Unofficial Disney Blog

Disney’s BoardWalk

Joy — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:14:10 +0000

Take a short walk, or boat ride, from Epcot and you will feel as if you have went back in time to the glory days of Atlantic City. With so many things to do at Disney the BoardWalk often gets overlooked unless you are actually staying there, but it is certainly a gem that deserves a little exploration.

Bringing to life the feeling of the 1930’s is easy here by strolling around the wooden planked boardwalk along the waterfront. If you so desire you can also rent a four passenger surrey and take a trip past all of the shops. You can stop in the ESPN Club Store with ESPN gifts and gear for the entire family. Your favorite Disney themed merchandise can be found at Boardwalk Character Carnival and Thimbles and Threads. Screen Door General Store has everything from snacks to home decor and the BoardWalk is even diverse enough to have a gallery from world renowned marine artist Wyland on site.

Food was obviously plentiful in 1930’s Atlantic city, or at least it is in Disney’s version of it. My personal favorite is the BoardWalk Bakery. There is nothing like eating a sundae on any day of the week while enjoying the beautiful view outside of the bakery. If you are not satisfied with just eating dessert let me tell you where to go to get your fill. The Flying Fish Cafe’ is one of Disney’s Signature Dining choices and features as the name suggests fish, but also steaks and other entrees. Spoodles, which combines cuisines from Greece, Italy, Spain and North Africa serves pasta and seafood just to name a few. Casual dining is offered at Big River Grille and Brewing Works and ESPN Club.

If you are not worn out by all of the Disney magic and it is your desire to have a night out on the town, or on the waterfront as this may be, then you have three great choices here at the BoardWalk. The Atlantic Dance Hall is a hot dance spot for anyone over the age of 21. Jellyrolls is a piano bar that is certain to be a fun time had by all. The ESPN Club is a place that rolls an arcade, restaurant and tv/radio broadcasting facility all into one. You may even catch a glimpse of your favorite athlete doing an interview. Beware, though, athletes are not always as they appear on tv, (this coming from a personal experience involving one Mr. Name Shall be Withheld at the ESPN Club).

Hopefully, I may have managed to introduce some of you to the BoardWalk. While it is a place to stay it is so much more than that. You do not need to be a guest at the hotel to take in all of its sights and it is truly worthy of at least spending a couple of hours there.

The Little Mermaid on Broadway

Joy — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:25:17 +0000

Fresh from a trip to NYC I wanted to recommend the Little Mermaid show to everyone. After reading mixed reviews, I had a chance to see it last week and I was very impressed.

Ariel, (Sierra Boggess), has an absolutely beautiful voice. I am certain she will have a career on Broadway for many years to come. The entire cast was terrific, although unfortunately the day we were there Prince Eric was not being played by Sean Palmer.

I have seen most of the other Disney productions and this one stays in line with the others as far as awe inspiring stage settings and costumes go. The movie is recreated very well in the theater and during certain parts where Ariel swims to the top of the water you will be very impressed by the creative way the set designers were able to give this production the details from the movie.

Tickets start at just over $50 and are available at: http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/#/tickets/single/. It is truly a show that both children and adults will thoroughly enjoy!

Check Out Miley’s Latest You Tube Video

christy — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:07:52 +0000

Image details: Idol Gives Back 2008 - Show served by picapp.com

Miley Cyrus and her famous friends got together to make a brand new 10 minute video for You Tube featuring lots of fun, music, and dancing.

Some of the celebrities you’ll see in the video are Ryan Seacrest, illusionist David Blaine, Joey Fatone, and the M&M Cru. Miley Cyrus fans can even subscribe to The Miley And Mandy Show to see the latest videos and to catch up on older You Tube clips.

Zac Efron Wins Best Breakthrough Performance Award

christy — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:00:17 +0000

Zac Efron took home an award for “Best Breakthrough Performance” for his role as Link Larkin in the hit movie Hairspray, at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards last week. Efron worked alongside legendary actors John Travolta, Michell Pfeiffer, and Christopher Walken, playing the character of cute teen heartthrob perfectly.

Zac is now busy working on “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” which is currently in production and scheduled for release this fall. Another teen idol role for Zac who plays Troy Bolton in the movie series, the popular and good looking Bayside basketball star. While working on the new movie Efron will get the chance to spend some extra quality time with his longtime girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens, who plays Troy Bolton’s sweetheart Gabriella Montez.

Accident On The Hannah Montana Film Set

christy — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:30:02 +0000

Yesterday, June 3, 2008, a freak accident scared those on the set of the “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” Shortly after Miley Cyrus finished shooting a scene, forceful winds blew a heavy piece of lighting equipment into the Ferris Wheel filled with movie extras.

Although no one was seriously hurt some people on the Ferris Wheel were injured and required medical attention. Miley Cyrus had already left the area when the accident occurred and missed the entire mishap.

Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Joy — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 20:31:24 +0000

This month when visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios you will be transported to a galaxy far, far, far away. Well, technically speaking you will still be in Florida, but with all of the Star Wars festivities surrounding you it will certainly feel like another galaxy.

