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 Examiner takes a look at finding your favorite characters at Walt Disney World A through Z. How do you find your favorite characters, and do you have a tricks or tips?
"One of the most magical things to do at the Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks
is to go hunting for your favorite Disney character and get that
autograph book filled. Almost everyone who visit’s the Disney theme
parks has a blast seeking out their favorite character. Let’s be honest.
With a show of hands, how many of you have taken a selfie with Mickey
Mouse or posed in a princess costume with Cinderella? Yeah, I raised my
hand too.
Some of the Disney characters
only make rare appearances, coming out to visit with guests during peak
seasons and special events. Here is a list of Disney Characters in
alphabetical order that can be found at the theme parks: A
Aladdin - Magic Kingdom: Magic Carpets of Aladdin; Epcot: Morocco
Alice - Magic Kingdom: The Mad Tea Party; Epcot: United Kingdom; Epcot: The American Adventure
Jake - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Hollywood and Vine (character dining only), Disney Junior LIVE
Jessie - Magic Kingdom: Splash Mountain
L
Lady Tremaine - Magic Kingdom: Behind Cinderella’s Castle
Lightning McQueen - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Luigi’s Garage
Louis - Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Upcountry Landing
M
Mad Hatter - Epcot: The American Adventure
Marie - Magic Kingdom: Area by City Hall
Mary Poppins - Magic Kingdom: Near Le Chapeau; Epcot: United Kingdom
Mater - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Luigi’s Garage
Merida - Magic Kingdom: Fairytale Garden
Mickey Mouse - Magic Kingdom: Town Square Theater;
Epcot: The American Adventure, Garden Grill (character dining only),
Future World Character Spot; Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Magic of Disney
Animation; Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Adventurer’s Outpost, Tusker House
Restaurant (character dining only)
Mike - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Exit of Backlot Tour
Minnie Mouse - Magic Kingdom: Area by City Hall,
Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus; Epcot: The American
Adventure, Future World Character Spot; Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Sorcerer’s Hat, Magic of Disney Animation; Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Adventurer’s Outpost
Mr. Incredible - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Magic of Disney Animation
Phineas - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Exit to MuppetVision
Pluto - Magic Kingdom: Area by City Hall; Epcot:
The American Adventure, Garden Grill (character dining only), Future
World Character Spot; Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Sorcerer’s Hat;
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Chester and Hester’s Dinorama
Pocahontas - Epcot: The American Adventure; Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Discovery Island Trails
Ralph - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Magic of Disney Animation
Rapunzel - Magic Kingdom: Princess Fairytale Hall
Russel - Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Tough to be a Bug
S
Snow White - Magic Kingdom: Town Square Theater Porch, Cinderella’s Royal Table (character dining only); Epcot: Germany
Sofia the First - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Hollywood and Vine (character dining only); Disney Junior LIVE
Stitch - Magic Kingdom: Throughout Tomorrowland; Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Sorcerer’s Hat
Sulley - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Exit of Backlot Tour
T
Tiana - Magic Kingdom: Princess Fairytale Hall, The Glade
Tigger - Magic Kingdom: Crystal Palace (character dining only), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; Epcot: United Kingdom
Tinker Bell - Magic Kingdom: Town Square Theater
V
Venellope - Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Magic of Disney Animation
W
White Rabbit - Magic Kingdom: The Mad Tea Party
Winnie the Pooh - Magic Kingdom: Crystal Palace (character dining only), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh; Epcot: United Kingdom
Woody - Magic Kingdom: Splash Mountain; Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Friends Building
Hopefully this will help you find all of your favorite
characters throughout the parks at Disney World. Remember that character
appearances are intermittent during the times listed on the park guide so check with guest relations at the park for more details about times and
locations for character meet and greets. Happy vacationing!"
Have you seen some of the awesome new Disney products Hallmark has introduced?
The ornament display stand above is just one of them. You can save $20 on it the weekend of July 12, when it will be $29.95 when you also purchase a Hallmark Disney Keepsake Ornament.
I'm not saying that's a steal, but it normally will hit you for $49.95.
Here are some other items Hallmark will be showing in July:
Mickey and friends are leaving the Clubhouse and headed to Gold Crown
stores. Keepsake artists Orville Wilson, Nello Williams, and Anita Marra
Rogers teamed up to bring you a whole year of your Disney favorites.
