Disney World Vacation Merchandise Finds: Black and White Mickeys
Disney World Vacations are full of great shopping. Here, you can find specialty items that you had only ever dreamed about before! Limited edition clothing, vinylmation and more.
Today we are looking at the trend of black and white, vintage looking merchandise that make every Disney World vacation just a little bit more romantic. First up, we have a great T-shirt (it almost looks like a band shirt,really). I love how the black and white stay edgy and graphic but still show off the classic characters.
These are my personal favorites. If I had to pick any merchandise item that I absolutely have to have, it would be these guys. Black and white (grayscale yay!) versions of the major disney characters, as they would have appeared in the old animated shorts. Just look at the old school pie shaped eyes! The animation lover inside me is going crazy! These are a decent size for putting on a shelf- they are small enough to take with you everywhere and to perch on your bed, too. Hands down, the sweetest Mickey, Minnie and Donald dolls around.
And last but not least, take a look at this cute tabloid inspired tote bag. It is a great spin on the Mickey-Minnie love story. It’s modern, it’s vintage inspired, cute and fun…It’s the whole package.
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Disney Vacation Update: Monsters University: Concept Art can be Found at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Magic of Disney Animation in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now home to Monsters University Concept art! Check it out on your next Disney Vacation! Monsters University has taken over. I have already accepted this. Now it is time to just enjoy it.
Tomorrow is the big day! 24 hours of Disney vacation fun. The countdown is almost over! Don’t forget to check out the concept artwork for the Monsters University movie coming out. (Oh yeah, that’s what all the promotional stuff is about, isn’t it?)
The Magic of Disney Animation really brings the movie-making process to life (for nerds like me who love that sort of thing) and shows guests what goes on behind the scenes. It is one of the features that makes Disney’s Hollywood Studios such a special theme park for movie lovers to visit.
It is incredible how much work and detail goes into making a single scene, character or title sequence. Just look at some of these amazing sketches in the display.
Thanks to The Disney Blog for the picture- I can’t wait to check out the new display. Animation is one of my great loves in life.
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Walt Disney World Vacation: In- Line Boredom Busters: Bingo Cards
The Disney Parks Blog has some great boredom busters- Like these Bingo Cards. Walt Disney World vacations are notorious for some seriously long wait times, so why not make a game out of all the things you have already done?
I really like that they included meet and greets in the Bingo scorecard- It makes your Walt Disney World vacation a little bit more special to have a moment with your favorite character. I’m not sure I’ll ever get every single thing on this list done (only because of my dislike of those big creepy turkey legs) but I’d say I’ve definitely gotten close!
This is just one of the few things i think very backpack needs to include for boredom busters. If you have never been to Disney, prepare yourself for a line. Hopefully you won’t need these distractions, but it’s better to have some and not need them…A few other great things? Get creative! I suggest:
- Wooden peg solitaire game
- coloring book and crayons
- uno cards/ other card game that’s easy to move around with
- snacks
This card would also make a great addition to your family scrapbook later on, so why not print one out and see how many lines you can make?
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Monsters University- Disney Merchandise Sighting: Duffy Bear
Disney Merchandise is going Monsters University crazy! Just look at this silly version of the Duffy bear for fans of the new movie. So what’s with all the Monsters?
What do you guys think? Did they go Monster overboard with this piece of Disney Merchandise? I think it’s pretty cute, but I wonder if it isn’t too much…Mixing two fuzzy characters together? I wonder if they made just the costumes for people who already have a Duffy bear? It seems like everywhere you look there is a Mike or Sully!
So why so much merchandise? Well the obvious answer is of course, promotion for the new movie in the series. However, it actually goes deeper than that… Two words: Monstrous Summer. This summer is all about “Monstrous” events, savings and fun. The Monsters have somehow become a symbol of summer 2013. Disney Merchandise has to take advantage of that.
The biggest event is the upcoming sleepover- Yes, if you haven’t already heard, the centerpiece for the summer is a 24 hour event at the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. What a great companion this bear would make for such a sleepover!
Thanks to Disney Parks Blog for this picture
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Review and This Week’s Lineup (May 24-26)
Star Wars Fans are jumping for joy over how good this year’s Star Wars Weekends Festival is shaping up to be. Check it out on your next Disney World Vacation.
