Road Trippin' With My Favorite Disney Characters

Do you remember the last time you traveled?

You packed your bags, tidied the house, maybe boarded the pets, and planned out your itinerary...then you got in the car (or on the plane) and traveled to either a place you love and visit often or somewhere new and exciting you've always wanted to go.

That's how last night at State Farm Arena was for my family.  I packed my bags (well, my Disney Lula Roe shirt and purple sequined ears), kissed the pets goodbye, and planned out my trip to Atlanta with my cell phone and Waze app.

We traveled to both a place that we love and also to somewhere new and exciting.

Thanks to Feld Entertainment's newest Disney On Ice show (called Road Trip Adventures), we were able to travel to some of the most magical places around the Globe - 17 Cherry Tree Lane, Agrabah, and even Polynesia.

It was magical.

Disney's newest Disney On Ice is a little under 90 min. long (including one intermission).  Mickey-eared Cast Members warm up the audience preshow, but you still have a few minutes after start time to grab some popcorn, a drink, and find your seats.

The show starts in typical Disney On Ice style - Mickey, Minnie, and a few of their closest Fab 5 friends enter the arena and welcome us to the show.  Since this new show is road trip-themed, they come out in  their "car," which just so happens to have plenty of room for all of us.  Yay!!!  I was ready to jump in and go immediately.

From there, we road trip to many of Disney's most famous and magical locales - England to visit Mary and Bert; Hawaii to visit Moana, and of course Africa and Arendelle.  (I have plenty of live video on my personal facebook page, as well as my travel facebook page, and blog page was well.  Keep in mind, it's hard to film sometimes - these characters are so fast!)

The show really flew by quick for us.  I wish it was a full two hours, and I definitely think that Disney could add to the show by highlighting more of their wonderful musical history.

My favorite parts were Mary Poppins and Bert and the Aladdin sequence.  (I love the new Jasmine solo from the newest live action film.)  The screens Disney and Feld use both as a backdrop and also in center "stage" are amazing.  They really help the show to pop and come to life.  As usual, the audience was full of Disney fans of all ages - little ones in pirate costumes and Princess gowns, teenagers, and Moms and Dads.  All of us singing out LOUD (yes, LOUD) to all the great musical hits we have known for decades.

If you will be traveling to see Road Trip Adventures at State Farm Arena this week and/or weekend, remember that there will be plenty of souvenirs to buy there.  Keep in mind that Disney On Ice keepsakes don't come cheap, but if you can hold off until after the show, Disney usually offers a special combo package on the way out.  (Our offer was a set of four different items, much cheaper than buying any one of them alone!)  You can also buy great Mouse Ears for all your Disney adventures on Amazon.  Here is a vendor that we have discovered and used several times in the past.  (Disclaimer:  This is an affiliate link.)  The ears are a fraction of Disney's cost and lighter.  I love them.

I will post more pictures as we get them, so check back often!  I really enjoyed this show.  It was definitely my most favorite Disney On Ice production so far.  Great acrobatics, characters, and even a surprise BANG at the end!

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures start at $15.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com.  For group rates and information, please call 1-866-248-8740 or Felddirectgroup@feldinc.com.  *Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

Date and Time of Performances at State Farm Arena

Friday, September 27 – 10:40 a.m.

Friday, September 27 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 28 – 11:00 a.m.

Saturday, September 28 – 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, September 28 – 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 29 – 1 p.m.

Sunday, September 29 – 5 p.m.

 

Tomorrow Night! Disney On Ice Takes Us on a ROAD TRIP to Iconic Disney Destinations!

Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. 

Featuring new and classic tales, this multi-generational experience will visit State Farm Arena (formerly Philips Arena) from Wednesday, September 25 – Sunday, September 29 for nine performances.  Tickets go on sale Tuesday, May 21, at www.ticketmaster.com.

Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures.  Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations.  See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters.  Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana restore the heart of Te Fiti.  Set off on a safari and snap unforgettable photos of wild cheetahs and monkeys when guests traverse through the Pride Lands with Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa.  Discover a whole new world and be swept up in Aladdin’s princely parade filled with spectacular stunts, magical moments with Genie, and a brand-new song from Jasmine that will render the audience “Speechless.”  Mosey on over to a larger-than-life comedic carnival and team up with Woody and Bo Peep as they search for their new friend Forky.  Fans will hit a high note with Mickey and pals during the Disney edition of Road Trip Karaoke as they introduce Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel, Mulan, and Tiana.  Families should be prepared for a getaway jam-packed with unexpected hijinks and surprise, up-close character interaction as Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures makes a pitstop right in Atlanta!  

Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures start at $15.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com.  For group rates and information, please call 1-866-248-8740 or Felddirectgroup@feldinc.com.  *Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

Date and Time of Performances at State Farm Arena:
Wednesday, September 25 – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 26 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 27 – 10:40 a.m.
Friday, September 27 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 28 – 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 28 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 28 – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 29 – 1 p.m.
Sunday, September 29 – 5 p.m.

Disney On Ice to Play State Farm Arena THIS WEEK!

Good morning Disney fans (or maybe that should read fanatics...)

This is THE week!  Are we all ready with tickets in hand?  Disney's newest Disney On Ice ("DOI") production, "Road Trip Adventures," rolls into Atlanta's State Farm Arena beginning Wednesday night (9/25) and will be in town until Sunday, September 29th.

I am so excited to see my friends from Orlando again.  I always love Disney On Ice because (1) I don't have to get on a plane or in my car and travel to meet them and (2) because the DOI shows are always so amazing and fun.

I love seeing the array of characters each show brings and I love hearing the arena fill with thousands of Disney fans singing all the Disney classics together.

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, here is some additional information to help you get them in hand:

• Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments!
  
  
• Featuring new and classic tales, this multi-generational experience will visit State Farm Arena from Wednesday, September 25 – Sunday, September 29 for nine performances.
  
  
• Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations.
  
  
• Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures start at $15. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com.

Have questions?  Message me, e-mail us, or leave a comment below!  If you're going, what Mickey ears will you be sporting?  I think I'm wearing my purple sparkly ones!

The VOID Comes to the ATL!

As Disney fanatics, bloggers, and travel agents, we are super excited to bring this new press release to you! The VOID virtual reality experience is coming to Atlanta!  ...AND, it will have the two Disney VR experiences!  We couldn't be more stoked!  If you go, let us know what you think! *  *  *  *  * Critically acclaimed global leader in immersive virtual reality will open a location at The Battery Atlanta, the South’s preeminent lifestyle destination. WHO: The VOID, the critically acclaimed global leader of immersive virtual experiences, celebrates the opening of their location at The Battery Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, September 12th, 2019. WHAT: By combining state-of-the art VR technology, physical stages, and multi-sensory effects, including touch and smell, The VOID invites guests to embark on journeys to fully-immersive worlds with friends and family that, until now, have only lived in the imagination. The Battery Atlanta location will feature Star WarsTM:  Secrets of the Empire, the award-winning experience by ILMxLAB and Lucasfilm and Lucasfilm, and Ralph Breaks VR by ILMxLAB created in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, with more experiences to come including original content by The VOID. Locals will have a chance to step into The VOID’s newest location and experience  Star WarsTM: Secrets of the Empire and Ralph Breaks VR, following the grand opening on Thursday, September 12, 2019.  For tickets and availability, please visit our location or thevoid.com. WHEN:        Open to the public: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00am – 10:30pm Friday – Saturday: 10:00am – 12:00am WHERE: The VOID 800 Battery Ave. #120 Atlanta, GA 30339 Located next to the Coca-Cola Roxy and across the street from Live! at The Battery Atlanta in Atlanta, GA.

Atlanta's Summer Film Festival Includes Two Disney Sing-a-Longs for 2019!

