefs de France – Disney World Epcot

    Chefs de France – Disney World Epcot

    Hello to beautiful, sunny Orlando! Today we’re having lunch with Jody and his family, at Epcot. We’re looking forward to eating at the Chefs de France, which is one of my favorite places in Disney World.

    Spaceship Earth (aka the big golf ball) is such a classic ride. I love it!

    On the way to the France.

    River view of Chefs de France, close to the France Pavilion.

    It was so hot so got some ice cream from L’Artisan des Glaces.

    Here we come, Chefs de France!

    The Chefs de France offers a prix fixe menu with a three course meal where you get to choose an appetizer, an entree, and dessert for a set price of $39.99 (plus tax). Be sure to check the latest menu as prices may change.



    For the first course, I got the Salade Aux Lardons Et Croutons. The size and portion is a great value.


    The Bisque De Homard (Lobster Bisque).


    The Boeuf Bourguignon Linguine is my number one choice. The beef is so flavorful and really well seasoned.


    The Filet de Saumon Marine Au Vin Blanc Et Citron.


    The dessert I chose was the Assiette de Sorbets du Jour (a daily assortment of fresh sorbets du Jour or seasonal sorbets). It’s perfect for the summer and is a really good size.



    The Meringue aux fruits rouges – Meringue Basket with fresh Berries, Vanilla Cream, Raspberry Sauce, and Strawberry Sorbet.


    The Gateau au Chocolat – Chocolate Layer Cake with Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Sauce, and Mint Chocolate Ice Cream. I thought they did a nice job with the presentation of each dessert.

    The Vanilla Crème Brûlée with fresh cream, berries, and custard.

    Everyone ordered a different dessert.


    Until next time, Chefs de France!

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – 2016

    The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – 2016

    In case anyone want to know, we’re about 6 months away from Christmas! Every year my family and I enjoyed going to Disney to see The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Unfortunately, due to the addition of the Star Wars ride, they officially shut down the light show on January 6, 2016. I was sad to hear the news because I have so many fond memories of watching the show with my family and friends.


    My family and I arranged to meet up for the show’s last time.

    Luckily they still put up the giant Christmas tree every year.

    There were a lot of peoples waiting in line to watch the show.

    My nephew, Lucas, is making a face at me.

    Star Wars weekend has kept the park busy.


    The line went all the way from Star Wars to Muppets show.

    I had to get one of their giant donuts. I heard they’re from Donut King.

    We finally made it in and the place looked amazing, just as I’ve always remembered. I’ve been coming to this event since I moved to Orlando many years ago. My parents would always make it a point to take us to see the show and lights so it became a holiday tradition.


    I tried to include as many photos as possible me in the photo gallery so I can share them with other Disney friends who may have missed this awesome event. (You can right click and open the image on a new tab to view it as a larger image).

    My favorite part of the event is the snowflakes.

    My brother, sister-in-law, and Nancy joined the fun.

    Lucas slept through some of it.


    The Hidden Mickey

    I know this event meant a lot to many people. I know it’s something that will always be special to me.

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • Hollywood Studios | Extreme Stunt Show – Walt Disney World

    Hollywood Studios | Extreme Stunt Show – Walt Disney World

    Disney has always held great memories for me, especially since my parents were cast members and we would spend time together at there.

    The last few days, I was digging through my external hard drive and found some old photos.

    I still remember when this ride was introduced to me by my dad. He really enjoy this show.

    The show was previously sponsored at Walt Disney Studios Park by General Motors and Opel division. It originally premiered at Walt Disney Studios in March 2002. Unfortunately, the show closed on April 2, 2016 for the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

    This is the front entrance and also had an Opel car display.

    This is the view from the seating area.

    The arena can fit 5,000 audience members and the show lasts for 38 minutes.

    The show is very entertaining and runs like a real film production.


    They usually explain what type of car modification there is and some of them had motorcycle motors so car could go faster and quicker.

    Special guest, Lightning McQueen.

    The show has a lot of action, with bikes, car chases, and an explosive finale.

    I still remember sitting in the arena with my father, during the summer. Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago.

    I’m always thankful to him because we were able to have the opportunity to come to this wonderful place. The show may be gone but I will always remember these moments with my father.

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • Ohana | Walt Disney World Resort

    Ohana | Walt Disney World Resort

    I was super excited to invite my co-worker to join me for a great dinner at Ohana, which is located in Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort.

    They had an awesome display with Huey, Dewey, and Louie.

    The lobby has such cool statues.

    installation are amazing

    My friend and colleague, Emily, came.

    As well as my friend and colleague, Gigi.


    The restaurant is known for their Polynesian cuisine served buffet-style, character dining, and unique theme. You can enjoy a Hawaiian-style dinner with storytelling and games. They also offer a character breakfast with Lilo, Stitch and a few other Disney friends.


    I definitely recommend making a reservation ahead of time.


    Emily is taking a break, and preparing for the feast that awaits us.


    The restaurant has an open kitchen.

    Here, a bunch of skewers are ready to be served. The buffet is an “all-you-care-to-enjoy, family-style feast” that is served right to your table. It also includes coffee, tea, and soda.

    For starters, they bring out the “Ohana Pineapple-Coconut Bread.” I really enjoy it but try not to fill up on bread since there’s so much food still to come. They also offer a mixed greens salad with a Lilikoi dressing.