Starting in July, a different ornament from this 12-piece series will
arrive every month. Scroll through to see the whole collection.
(I think this is an awesome idea; however, at almost $15 a pop [plus the display stand above], you are going to be coming out of pocket quite a bit. You will have to really love this series [which I do] to complete the set!)
Elsa, the Snow Queen who melted hearts in
Disney's blockbuster movie “Frozen,” will be joining the 2014 collection
this November!
So there you have it. That's what Hallmark has allowed us a peek into, so far, for Disney. Are you excited? I know I am...now, I just wonder -- what will be left after Christmas that I can snag at 50% off?
You have two days left -- today and tomorrow -- to help Disney and Disney on Ice ("DOI") celebrate 100 Years of Magic.
...and you don't want to miss out on this celebration.
I
have seen a lot of Disney on Ice shows over the years, and each one has
been special. However, after you have seen quite a few of them, you
start to see a number here or there that is repeated in different
shows. Well -- let me tell you something -- Wednesday night, I had the
privilege of previewing Feld Entertainment's newest Disney on Ice
creation, "100 Years of Magic," and magic it was!
This
is truly a show you will want to see. I know these shows come to our
area a lot, but this one is a bit more special. It doesn't just focus
on a specific area or cater to the girls (as a lot of Disney shows seem
to do). It truly does focus on the company as a whole, highlighting
some of their most glorious achievements - even bringing the Disney
Parks and Disney's television history into the mix. (One piece of
Disney history I did find missing, however, was Steamboat Willie. I
would have loved to have seen Mickey in black and white skating around
the area and kicking the celebration off. I mean, isn't that how Disney
started off to begin with? ...Or maybe even a nod to Oswald...)
Oh
well, let's get started. (I will have just a few basic pictures to
share with you in this blog post. I took a photographer with me, and I
am hoping to get those stills posted here soon!)
As
usual, DOI started out with our favorite Fab 5 entering the rink and
setting up the show for us -- Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Pluto
(although I'm not sure Pluto is in the mix for this particular show
opening).
From there, we are treated to a few
highlights from the Disney and Pixar family treasure box -- Aladdin,
Finding Nemo, the Disney family of Princesses (although this is a rather
"classic" set; no newer Disney Princesses included in this show); and
Toy Story (a much shorter version than what is presented in other DOI
shows):
Up
next was the final number to wrap up the first half of the show. This -
to me - was the crowning jewel of this particular show.
I
swear, being a Disney geek, I just about teared up when I saw what came
out on the ice. At first, all we saw was a CLOCK FACE (see picture
below), highlighted in the spotlight - nothing else. I immediately
screamed, "IT'S A SMALL WORLD!" (Yes, I said screamed. Sorry, folks
around me. I couldn't contain myself. It just happens sometimes...)
Next up in the 100 Years of Magic celebration was a tribute to the one ride that is iconic to all Disney parks around the world -- IT'S A SMALL WORLD ("IASW"). Yes, I said that -- they did a tribute to IT'S A SMALL WORLD!!
If
you absolutely hate the song (as a lot of people do), then this would
be a good time to start your intermission, but I'm telling you -- if you
leave for this segment -- you are going to be missing out on one of the
grandest presentations Disney on Ice has ever done. Flat out. Period.
Not only did Feld Entertainment replicate in it's entirety and in all its splendor the It's a Small World ride facade:
...but when those double doors at the bottom opened...the skaters emerged dressed as the dolls from the ride and singing the iconic tune. (Yes. THAT iconic tune...)
It's
a lovely little piece with several of the countries getting their turn
in the spotlight. I swear -- I almost cried. THEN...it got even better
and Feld Entertainment pushed it UP a notch (in my little and humble
opinion)...
Those same double doors opened AGAIN, and yes -- hang on -- the music from the MAIN STREET ELECTRICAL PARADE
("MSEP") begins. I swear (yes, I am swearing a lot during this post) -
I jumped up from my seat, started yelling, and the Dad in front of me
(holding his two-year old) turned around and gave me the oddest
look....(Oh well, small price to pay for Disney geekdom...)
And
do you know what came OUT of those doors while the music was playing?