The “Hoopla”, a live stage show featuring some of the best loved characters from the saga is getting mixed reviews. On one hand, guests are delighted to see fresh new characters being added to the performance, while I’ve heard other people say that the new characters are distracting and sloppy. It was my first performance this year so I can’t compare it others in the past, but I had a great time. My date also enjoyed the performance and he is a big Star Wars fan (he also attends the festival every year) so he would know.
Thanks to the Disney Blog for this great photo
As always, there will be great celebrity guests present! This Weekend’s Lineup: May 24-26
- Ray Park (Darth Maul, “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace”)
- Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi”)
- Jim Cummings (voice of Hondo Ohnaka, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”)
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Monsters University Monorail Has Been Spotted!
The Monsters University Monorail has been making its way across Walt Disney World as part of Monstrous Summer 2013. This is a summer-long celebration of all things “Monster” as a way to get people not only pumped for the movie, but also for 24 hours of Disney World, taking place in only three days.
Disney has been using the monorail lately as a giant moving billboard- a strategy that, judging by the popularity of the vehicles, has been quite successful. Come catch a glimpse of the monsters yourself! They are so silly. There is a Fraternity section, full of sporty looking fuzz balls as well as a silly sorority section. (This one is my favorite since it features fluffy pink nightmares and a few identical “popular girl” looking monsters). Yes, everyone is represented, even the “goth” kids have their day on this monorail.
I like that instead of covering the monorail with a giant decal, the characters look like they are riding and even spilling out of the rail. The banners are a nice touch, too.
What do you all think?
(Thanks to the Disney Blog for the picture)
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Monstrous Summer 2013 Discount Disney Vacation for Florida Residents
As part of Monstrous Summer 2013, Walt Disney World is offering great discount Disney vacations for Florida Residents.
Want to visit the Mouse on a small budget this summer? Check out this discount disney vacation deal: The Discover Disney Ticket gives guests three days of park admission for only $119 (plus tax). This ticket is for adults and children (so everyone ages 3 and up). Now, when you do the math, that makes each day at Disney World less than $40. Yeah, I know. I have already had a friend visiting from Northern Florida come down and take full advantage of this deal. It went really well for her, giving her more theme park time than she was even planning on having and really letting her have a better vacation than she thought she would be able to afford before.
Now, make sure to check what days this special ticket may be used for. It can be purchased now until June 3,2013 and be used now through June 7 2013. The ticket must be used for one park per day only (no hopping and no using two in one day to see multiple parks)
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store. Insider Tip: Take full advantage of this ticket by combining them with hotel rooms and transportation.
Plan your Disney Vacation Around Car Masters Weekend Downtown Disney Orlando
Disney Vacations always have something for everyone…Downtown Disney is gearing up for its third annual Car Masters Weekend. This “Festival” takes place June 14-16th and is a great way to spend Father’s Day this year!
Are you a big fan of Cars? Take advantage of this special event on your next Disney vacation. This is a car show that takes place on Downtown Disney’s West Side (where Disney Quest and La Nouba are located) Right on the heels of Star Wars weekends, this is another great treat for Disney fans.
There will be over 150 cars ranging from classic to muscle to exotic for guests to look at, take pictures with and learn about. Guests can also meet Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile. There will also be other great special appearances, such as Chip Foose, an automotive designer as well Jay Ward, a filmmaker with Pixar. (He worked on “Cars”!) You can even test “drive” model cars, enjoy party food and drinks and “caricatures” Which i’m assuming is a spin on the classic silly portraits.
The icing on the cake? A special marathon screening of “Cars” and “Cars 2″ at the on-property AMC theater.
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
May 21st, 2013 Category: Disney Events No Comments
Star Wars Weekends at Disney World is off to a good start!
Star Wars Weekends is off to a good start! Fans are pouring into Disney’s Hollywood Studios by the thousands to catch these special events. Star Wars fans, once you’ve planned your Disney vacation, take advantage of these fun features:
Star Wars Weekends takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from now until June 9, 2013. There is a lot to do on these days, so if you are a fan of the film saga make sure not to skip Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Daily during the festival one can find:
- Special appearances by celebrities. These include fun question and answer sessions and meet and greets.
- Behind the scenes presentations (new movie information perhaps?!)