Fox Theatre Kicks off 2019 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival Atlanta's The Fox Theatre presents the 2019 Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival with a screening of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” for the film’s 30th Anniversary. This family favorite will return to the venue with a sing-along component for all to participate in! After opening night, the festival will include early and evening shows including “Saturday Morning Cartoons,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Mary Poppins” sing-along, “The Princess Bride” and the 80th Anniversary of “The Wizard of Oz.” Discounted tickets for these films will go on sale Friday, June 7, at noon for $8 until June 30. General admission tickets will go up to $10 after June 30. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets at the door for $12. Tickets are on sale now at FoxTheatre.org. Single-event access to the Marquee Club presented by Lexus will also be available for purchase for select films for $40 per person. Marquee Club access will include private entry, locally sourced food from film-inspired menus, meet-and-greet opportunities with movie characters, adult and kid-friendly movie-themed beverages, rooftop access, private bars, and restrooms and more! As in previous years, Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival will showcase films on its impressive 26-by-56-foot screen. Patrons will enjoy movies under the Fox Theatre’s distinctive blue sky with twinkling stars and fluffy clouds. For select showings, guests will have the opportunity to attend a magical pre-show experience, which will include a sing-a-long with a vintage cartoon and performances on the world-renowned “Mighty Mo” organ. 2019 COCA-COLA SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Sunday, July 14 @ 2:00p.m.        Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” sing-along, 30th anniversary Sunday, July 14 @ 6:30p.m.         “To Kill a Mockingbird” Sunday, July 21 @ 2p.m.              “Mary Poppins” sing-along Saturday, July 27 @ 10a.m.          “Saturday Morning Cartoons” Saturday, July 27 @ 7:30p.m.       “The Princess Bride” Sunday, August 25 @ 2:00p.m.    “The Wizard of Oz”, 80th Anniversary Specialty Movie Ticket Pricing ·     “Disney’s Little Mermaid” sing-along screening – Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the show. ·     “Mary Poppins” sing-along screening – Tickets are $15 in advance for $20 on the day of the show. ·     “Saturday Morning Cartoons” – Tickets are $5 now through the show date. *Additional fees may apply. Guests must purchase tickets at the Fox Theatre ticket office or at FoxTheatre.org *MARQUEE CLUB PRESENTED BY LEXUS  The club will not be open for “Saturday Morning Cartoons”. Activations for “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “The Princess Bride” will be announced at a later date. Special kid-friendly opportunities in the Marquee Club presented by Lexus for both sing-alongs and The Wizard of Oz are outlined below, with more details to follow closer to the date of each viewing. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” - $40 per person  Club attendees will enjoy a meet-and-greet opportunity with a magical mermaid princess, adult and kid-friendly “Under the Sea” specialty drinks, and movie-themed menu items. Club amenities include early, private entry with expedited security, premium bars, rooftop access, and private restrooms. “Mary Poppins” sing-along - $40 per person Club attendees will enjoy a meet-and-greet opportunity with a Mary Poppins look-alike character, adult and kid-friendly “Spoonful of Sugar” specialty drinks, and movie-themed menu items. Club amenities include early, private entry with expedited security, premium bars, rooftop access, and private restrooms. “The Wizard of Oz”- $40 per person Club attendees will enjoy a meet-and-greet opportunity with Wizard of Oz look-alike characters, adult and kid-friendly specialty drinks, and movie-themed menu items. Club amenities include early, private entry with expedited security, premium bars, rooftop access, and private restrooms. Parking Pricing While spaces are available, select Lanier parking lots surrounding the Fox Theatre will offer discounted $5 parking for Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival patrons. For more information, please visit FoxTheatre.org. Special Movie Tours: All film festival dates will have a 60-minute movie tour that start 2 hours prior to each film. There will be no Movie Tour prior to “Saturday Morning Cartoons”. Admission to Movie Tours will be $20 per person. * Additional fees may apply. Guests must purchase tickets at the Fox Theatre ticket office or at FoxTheatre.org Movie Tours Schedule:  "Little Mermaid" sing-along Sunday, July 14th            12:00p.m. "To Kill A Mockingbird" Sunday, July 14th 4:30 p.m.     "Mary Poppins" sing-along Sunday, July 21st 12 p.m. "The Princess Bride" Saturday, July 27th 5:30 p.m. "The Wizard of Oz" Sunday, August 25th 12 p.m. To purchase tickets or get additional information, please visit FoxTheatre.org.