Nope. Not the MSEP floats, but floats of the IASW ride! Tying both
events and iconic Disney Parks items into one beautiful scene! For
instance, do you remember this scene from the IASW:
Feld
Entertainment has beautifully recreated it in "float" form for this
scene in DOI. (It's very hard to find good images of this on the
internet, so you will just have to trust me on this one!)
To
cap off the first half of DOI before intermission, Mickey comes down in
the hot air balloon that graces us in the white room of the IASW ride
inside the Disney Parks. What a glorious way to end the first half!
I
could have just gone home after that first half, but Feld had more in
store for us to help celebrate. Kicking off the second half of this
show, we were treated to a nod to Disney's television past - the Mickey
Mouse Club show from the 1950s! So great to see Mickey Mouse and Donald
Duck "marching" and singing along with all of us in the audience.
Again, I think I teared up a time or two during this number...
From
here on out, it was back to the movies -- Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio,
Mulan (my favorite Princess), Pixar's The Incredibles, and The Lion King
(the iconic Circle of Life moment).
To wrap up this
fabulous show in a neat little bow, Feld and Disney bowed down to
Disney's iconic musical number, "Circle of Life." While the song
played, all the characters from the two-hour show reappeared and dance
and sang together. ...and in true Disney on Ice tradition, Mickey and
Minnie ended the show by taking their respective bows and thanking us
for attending and helping them celebrate:
If
you have the chance and live in or close to North Atlanta, I highly
encourage you to go and see this Disney on Ice celebration. As I said
above, I've seen a lot of these shows, but this one tops them all. I am
quite sure it has to do with their nods to the Disney Parks and their
television history. I wish more Disney on Ice productions would include
nods like these. It pulls at all our heart strings, not just the
children's, and it makes for so much more of an enjoyable experience.
I
feel that if Feld Entertainment and Disney touched on these experiences
and the vast array of material they have available to them (i.e., Tiki
Tiki Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise; The Wonderful World of Disney tv show),
their audience size could at least double. Disney and Feld
Entertainment are missing out on a whole audience! So many adults
(without children or with grown children) could easily be pulled into
these shows if they encompassed so much more than just what is popular
to children today. Tug on our heart strings Disney! You certainly
possess the ability and knowledge of how to do it! I, for one, would
welcome these additions to your Disney on Ice family!
If you'd like more information on how to see Disney on Ice while it is in town and save $5 on your tickets, click here. Under Promotions
& Special Offers, click "Buy Offer" and enter code M100. The code is good for the
following performance: Sunday at 5:00pm. Savings will apply to the $30 and $25
price levels.
Feld Entertainment's Disney on Ice plays through Sunday at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.
*Tickets for this event were provided to this website in lieu for promotion and review purposes only. All opinions are unbiased and strictly our own.
A
few nights ago, our blogs had the opportunity to attend Disney On Ice:
Let's Celebrate at Philips Arena here in Atlanta. I was lucky enough
to have a Guest with me that (hopefully) will be joining our family of
websites, as a future writer and contributor.
Please
help me in welcoming, Lindsey, to our family of sites, as she presents
her very first review for us! Take it away Lindsey!
Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate lives up to its title - in itself, the show is a
reason to celebrate! The show featured
different segments on reasons to celebrate, including a Very Merry Unbirthday
with Alice and the Mad Hatter; a Halloween Town celebration with Jack
Skellington and the Disney Villains; Valentine's Day with the Princesses and
their Princes; summer vacation in Hawaii with Nani, David, Lilo, and Stitch,
which lead to Japan with Minnie, and China with Mickey, Mulan, and Li Shang;
Mardi Gras with Tiana and Naveen; and finally, Christmas with Buzz, Woody,
Jessie, and friends. If you're feeling
homesick for the happiest place on earth, I highly recommend Let's Celebrate!Fun for the entire family, it is the perfect
touch of the Disney Parks close to home. If you're seated close to the ice, the
characters may interact with you! Even
if you are seated far away from the arena, the characters on ice still make
attempts to bring the audience into the show, such as saying the magic words
with Fairy Godmother (Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!) or saying "Aloha!" along
with Lilo and friends to kick off the Luau in Hawaii.
