Monthly Archives: July 2012
Sneak-Peek-Sunday: Celebrating the New Year at Walt Disney World
Jul 29
Well, folks, we’ve come to the end of our Christmas in July holiday season. (Side Now: I’m ready to get back to normal.) Just like the end of any holiday season, New Year’s Eve is that one last blowout before winter really sinks in, and for some of us, it’s nothing but snowfall for months. So lets party right? It’s the end of the year, and how would we celebrate at Walt Disney World? Well there are several options, depending on age or how hard you really want to party.
Lets start off with a tame evening over at the Magic Kingdom. If you’ve ever been to Disneyland’s sister park, you’d know that there is a lack of alcohol in the park. That means this is a kid friendly, exciting way to ring in the New Year. The park is open late and there are special presentations all night. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas parade kicks off the extra magic, followed by the Electrical Light Parade and then the Holiday Wishes fireworks. For those late night celebrators, a Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show will start right around midnight. Keep it going until 2am or later with so many popular attractions staying open.
If you are looking for a cocktail and a show, Epcot has two presentations of Illuminations, with the later showing being the midnight kick off. Don’f forget to grab a pint at the Rose and Crown pub, or any of your favorite stops along the World Showcase. Another option for the adult theme park goer is at Hollywood Studios. Not only will the park be open late, but there will be a one night only presentation of a great show called “Lights, Camera, Happy New Year” right on Hollywood Boulevard. The show is right behind the larger hat icon making it a great backdrop. Despite my love for Epcot and the Illuminations show, I think the show at Hollywood Studios may be the one to see between the two as it is a bit more special, and you can still grab a good beer around the park before the show starts.
If you aren’t interested in the fireworks, or being in the theme parks, I suggest all adults make there way to Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk area. The normally free dance hall does have a cover charge but the party is worth it, with extras for any guest that enters. Normal admission gets you a free champagne toast at midnight, plus a pin and a few other party favors. A VIP ticket, which is a bit more pricey, will get you free desserts and coffee from 9pm until midnight, as well as a balcony view of Illuminations fireworks show just across the pond.
If you are a teen, or just a video game lover, the party at Disney Quest in Downtown Disney might be the spot. With admission you can pull an all-nighter from 8pm until 1am on New Year’s Day. Admission gets you into the large arcade, plus a confetti countdown to midnight, a DJ on the Dance Floor, and a free meal anytime in the night.
with so many choices, New Years shouldn’t be a boring night, but one full of non-stop adventure. You have the choice to call it an early night, while still celebrating, or pull a late night while partying hard all around Walt Disney World. Depending on the traveler, there is something for everyone. If you are staying or could stay for the New Years celebration at Walt Disney World, where would you go? Leave your comments and until next time, see you soon.
Josh Taylor
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The World That Never Was: Christmas in Africa
Jul 26
Like my last post on The World That Never Was, Epcot was to host several countries that never got built, and in continuing our celebration of Christmas in July, we are looking back at another pavilion we have covered and what you may have seen there during the Holidays at Walt Disney World. A few months back, I covered one of the biggest pavilions the World Showcase at Epcot would have ever had, and Christmas there would have probably been a giant festivity as well.
Due to British colonialism as well as the spread of Christian beliefs throughout Africa, Christmas is a holiday celebrated throughout the continent and in many different ways. Due to the different customs, there may have been lots to do within the pavilion, but more than likely, Disney may have selected it’s favorite of the customs to celebrate, so why not have the readers here see what they like and what they might celebrate as this is The World That Never Was and this area never got built.
Christmas has always been a time to give and gifts have been a tradition all over the world since the earliest of celebrations. Africa is no different, but due to the vast economic differences, the majority of gifts given are necessities. Church clothes for Christmas morning are the most common, but you may also see soaps, school books, or other practical items.
Food is a major part of the holiday, which makes me jump for joy. in Africa, depending on the area, traditional Christmas dinners differ. In most of Eastern Africa, goats are the main course which could be a unique and quality meal for anyone around the world, maybe even the World Showcase. South Africa takes the hot summer approach, bringing out the grill and barbecuing along with a mix of plum puddings and mince pie. Along with the dinner in South Africa, everyone wears paper hats, a tradition passed on from the British colonial days. Within Liberia, rice, beef, and biscuits are on tap and bring another unique meal to the African Christmas celebration we could have had at Epcot. In Zimbabwe, along with the goat meat you would have had, bread, jam, and tea would be a traditional meal and would go more along with the British rule of the past mixed with the cultures of the African peoples.