Starting June 6th and running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in June are the annual Star Wars Weekends. Many exciting activities are planned for visitors a few being a Jedi Training Academy, Stars of the Saga Talk Show and Q&A and Legend of the Force celebrity motorcade. There will also be celebrities from the movies appearing throughout the month.

Feel free to wear your Star Wars costumes to really get into the spirit. Park admission is required to attend all of these events. Have a great time if you visit and if you see Yoda running around send him my regards. He was always my favorite!

Brenda Song Suing Over Photo

christy — Thu, 29 May 2008 22:54:37 +0000

Disney star Brenda Song is suing a Los Angeles escort agency after they used her photo in one of their LA Weekly advertisements. Song has said that because she is a role model to millions of young people she wants to take a stand against the company that illegally used her picture to attract men. She hopes that by filing a lawsuit she will be helping to prevent the company from doing the same sort of thing to someone else in the future.

The 20-year-old actress and singer joined the Disney Channel in 2003, appearing in episodes of “That’s So Raven” and “Phil Of The Future,” before landing the role of ultra rich airhead London Tipton on the hit show “The Suite Life Of Zack and Cody” in 2005.

Get Ready for “Hannah Montana: The Movie”

natashab — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:05:46 +0000

Production is underway for Walt Disney Pictures, “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” Famous teen idol, Miley Cyrus, will star in her first full -length feature film expected to be released sometime in Spring 2009. The film is said to be a musical comedy adventure based on the Disney Channel’s television series, “Hannah Montana.” It will be about a teenage girl who secretly lives the life of a pop star. We will also see other regulars of the series including Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Mitchel Musso, and Moises Arias, and of course, her father, Billy Ray Cyrus.

There is no doubt this film will be a hit just like the Hannah Montana series which reaches 164 million unique viewers worldwide. The series has also been ranked for the past two years in a row as the #1 cable television series for viewers between 6-14 years of age. Miley Cyrus’s debut soundtracks and #1 ranking Hannah Montana have combined sales of more than eight million cds to date. The “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert” was not only sold out but was also among the top grossing tours of 2007. The 3-D release of the concert was the highest grossing Super Bowl weekend release of all time. Miley’s forthcoming solo album is to be released in July. You can also hear her voice in Walt Disney’s animated feature “Bolt,” where she is teaming up with john Travolta, which is scheduled to be released Thanksgiving 2008.

I know my kids and I will be there. It is pretty much certain that the movie will be a major hit. Will this movie be sold out and be one of biggest box office openings ever? Will you be one of the first to see it when it is released? Only time will tell.

Exploring Cinderella Castle

Joy — Wed, 28 May 2008 02:12:09 +0000

Now is the time that many children are finishing school and families will be making their summer pilgrimages to the land of the mouse! Once there what is there to do? Well you have come to the right place! Starting now, I will be your unofficial Disney tour guide.

Today we are going to explore Cinderella Castle. Not only is Cinderella Castle the most recognizable icon of Walt Disney World, it is also a wonderful place to explore. Outside the castle features a rose garden with Mickey and Minnie topiaries and a wishing well. This is a terrific spot for fireworks at night, but we will discuss those in a bit. To the left of the castle, towards Liberty Square there is a not to be missed picture spot. The castle looks lovely from there with the moat and trees framing it beautifully.

If you have worked up an appetite and wish to dine like royalty you can do so at Once Upon a Time Breakfast and Fairytale Lunch or the Cinderella’s Royal Table for dinner. During breakfast and lunch members of the Disney royal family will welcome you in style, while the Fairy Godmother will host you for dinner. The cuisine is American and for reservations you may call (407)WDW-DINE.

For any little princesses in your party, a trip to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be an experience they will never forget. Walk right inside the castle and your girls will be transformed into their favorite Disney princess. They can be dolled up with hair styles, make-up, glitter and costumes and even have photos made. Prices range from $44.95 to $179.95. Don’t let the price scare you though. The boutique is adorable and the smiles as they are becoming Cinderella, Belle or whichever princess they prefer will be well worth every red cent! For reservations you can call (407)WDW-STYLE.

As the sun begins to set over the Magic Kingdom now is the time to start staking out your space for Wishes, the nighttime fireworks. Check times on the days you are planning to visit as they do change. I prefer to always have a view of the castle during the fireworks. Call me traditional, but it reminds me of Tinker Bell and the castle with the fireworks behind it on all of the Wonderful World of Disney specials. Speaking of Tinker Bell, when the weather permits, she will fly from atop of the castle during Wishes! Wishes is so much more than a fireworks show. Disney incorporates music, Jiminy Cricket and many other Disney characters, amazing fireworks, lights and a little sprinkling of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust!

High School Musical’s KayCee Engaged!

christy — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:53:11 +0000

Kaycee Stroh plays the fun and energetic Martha Cox in Disney’s High School Musical movies. This week during the filming of High School Musical 3 Senior Year, Stroh’s boyfriend Ben Higginson surprised her with a romantic proposal.

Higginson showed up on the movie set with a single rose for his girlfriend, he then led her up a nearby Utah mountain where the couple shared a beautiful view of Salt Lake City.

Bending down on one knee Ben asked Kaycee to be his wife, and she said yes. The couple plan to wed in 2008. This is a big year for the Disney actress, with both the October release of HSM 3 and a wedding to plan. Congratulations Kaycee!