- Limited edition merchandise (If there is any left by the time you get to it…if this is your goal try to be early. When I went, all of the T-shirts had sold out before the sun even set in the park…)
- A fun, star wars themed parade (yes, I know your inner child is jumping for joy)
- Nightly dance celebration. When I went, this was an amazing party experience. the entire park was booming with the music (which was actually good, don’t worry. It is appropriate for all ages due to some careful editing but it is definitely current and fun)
- Jedi Training Academy (for all ages! Usually it is only for children, so take advantage.)
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
May 21st, 2013 Category: Disney Events No Comments
Orlando Merchandise Finds: Pens Galore for the Ink Lovers in all of us
Orlando Merchandise fans: Pick up a pen for the ink lover in your family on your next Disney World Vacation. They’ll thank you.
When looking for Orlando merchandise, don’t overlook the writing utensils. Pens make great gifts and souvenirs because unlike a shirt or hoodie, they are inexpensive, usable on a daily basis, and you can give someone more than one!
The best part of getting pens is that they are highly collectable. For instance, look at the selection at the World of Disney Store. Like most of my merchandise features, this is the best store to find pens if you want a lot of variety. ( It is located at the Marketplace at Downtown Disney).
There are dozens of choices here, from princesses to classic black and white Mickey, to Marvel characters, its all here. My mother has an extensive pen collection and she still looks around this section in awe at the selection.
Look at these packs- you can get your whole group of friends a souvenir at once that you know they will love.
These pens are great! they have the outer shape of different characters that can tower over your pen jar and make you smile every day!
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Merchandise Finds: Monsters University takes over Walt Disney World
On your next Walt Disney World Vacation, you may notice the Monsters University merchandise taking over the gift shops. Here are some great items from the World of Disney at Downtown Disney Orlando.
As you may know, the Monsters are the focus of the Walt Disney World Parks right now. They are popping up everywhere, from flower sculptures to the monorail. And now they are hosting Monstrous Summer, a series of special events including a 24 hour 3 park sleepover.
Because of this, Monsters University Merchandise is quite popular right now. Look at these great iphone cases. These will look great in a monster all nighter survival kit, won’t they?
Look at these lovable mugs! You couldn’t be in a bad mood looking at this cup no matter how early you wake up. Disney World has a lot of great mugs like these at the World of Disney Store (Downtown Disney’s Marketplace) but these are my favorites.
I love these t shirts. They make me feel like I’m in a campus supply store! I love merchandise that immerses the buyer into the world of the film it comes from.
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
Star Wars Day May 4 2013 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Lights up Walt Disney World Vacations
This celebration is looking to be fun for guests of all ages! I firmly believe that you are never too old to enjoy a Walt Disney World Vacation, but now there are added perks for Star Wars fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Every year, Star Wars fans proclaim the famous phrase “May the Fourth be with you” in celebration of May 4th. Now Disney’s Hollywood Studios is turning that phrase into a limited time magic event. Guests on their Walt Disney World Vacations can now get the most out of their Star Tours experience!
Unlike other Limited Time Magic events, this event will only be taking place for one day instead of an entire week, but hey! What else can you ask for, there is already Star Wars Weekends going on! But still, this is an extra special celebration the likes of which Disney has never seen.
There will be extra Star Wars entertainment, shows, characters, exclusive Fourth of May merchandise, a Star Wars themed guest and character dance party and Star Wars-themed fireworks too. There will also be a special change to the Jedi Training Academy, where parents are asked to join in the fun too! I know a few people who will definitely be joining in!
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 30th, 2013 Category: Disney Events Comments Off
Tips and Tricks for Surviving the Monstrous Summer All Nighter 2013
Walt Disney World Vacations just got even more fun! Monstrous summer 2013 looks to be one of the best events ever.
As part of Monstrous Summer 2013, Walt Disney World is extending their park hours this Memorial Day weekend to give guests a full 24 hours of park time!
This is going to mean extra fun for everyone but there are certain things that you should bring to make sure it is the best sleepover ever.
One obvious thing to bring a snack you don’t want to be spending your entire sleepover waiting in line for snack quickservice meals! You want to spend it riding things and seeing shows!