    There are pork dumplings tossed in garlic-ginger sauce and honey-coriander chicken wings.

    Both are served with peanut and sweet and sour sauces.

    We also had teriyaki noodles.

    My friend and colleague, Larnna, was excited about the food too.

    Each time they come to your table, they bring fresh skewers and they’re unlimited so you can take as much as you want.
    Two of the skewers they offer are the Sweet-n-Sour Chicken and Szechuan Sirloin Steak

    .

    My favorite was the Spicy Grilled Peel-n-Eat Shrimp
    prepared over an oak fire, served on Skewers with Peanut and Sweet-n-Sour Sauces. It was so good!

    Here’s the famous Ohana Bread Pudding à la mode topped with Caramel Sauce and Bananas.

    Larnna couldn’t wait to dig in!

    Since it was Larnna’s birthday, they brought us two bread puddings!


    I had an awesome time!


    Just a tip, if you want the pineapple dole whip, you can find here, at Pineapple Lanai.

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail

    Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail

    This year Disney Springs brought a little extra magic for the holiday season.

    The Christmas Tree Trail was a walk-through experience featuring some of Disney’s most popular characters on themed Christmas trees, music, falling snow, and a meet and greet with Santa.

    Early check-in was definitely a must if you wanted to meet Santa.

    The first tree on the trail featured all of the retail stores located inside Disney Springs.

    Pluto

    Beauty and the Beast

    The Little Mermaid

    Frozen

    Mulan

    Snow White

    The Haunted Mansion

    My favorite was The Haunted Mansion tree. The detail was so cool!

    Pinocchio

    101 Dalmatians

    Cinderella

    Villains

    Dumbo

    Star Wars

    Robin Hood

    Tangled

    Peter Pan

    Santa Check-in

    The Jungle Book

    The Muppets

    Mary Poppins

    Fantasia

    Toy Story

    The Christmas Tree Trail is awesome for family photos.

    Disney did a great job finding a new way to create some wonderful holiday experiences. I hope they bring it back again next year!

     

     

    For more info, please check out: https://www.disneysprings.com/entertainment/christmas-tree-trail/

     

     

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • La Hacienda de San Angel – Walt Disney World

    La Hacienda de San Angel – Walt Disney World

    This weekend, we planned another Mickey Mouse adventure with my colleagues.

    They wanted to have a new dinner experience and chose to eat at La Hacienda de San Angel, located in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion.

    I don’t typically eat a lot of Spanish food but I’m always up for trying something new.  

    The outside of the restaurant looks like a Mexican ranch.

    Here, we’re doing some homework before we make our reservation.

    I’ve passed this place so many times before and had never gone in so I was completely surprised by the interior and size of the restaurant.

    The menu was very detailed with different textures.

    We started out with a simple appetizer, the Queso Fundido. This dish was delicious and had melted cheese with chorizo. Personally,  I’m not a huge cheese fan, but I really liked this one a lot, mixed with fresh warm flour tortillas.

    We also had some fresh made nachos that were served with 2 different dipping sauces. The red sauce was a little bit spicy.

    Gisela ordered the Taquiza, which was a taco sampler featuring grilled chicken, grilled steak, and pork Chilorio. It looked so yummy!

    Chazelle ordered the Tacos de Camarones, which was a fried shrimp taco. The quality and size looked really good.

    I wanted to try something new and ordered the Costillas en salsa de Chile. I really enjoyed the braised short ribs. They were so soft and looked like pulled pork. You can make mini tacos with rice, beans, nachos, and flour tortillas. I loved every single bite.

     Overall, it was a good day with good frienss. In my blog, I share a lot about my journey and I feel that the most important parts are enjoying a great meal with friends or exploring something new.

    I guess with food adventures, you have to open up your mind and allow yourself to try something new, otherwise you could miss out on some really delicious food.

    For more information and to make reservations, you can check out the Disney App or the link below:

    https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/epcot/hacienda-de-san-angel/

    Address: 2101 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830

    Phone #: (407) 939-3463

     

    Edited by Larnna Thompson

  • Grand Floridian’s Garden View Tea Room – Orlando, Florida

    Grand Floridian’s Garden View Tea Room – Orlando, Florida

    My coworkers and I have been talking about Afternoon Tea at Grand Floridian’s Garden View Tea Room so we finally locked down a date for a reservation.

    This location is a Disney venue with an airy British vibe and traditional tea, which means it’s very similar to English-style afternoon tea.

    Inside, the lobby is beautiful.  It’s one of the top wedding spots in Florida.

    Gigi is ready for tea time!

    They also offer a princess-themed tea party.

    I loved the traditional English tea set.

     

    Wendy and Chi with their little princess, Olivia.

    I ordered the Oolong tea.

    Each teapot was brought out with a cover to keep them warm.

    We ordered The Bedfordshire Tea ($35.00).  The first course had a medley of finger sandwiches accompanied with berries, cheese, and lavosh; the second course came with a buttery Scone and jam tart; the finale had a selection of delicate house-made pastries, strawberries and creme, or English trifle accompanied with your choice of tea (extra charge for additional pots of tea).

     

    As an added touch of magic for the little ones, Cinderella and her Prince Charming were in the lobby for a meet and greet. 

    Location: Grand Floridian Cafe

    Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830

    Hours: Opens 9AM

    Phone #: (407) 939-3463

     

     

    Edited by Larnna Thompson