Also, due to the warm temperatures throughout most of Africa, Christmas dinner would typically be set up outside and invitations to neighbors and family members would be common practice, much like a block party. Games are also played in the afternoon amongst friends and a typical fireworks show would end the night.
Unlike most of the Americas and Europe, Africa goes without snow during this time of year, however decorative fake snow is hung around local shops and lights are hung from local palm and mango trees as well as homes and shop fronts. Bells hanging from trees, especially in Liberia, are a common site as well as candles hanging down too.
What do you think about the possible celebrations in the African pavilion? Would this be a destination for your holiday celebrations?
Josh Taylor
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Apologies for Last Week
Jul 23
I have to come out and apologize for the lack of posts last week. I was laid off from my current job. (Not this but the one that actually pays me.) I spent the whole week putting myself out there to get a new job and was able to find a job within my career within a few days so I am able to come back and write again this week. Again, so sorry about the lack of posts, but I had to get all of my ducks in line, whatever that metaphor means, before I could get back to working on this site, which is truly one of my favorite things to do.
Sneak-Peek-Sunday: Candlelight Processional
Jul 16
In 1958, Disneyland had it’s first Candlelight Processional and Walt Disney World also adopted the annual event when it opened in 1971. The Processional at Disney World moved to Epcot’s America Gardens Theater in 1994 and has become a big must-do for anyone visiting during the holiday season. Like years past, this years Processional listing is filled with many recognizable names and of course,Epcot’s own Voices of Liberty leading the choir. If you’ve never been before, know that this show runs three times in an evening and can be packaged along with Dinner, reserving seating for you and your dining party. However, this show is free and seating does begin shortly before the show. The show lasts around 45 minutes. Guest narrators tell the Nativity story and the choir sings songs for the season. Every few days, the guest narrators change and this could be a leading factor in when you come to Walt Disney World for the holidays. So let’s go down the listing of guests for 2012’s Candlelight Processional. \
Isabella Rosselini is the first scheduled narrator from November 23rd-25th. If you are unfamiliar with her, she is most notable for being an actress as well as the television model for Lancome perfumes for over 13 years. Most notably, she had film roles in Death Becomes Her and Blue Velvet. She was once married to Martin Scorsese. If you are familiar with her work and adore her, she will be a great narrator for you. If you aren’t really familiar with her, she might be hard to understand as she was born and raised in Italy and has an accent to match that.
Everyone’s favorite child doctor, Neil Patrick Harris, will be narrating from November 26th-29th. If you are don’t know who Neil Patrick Harris is, you’ve been living under a rock for the past 20 years. Originally he was a child star on Doogie Howser, M.D. but has become a bigger star with his role as Barney on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother as well as other film and musical theater roles. He has been a narrator at Epcot for a number of years and is a favorite among guests. You’ll definitely have a fun time with NPH and you will probably laugh a bit as well.
Whoppi Goldberg is another perennial favorite for the Candlelight Processional. A comedian and movie star, Goldberg can put on a family friendly show while still delivering a few laughs. She will be narrating from November 30th-December 1st. She has a storied past with Disney and is always on call for them, doing voice over work in the Lion King, several documentaries, and appearing in some attractions at the Disney Parks. She will be someone to see for years to come as well as this year.
Jodi Benson will be narrating from December 11th-13th. For all the Disney Princess lovers, this might be your narrator of choice. Benson is most notable as a voice actor and voicing the Ariel from the Little Mermaid has been her biggest role to date. She also worked for Pixar as the voice of Barbie in the Toy Story films. For little girls, this narrative of the Nativity is a must-do. Tell your little girl that the lady on stage is actually Ariel and they will crumble to pieces. Truly, I’ve seen it happen.
Singing might be a big part of the show from December 14th-16th as Olivia Newton John hosts the show and narrates. A beauty most known for her role in Grease and her chart topping hits on the radio in the late 1970s and the 1980s. She would be a must see for those who fell in love with her in their youth. For a younger audience, she may be irrelevant, however she has a great voice and is another perennial favorite at Epcot.
Trace Adkins is taking over narration duties from December 20th-22nd. A country music star from Louisiana, this “good ol’ boy” would be great for anyone’s NASCAR dad. Giving the Nativity a bit of Southern hospitality and coming from a religious background, this might be a great surprise of a show for anyone visiting Epcot. He is still a very relevant star unlike some of the other narrators, and could have a big impact on making your Christmas season very special. I can guarantee someone will be crying at this show for sure.