Another good thing to bring is an external battery for your phone. They are only between $20 and $40 and they will save your life! Guests will spend a lot of time plugged into outlets waiting for their phones to charge and you don’t want to be one of them!
Another good thing to bring is a little $.99 poncho. This will keep your backpack nice and dry in case of inclement weather. It’s also good to pack a few hand towels to quickly dry yourself off after splash Mountain or a little drizzle. It may feel nice at the time but when the sun goes down it may get a little chilly. That being said you should bring extra socks and a nice warm sweater!
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 30th, 2013 Category: Disney Theme Park Tips Comments Off
Walt Disney World’s Special Accommodations for Guests with Disabilities
Walt Disney World is dedicated to making each and every person’s experience a great one.
Available programs for guests with disabilities include:
- Baby care facilities. This one isn’t really exclusive to guests with disabilities. These are wonderfully convenient and located in each Walt Disney World park due to the number of infants that come to the parks every day.
- Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECV) for rent. Just check with guests services when entering the park. These can be parked at stroller parking or taken into certain attractions.
- Special dietary needs at nearly every Walt Disney World restaurant. These include diet and gluten free products.
- Accommodations for guests with hearing impairments.
- Audio options for guests with visual impairments. These include (not really for impairments but still a special feature) headphones that play translations of shows and attractions in different languages for guests who do not speak english and still wish to know what’s going on.
- Guests can use special ride entrances
- Guests may enter attractions through a standard wheelchair entrance
- Shaded wait areas are available at certain attractions, too.
- Special viewing at shows for guests with visual impairments
- Service animal relief areas. (You’d be surprised how many service dogs i see at Disney!)
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 30th, 2013 Category: Disney Theme Parks vacations Comments Off
Tips for getting the most out of your Walt Disney World Photo Pass
Wondering how to take advantage of your Walt Disney World vacation Photopass?
- Once you have your Walt Disney World photopass card, it will have a code on it that you need in order to pick up your pictures at the end of the day. Just like losing a camera, you can lose all your pictures if you are careless with this card. Luckily, we live in an age where you can just take a picture of the card on your phone. Do this and you will hold onto your pictures and your peace of mind.
- Take the same picture at different times of the day to see which one turns out the best. Main Street looks completely different during the day and night, as does Fantasyland, the Castle etc…
- Tell your various photographers if you will be ordering an unlimited CD. This tends to make your photographer spend a little bit more time on your pictures.
- Take a few pictures in similar spots. Having different angles and distances from a landmark, let’s say, Cinderella’s Castle, helps you pick the best one. Just like every photographer you will encounter is different, so is every picture they will take.
- If you wait until a photographer isn’t too busy, you can ask him to come over to an unscheduled (and nearby) spot and take your picture there.
- Take a ton of photos. if you have unlimited photos, make sure to use them!
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 30th, 2013 Category: Disney Theme Park Tips Comments Off
Walt Disney World is finally making progress on the new Avatar themed section at the Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World is finally making progress on the new Avatar themed section at the Animal Kingdom. Check it out on your next Orlando Vacation.
Walt Disney World has previously been slow on the changes, but now Festival of the Lion king at the has been moved to africa. It will soon be performed in a new theater, leaving room for Pandora, the long awaited new land at the theme park.
Fans of the films have begun to not only lose some hope for the Avatar themed land, but forget that it was ever in the works. It has been such a standstill project. Still, thanks to blog reports of construction faith has been restored and the project is breathing new life.
A construction area has been closed off by walls finally, leading some to believe that there is something amazing stirring behind those walls. I personally cannot wait to see what will come from these plans. If they can really bring the world of Pandora to life (as I can only assume they will, since Disney Imagineering has always delivered incredible lands, restaurants and rides) I will be there several times a week enjoying the strangely beautiful world.
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 29th, 2013 Category: Disney News and Promotions Comments Off
Walt Disney World Vacation Souvenirs: Merchandise Events: May 8-10
Ok Disney Merchandise enthusiasts, it’s shopping season again! Take a look on your next Walt Disney World Vacation.
May 8 – 19: Come see David Doss and his most recent Walt Disney World Vacation merchandise releases at The Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace. The store is a great place to pick up artwork, make friends with other Disney enthusiasts and just spend some time looking at gorgeous paintings and artifacts.