Atlanta Braves - Announce 20th Annual Spring Training Schedule!

For the 20th straight season, the Atlanta Braves will hold spring training at  ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex  at Walt Disney World® Resort.


The spring schedule once again includes some matchups against Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including four opponents – the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb 25), the American League East champion Boston Red Sox (March 3), the Baltimore Orioles (March 28), and the New York Mets (March 10, 25, and 29) – who each reached the post-season earlier this year.

On top of that, the New York Yankees (March 9) are on the 18-game home schedule along with the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles.

The Braves players begin arriving at Walt Disney World Resort in mid-February and then open up the spring season here against the Blue Jays on Feb. 25.  Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at braves.com/springtraining, as well as through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office.

Atlanta Braves Announce 20th Season at ESPN

From the Disney Parks Blog today:

"The World Series just ended a few weeks ago, but it’s never too early to start thinking about baseball spring training and dreaming about the promise of a new season.

For Braves fans, that time is now because the team just revealed its 2017 spring training schedule. And for the 20th straight season, the team will hold spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.

The spring schedule once again includes some matchups against Major League Baseball’s marquee teams, including four opponents – the Toronto Blue Jays (Feb 25), the American League East champion Boston Red Sox (March 3), the Baltimore Orioles (March 28) and the New York Mets (March 10, 25 and 29) – who each reached the post-season earlier this year.

On top of that, the New York Yankees (March 9) are on the 18-game home schedule along with the Philadelphia Phillies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals, Miami Marlins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Baltimore Orioles.

The Braves players begin arriving at Walt Disney World in mid-February and then open up the spring season here against the Blue Jays on Feb. 25.  Tickets go on sale on Dec. 12 at braves.com/springtraining, as well as through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office.

If you want more information, visit espnwwos.com/braves."

Disney's Newsies Plays Atlanta's Fox Theatre!

Hello and welcome to New York City, late 19th century - 1899 to be exact.

It's the age of the printing press; the age of newspaper barons; and the age of newspaper boys - also known as Newsies.  That's where Disney's story begins, takes place, and ends.

Disney's Newsies, a highly-successful Broadway play, is currently touring the United States.  This week, it visits The Fox Theatre in Atlanta.

The musical, featuring a score by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Sister Act) and Jack Feldman and a book by four-time Tony® Award winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy), will play here through Sunday, January 25.    

The play opened Tuesday night to a packed house.  Children were in attendance, and as always, I like to let you know when it is and when it is not appropriate to take them.  I believe this play is appropriate for children, although keep in mind, just because it is branded Disney does not make it a fairytale suitable for all ages.  Tweens and teens would be fine to see this play.  Aspiring and budding theatrical young adults will love it, and it will inspire them to reach for greater heights.

Newsies follows the story of Jack Kelly, one of the homeless and orphaned children who sell newspapers in New York City during the 1890s to support themselves. Jack and his fellow newsboys work for Joseph Pulitzer selling his newspaper, the New York World, on the streets of Manhattan.  The story ebbs and flows and follows Jack and his subsequent battle and strike against Mr. Pulitzer and the New York World.  As you can imagine, the story ends with the Newsies victorious.

The story of Jack Kelly and the strike he helped lead is based on the true-story of a Newsies strike which occurred in 1899.  Most of the characters are fictional, but it was so interesting to hear the story and learn about this part of our Nation's history.

Originally, Newsies was only supposed to last for a limited time on New York City's Broadway circuit, but after receiving much critical and public acclaim, it was extended to an open-ended run.  The show went on to earn 8 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Original Score.  (It won two of those nominations.)

Disney's touring troupe is nothing less than spectacular.  It is full of young actors who fill the stage with their high energy and amazing talent, bringing the 1890s to life.  If you are a theatre or Newsies buff, you are probably familiar with a lot of the songs and dance numbers from the show.  Some of the more famous are "Santa Fe" and "Seize the Day."

Here are those two numbers, performed in 2011, on Disney-owned ABC's, "The View:"

Are you a Fansie?  If so, drive to Atlanta's Fox Theatre before the Newsies run ends.  It won't be here long, and you absolutely do not want to miss this show!  Heck, I may even go back a second time....