George Sinise, like Whoppie Goldberg, has done tons of work for the Disney company, including the film for the Epcot attraction Mission: Space. He is an acclaimed actor with work in Truman, Apollo 13, Forrest Gump, and many other films. If Trace Adkins doesn’t make you cry, Sinise’s telling of the Nativity is sure to. Look out for him from December 23rd-Christmas Day.
Marlee Matlin is the last of the narrators from Dec. 26th-28th currently scheduled. If you are unfamiliar with her, she is deaf, but has been a major film and television star for decades. Her story in itself, in overcoming a disability to be a top star and rise above, shows the magic of Christmas and should be a good reason for any of us to be humbled and joyous during this festive time of the year.
Of course, there are still several other dates to be filled and announcements will come as time progresses on. Stay tuned for all of those announcements to be posted on this site when it gets much closer to the Holiday Season. In the meantime, get out to the parks and enjoy the wonderful summer heat, and everyone have a very Merry Christmas in July!
Josh Taylor
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Clark Griswold Would Be Proud!
Jul 12
Jennings Osborne has been a very important part of Walt Disney World’s Christmas festivities since the mid-1990s, and even though he passed on last year, his Spectacle of Dancing Lights remains a big hit among park guests. In fact, Osborne’s story as well as the growth of the display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, could be considered a dash of Christmas magic.
Jennings Osborne, a wealthy business man, was a big name in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. A man with a heart of gold and an endless supply of money, thanks to his Medical Testing Facility he and his wife had started themselves, made living in town fun. Osborne held a large barbecue every year as well as other festivities in Little Rock. However, the festivity he is most notable for, and a bit controversial as well, is his display of lights that brightly lit the town every December. Starting in 1986, the light display was put up as a request from his six-year-old daughter, Allison Brianne, or “Little Breezy”. That first year, Osborne put up 1,000 lights on his large estate to comply with his daughter’s request. Her request sparked something in Jennings Osborne to begin a new yearly tradition, adding unique and exciting light displays every year. Osbourne’s Christmas spirit started to draw crowds locally, and eventually, national recognition to his home.
By 1993, Osborne’s display had grown from 1,000 lights to 3 million lights on his estate as well as the two adjacent lots next to his. (Clark Griswold would be proud!) The display had grown to large “Merry Christmas” signs, a 70 foot tree, carousels, a large canopy, and an illuminated globe with two stars, one for Bethlehem and the other for Little Rock. The display ran for 35 days and was on from dusk until midnight every evening. Unfortunately for the Osborne family, the neighbors in the area had enough of Osborne and his light display. Traffic became a big problem for leaving or coming home for anyone living around him, as well as the nuisance of the lights being on until midnight keeping everyone awake. Osborne was given a court ordered injunction. He could only have the display for 15 days and it had to be turned off by 10:30pm. Osborne tried to fight the injunction taking it to the state court, and the United States Supreme Court in 1994, but with no luck. He was denied and by 1995 was completely shut down.
Like the display itself, the court case garnered national attention, and when the display was shut down in Little Rock, several other cities offered bids to Jennings Osborne. The most intriguing offer, however, came from the Walt Disney World resort. John Phelan, the project director at Walt Disney World, offered to move the display to the Disney-MGM Studios in 1995 and put it on Residential Street, a part of the Backlot Tour. Using only the original display Osborne had given, the Backlot area was decorated and in 1995, the first year of the Osborne Spectacle of Lights was lit. As part of the tour, trams stopped on Residential Street and were able to walk around, getting a good look at the 3 million lights on display.
Like Osborne had done, Walt Disney World began adding to the display each year. The park moved the display to the Streets of America out of necessity in 2004 due to the addition of Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show being added to the backlot area and Residential Street meeting it’s end. The Streets of America brought a good change to the display. Music and moving lights were added, making the Osborne lights a show instead of just a display. The show could be seen several times a night, similar to that of the other nighttime shows around the Disney Parks like the Magic, Memories, and You show. Currently, the music selections change every year, as well as the dancing lights, making the show a must see every year for returning guests. The display currently contains over 5 million lights, and Walt Disney World doesn’t look to be stopping the growth of the show anytime soon.
So what about Jennings Osborne? Where is he now? Sadly, he passed on in 2011, but the Walt Disney company has not forgotten the father of the display. An angel was added to the display that sticks out separately from the other angels (It’s completely white instead of blue like the others) as a tribute to the creator of the show. Elvis’s version of “Here Comes Santa Claus” was added to the soundtrack as it was Osborne’s favorite musical artist.