“Doss is fueling the national trend toward nostalgic imagery with his sensitive interpretations of ordinary places and ordinary things that become extraordinary and endearing when seen through his eyes “ -US Art Magazine
May 9 – 13: Precious Moments Doll collectors: stop by Once Upon A Toy in the Downtown Disney Marketplace to preview the new line of dolls, inspired by the Disney classic, the Little Mermaid. Linda Rick will also be there! She will be making appearances from May 10 – 12.
Linda’s website states: “They have always been created with the finest of detail. Their clothing has been tailored like that of a queen, with the finest of fabrics you’ve ever seen. Their locks of hair are long and flowing; their pretty little faces are glowing. There is laughter on their little lips, and magic in their finger tips. These pixie creatures are so divine, you will be so happy to call them “mine”.
May 10 – Vinylmation collectors: Park Starz 2 Vinylmation designed by Disney Design Group artists Casey Jones and Thomas Scott will be debuted at D Street in Downtown Disney Westside on May 10. Casey Jones will be signing the new collection daily from 5 – 7 p.m.
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 28th, 2013 Category: Disney Theme Parks vacations Comments Off
Disney Vacation Merchandise: April Trading Night at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Ok Disney Vacation Souvenirs enthusiasts, it’s shopping season again! Take a look on your next trip to Disney World.
For guests on their Disney World Vacations, the parks host different trading nights. These are events where guests bring pins and Vinylmations to be traded and upgraded. There are also artist signings, and previews of the new lines of merchandise that will be coming out soon. It is a great night!
Here is some important information on April’s Trading Night! The event will be taking place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill Restaurant area and surrounding lobby area from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on April 30th 2013.
There will not be any Vinylmation Trading but the Product Preview Section and Artist Signing Areas for Vinylmation will still be open for traders. Disney has extended this request as well: “Space will be extremely limited, we ask that you limit the number of items that you choose to bring”.
There will also be lots of fun stories, great opportunities to meet fellow traders, make friends and upgrade your pins. There will also be food and drinks served at a concession area and it is looking to be a fun night!
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 28th, 2013 Category: Disney Theme Parks vacations Comments Off
Spending a Day at Downtown Disney: Free Entertainment at Walt Disney World’s Lego Store
During my last trip to Walt Disney World,April showers were running rampant!
Luckily there are still many places to go at downtown Disney when this happens. While it may be disappointing for some to experience Walt Disney World in anything less than the Florida sunshine it is still possible to have a great vacation.
As you may have already gathered one place I love to go to is the Lego center. There is so much to do here! Here’s the crazy transformer race car I made and a picture of me and my two friends we made out of Legos!
It was certainly a good time! While I may have had the time of my life (I have always adored playing with Legos and this area was a wonderland of pieces…) The full effects of the fun races, people building, shopping and giant Lego sculptures are even better for children. The look on kids faces when they see their creations or when they win a race is priceless. The best part is that the putdoor play area is completely covered from the elements whether it be the blazing sun or a little drizzle (even a big thunderstorm!)
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 28th, 2013 Category: Disney Theme Park Tips Comments Off
Planning an Orlando Vacation Combining Disney & Universal Theme Parks
Combining Theme parks on your Orlando Vacation can seem confusing. The most difficult part is obviously getting transportation to and from the theme parks.
Here is a breakdown of what transportation is available at the different Orlando Vacation hotel locations:
Hotel to Theme Park Transportation: Many of our hotels offer free transportation to some or all of the major theme parks.
On site Disney hotels:
- always offer free shuttles, but they only take you to the Disney Parks.
On site Universal Studios Resorts: Offer Complimentary shuttle busses:
- to and from both theme parks and CityWalk®, plus walking paths to make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
- Complimentary scheduled transportation to nearby Wet ‘n Wild® water park, SeaWorld®, and Aquatica™
Off Site Hotels: Check the individual hotels to see if they offer shuttles to the theme parks closest to them. We recommend taking a taxi to the parks where transportation isn’t covered.
Car Rental Services are also available when booking with us; just be aware that parking at the theme parks is around $14 per day, so hotel transportation is the least expensive option but it runs on a fixed schedule so keep that in mind.
For more information on everything from hotel rooms to lunch, visit our website: The Orlando Vacation Store
April 28th, 2013 Category: Orlando vacation News Comments Off