Check out this short video showcasing the National Touring Group.  Some pretty amazing talent here!

*Visit the Broadway in Atlanta facebook page to find out how to get tickets as low as $25!

Disney's Newsies Opens in Atlanta!

EXTRA, EXTRA , READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Newsies is opening at The Fox Theatre in two weeks!

Have you gotten your tickets yet?  Get them now at FoxTheatre.org/Newsies!

Disney On Ice Presents FROZEN in ATL!

For the first time in forever...okay, well not really....

But it is for the FIRST time...

Feld Entertainment is proud to welcome the VERY popular new Disney On Ice show, "Frozen" to Atlanta's Philips Arena October 8 - 12!

You know I am a true Disney geek in all realms of Pixie Dust, so I am more than thrilled to see this live and in person:

"Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination at  Disney On Ice presents Frozen!   The heartwarming, Academy Award ^® -winning tale you love is now LIVE and skating into your town. You’ll be magically whisked away into the wintery world of Arendelle, where you will be dazzled by amazing special effects and astonishing skating.  Sing and dance along to inspiring songs, including “Let It Go.”  Join royal sisters Elsa and Anna, the hilarious snowman Olaf, Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and the mystical trolls as they journey to discover that true love is ultimately the most magical power of all! 

Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with special guest appearances by your most beloved Disney Princesses and characters from favorites like Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Disney’s The Lion King, don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of love and friendship. Tickets are on sale now."

*Because of the enormous popularity of this show, no giveaway tickets are being offered by Feld Entertainment. 

To purchase tickets, visit the Ticketmaster website.

Spotlight on Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2014/2015 Series
with WSB-TV Primetime Special on August 27 at 8 p.m.

Fans to get inside look at spectacular lineup including
DIRTY DANCING, Disney’s NEWSIES, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, PIPPIN and more

The upcoming Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta season is set to receive the star treatment during a 30-minute Primetime special on WSB-TV, airing Wednesday, August 27 at 8 p.m.

Hosted by Heather Caitlin, the program will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at the blockbuster lineup coming to the Fox Theatre during the 2014/2015 Broadway in Atlanta series.

Featured interviews will include both the stars and creative teams for upcoming productions, as well as Broadway in Atlanta Vice President Russ Belin.

“As we gear up for one of our biggest and most anticipated lineups in Broadway in Atlanta’s 34-year history, we’re so excited to offer Atlanta theatre fans a look behind the curtain at these amazing shows,” said Russ Belin, vice president of Broadway in Atlanta. “Viewers will get a first look at the top caliber touring productions that will be featured at the historic Fox Theatre.”

The 2014-2015 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta lineup includes: 

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA	October 22 – November 2, 2014
DIRTY DANCING	November 25 - 30, 2014
Disney’s NEWSIES	January 20 - 25, 2015
BLUE MAN GROUP	April 7 - 12, 2015
PIPPIN	May 5 – 10, 2015
MOTOWN	August 18 – 23, 2015

 2014/2015 options:

MAMMA MIA!	September 23 – 28, 2014
WICKED	February 18 – March 8, 2015

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta’s 2014/2015 packages are on sale now, with prices starting at $185 for all six shows.  Three show packages are also available starting at $100.  Subscriber prices will vary depending on the number of shows chosen, the number of performances, show time, day of the week, and seating location. Three show packages may be ordered online at BroadwayinAtlanta.com or via phone by calling 1-800-278-4447 Monday through Friday, 9AM -5PM.

Six show Packages can only be ordered via phone.  Subscriber benefits include access to the best available seats, ticket exchange privileges, and lost ticket replacement service; subscribers also avoid potential price increases on single ticket closer to the day of the show.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America, operating in 40 markets.  As a leading Broadway producer, BAA is dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre.  Current/upcoming productions include Beautiful, Million Dollar Quartet and Pippin. Past productions include Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Memphis, Promises, Promises, The Producers, Betrayal and War Horse. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

*****

This is one of our favorite things to do in Atlanta friends.  What about you?  Which shows are you excited to see?