Today, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights is one of the top displays in the world, and a great tribute to a man with a kind heart. It continues to mesmerize and delight guests at the Walt Disney World Resort, and is an enjoyable experience for adults and children alike.
Josh Taylor
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World That Never Was: Christmas in Russia
Jul 7
Last month, I took an in depth look at a pavilion we never saw in Epcot’s World Showcase. Russia, or the Soviet Union, would have been an extraordinary area, vast in size, large in scope, and rich in culture. Several shops, restaurants, and shows were planned for the pavilion. Concept art was drawn up. Michael Eisner even announced the forthcoming Russian pavilion at the beginning of the Disney Decade, but it would never come to be. With that said, and in celebration of Christmas in July, I wanted to take a detailed look into what this pavilion would have been like during the Holidays at Walt Disney World.
Epcot, at it’s core, has always been a place to learn, whether it be about the latest technological advances in Future World or the beloved cultural traditions of the past and far off regions of the globe in World Showcase. That is why I love the Holidays at Epcot. It is easily my favorite park during November and December. World Showcase is filled with festivities for guests of all ages. It is great to learn, and to see other guests learning, about the magic of the holidays in other nations of the world, broadening the scope of the adults and youth. So when talking about a Russian pavilion, one can only assume that the traditions of this Eurasian country would come to life in the World Showcase. So what could you expect during the holidays in the Russian pavilion?
We all love to eat, and especially during the holidays. Russia is no different, but here is the kicker, the Holy Supper or Christmas Eve dinner is a twelve-course meal. This isn’t just popular to Russia, but most of Eastern Europe. In a traditional household, no meat, eggs, or milk are eaten during this time so they are excluded from the meal, however, that leaves room for fish, fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains to take over the meal. Fish has always been a symbol mixed in with Christian beliefs and is used not only as a symbolic measure here, but as the main course. Cod is the fish of choice and can be cooked in several different ways. Mushrooms and peas are also a common pairing and can be seen as one of the courses. Boiled dumplings, soup, and sauerkraut are also on the menu, and to round out the night, jam filled doughnuts would be a traditional dessert for Christmas eve.
A tradition that accompanies your 12-course meal here in Russia would be Vzvar, a common drink to have when someone is born. Drinking this would be symbolic of the birth of Jesus. The drink is made up of honey and fruits boiled up. The drink is served warm, much like an apple cider, at least the kid friendly kind. The variations on fruit is up the chef in charge but honey is always added to sweeten the drink.
After this elongated dinner has filled you up, who would come to visit you to leave presents below your tree? Well, many Americans can speculate that Babushka, a folk tale character would, but this is incorrect knowledge. The real answer here comes the from recent history of Russia. As most of you may know, Russia was once the Soviet Union and during the communist reign over Eastern Europe, Christian beliefs were tossed to the wayside and atheism became the national religious belief. During this time, Christmas became null and void, but an emphasis on the New Year became a huge celebration to make up for the lack of Holiday spirit. When Russia was restored after the Soviet Union fell, some beliefs during this time stuck. One such belief is that of Grandfather Frost or Ded Moroz. Father Frost would come to visit on New Year’s Eve instead of Christmas Eve. He would bring his sack of toys for all of the children, much like Santa Claus does. However, unlike Santa Claus, Grandfather Frost always brings his Granddaughter, Snegurochka, with him to greet all of the boys and girls as they drop off their presents.
Other traditions in Russia would be the decorating of yolka, their version of the Christmas tree. With glass ornaments being quite expensive and communism being largely against all things Christmas, yolka trees were instead decorated with homemade decorations and fruits. Another great tradition, much like the Western world, is caroling. It would be common to see several groups drop by your home on Christmas eve singing songs for food or money.
With all of this, what could we see come to World Showcase? Well, if it’s up to me, I say bring on the 12-course meal and drinks. I could definitely see a traditional Christmas Eve supper reservation being made specifically around the holidays with the area’s main restaurant serving traditional courses along with it’s already established menu during the holidays. Grandfather Frost would also be making guest appearances throughout the day, telling his tale and asking children what they might want this year on New Year’s Eve. As a great KidCot stop, why not decorate a homemade ornament for your yolka, made from dried fruits, yarns, and an assortment of other crafts, and of course a Russian choral group singing songs of the Holidays. Top this off with a few ice castles and some snow fall and I think we would have a great World Showcase pavilion for Christmas.
What are your thoughts on the traditions of Russia? Could you see yourself spending time here for the Holiday season? Do you spend time in World Showcase at all during the Holidays? If so, what are your favorite traditions you’ve learned about and why?