Some underappreciated characters
made an appearance, including Pinocchio, Geppetto, and the Blue Fairy; Mowgli
and Baloo; Jack Skellington; Alice and Mad Hatter; Cruella De Ville; and many
others.It was nostalgic to see the characters that
aren't often included. The Halloween
Town party was haunting in the most theatrical and fun-filled way. The Jack Skellington figure skater was
phenomenal - the movements were whimsical, fun, and daring, much like Jack
himself. The Valentine's Day segment
with the Princesses was gorgeous. All of
the Princesses were included, with the exception of Pocahontas, Aurora,
Rapunzel, and Merida. The princesses had
an individual dance to a contemporary remix of their signature song with their
prince. The final dance with everyone
was to Enchanted's "That's How You Know," which had everyone wanting
to clap and sing along. After a short
intermission, the show returned with summer vacation in Hawaii. The theatrics in this were amazing. Be surprised for some daring stunts and
pyrotechnics from David. The best part
of summer vacation was the very end - Louisiana with Tiana and Naveen had
everyone clapping along and having a great time. The bluesy melody of The Princess and the Frog soundtrack along with the fast paced
skating and dancing was well received by all. The final Christmas segment had kids of all
ages in the audience enthusiastic - "The toys are back in town!" Toy
Story is a timeless classic, and I loved seeing them out on the ice! I was most impressed by the costumes for Hamm
and Rex. Their costumes were very cumbersome,
but they still engaged with the audience (Hamm let the kids pet him!)
Overall, Let's Celebrate is one of the most interesting Disney On Ice
productions. What appeals to the
audience is that it's suitable for kids of all ages. Parents and grandparents will enjoy it just as
much as the little ones will. The timing
of the production is also convenient. It's
the perfect event to bring in the holiday season. Regardless of holidays and celebration, it's
the perfect event to get your fix of Disney (I know that I suffer from Disney
withdrawls!) If it's coming to a city near you, don't miss out on the
opportunity to see this production! Bring some good company, and Let's Celebrate!
*Disney On Ice: Let's Celebrate will play Atlanta's
Philips Arena through Sunday, October 13th. There are still seats
available, and all our readers can get a 20% discount by using the code
GASSOUTH when checking out! Visit the Ticketmaster website to purchase yours today.
Well, it's time, and we've been waiting patiently since last Winter!
Disney
on Ice is finally returning to the Atlanta area for another fantastic
performance. This time, we will see Disney on Ice's, "Let's Celebrate"
production:
"It's one colossal party on
ice, with all your favorite Disney friends! Join Mickey Mouse and
Minnie Mouse as they celebrate a Halloween haunt with the Disney
Villains; a Very Merry UNbirthday party with Alice and the Mad Hatter;
Mardi Gras with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen; a Royal Valentine's
Day Ball with the Disney Princesses; a Hawaiian luau with Lilo &
Stitch; a winter wonderland with Woody, Jessie, and Buzz; and more in
this magical medley of holidays, celebrations, and festivals from around
the globe!"
Disney On Ice's, "Let's Celebrate" will play Philips Arena October 9 through the 13th. Performance times will be as follows:
Wed., Oct. 9 - 7:30PM
Thursday, Oct. 10 - 7:30PM
Friday, Oct. 11 - 10:30AM; 7:30PM
Saturday, Oct. 12 - 11:00AM; 2:30PM; 6:30PM
Sunday, Oct. 13 - 1:00PM; 5:00PM
Ticket prices range from $15 to $75. However...you can receive a 20% discount as one of our readers! Just use the code GASSOUTH when checking out! (Visit the Ticketmaster website to purchase your tickets.)
You can also visit and "Like" Disney on Ice on facebook and twitter (#DOIAtlanta). They have some fabulous information and pictures there.
I am so excited about this production! I love the Disney villains and Alice in Wonderland.
Stay
tuned for exciting contest information where you can win up to four (4)
tickets to see this fabulous production. You may also follow us and
our coverage of this event through our other two accounts and websites:
The Coffee Blog and Day Late Dollar Short!
"Looking
for a toe-tappin' good time today? Promenade over to Big Thunder Ranch
Jamboree for Woody's All-American Roundup featuring Rodeo games, crafts
and activities for the whole family! Mickey & Minnie Mouse will also
be making appearances from 10:30a-6p in their finest western duds! http://di.sn/bFy"