Josh Taylor
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Christmas in July!!!
Jul 7
Along with http://www.wdwradio.com, I will also be writing strictly about Christmas throughout the month of July. Two reasons come about as to why I, or all of us at http://www.wdwradio for that matter, would do such a silly thing in July. Christmas in July is always done on television and in radio, so why not on the internet. It makes sense to me, and in these months of heat (It’s been record setting here in Colorado) it is sometimes nice to look into a colder climate and the magic of the holidays.
The second and more important reason that many of us are doing this at http://www.wdwradio.com and I’m doing it all month long here on my own site is a simple fact. People booking Disney Park vacations currently are currently booking them for November and December. It is a great way to pump up any of you looking into a great vacation at the parks during the holiday season.
So, with that said, expect so much Christmas stuff that you will think it is already November. Of course, I will hope to bring a different perspective to the Holidays so we aren’t just covering the same old stuff they do every year at Disney. Come with me in the magical month long celebration of the Holidays and I will see you all soon with the first of many in Christmas in July writings.
Sneak-Peek-Sunday: Be Our Guest Restaurant
Jul 1
Walt Disney World is always a great place to grab a plate of food. There are tons of restaurants all across property. Unfortunately for me, I’ve yet to really find my favorite place at the Magic Kingdom. I’ve always hopped on the Monorail and headed to one of the resorts for dinner, like the Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Hotel. That shouldn’t take away from what the Magic Kingdom has to offer currently with the Liberty Tree Tavern or Tony’s Town Square or some of the other great eateries. All of those places have great themes and decent food, but nothing truly unique like some of the restaurants at the other parks or resort hotels. Luckily, one of the greatest additions to the Magic Kingdom with New Fantasyland is the Be Our Guest Restaurant.
When New Fantasyland was announced in 2009, one crowning jewel was the restaurant announcement. It stunned guests with the excitement of being immersed into the Beast’s castle and eating in the ballroom. That is pretty much all we were fed though. Over time we have learned that the Beast’s castle will in fact have three different rooms, each with it’s own grand theme. The library will be an astonishing sight as the room should be filled to the brim with books, or fake books. Either way makes me giddy. The West Wing, which will have a darker mood, will have the Beast’s dying enchanted rose. The Ballroom, will undoubtedly be everyone’s reservation preference as it looks grand in size and will be the biggest dining space for guests to visit.
Unlike anything else at Walt Disney World, the Be Our Guest will have two dining experiences depending on if you are there for lunch or dinner. Lunch will be much more of a quick service meal. You will order your food before sitting down which could possibly make this place a lunch time mad house. The menu won’t be as decadent as the dinner menu, but does offer some original meals with a French flare. We are talking about a French fairy tale after all. Sandwiches and salads will be a large part of the lunch menu, keeping kids happy with turkey and pulled pork sandwiches, while appealing to adults with something more exciting like a croque monsieur or the tuna nicoise salad.For those of you in a panic, there will also be vegetarian options, and like always, Disney is more than accommodating with any special needs you may have with allergies or other preferences.
Dinner time seems to have a little more glitz and glam to it. While some may prefer the grab and go style of lunch, I love to sit down, cool off from the Florida heat, and dig into something tasty. Pan-seared salmon in leek fondue, pork rack chop with au gratin pasta, and french onion soup. This seems much more elegant than I had anticipated with a Magic Kingdom restaurant. It will surely be on the hot list of serious diners looking for a meal in the park. It is far above anything else at the Magic Kingdom as far as elegance and uniqueness. Of course, there is always dessert. Passion fruit cream puffs? Strawberry cream cheese cupcakes? This is like a post-heavenly seduction for me. I’m drooling just at the thought.
Reservations will be taken starting in August for the opening sometime in November or December. If you are heading to Walt Disney World for the Holidays and are looking to get a seat at the Be Our Guest restaurant, I suggest making those reservations above all else before it is too late to try this new and elegant spot inside the Beast’s Castle. I won’t be back in the Magic Kingdom until next fall but you can bet your bottom dollar that I will be making reservations for this six months in advance just to be anticipating my arrival. I might even print a menu off and hang it on my wall just so I can drool all over it. (I’m that serious about food.)
What are your thoughts on the dining options at Magic Kingdom? Are you looking forward to the Beauty and the Beast themed area and the restaurant that goes with it? Leave your thoughts and I will see you soon with a new World that Never Was article midweek.
Josh Taylor
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