The Art of Gingerbread Across Walt Disney World

From the Disney Parks Blog.  I think you will enjoy seeing (and wishing we could SMELL) the wonderful gingerbread creations at the Walt Disney World resort:

"You can smell the gingerbread as pastry chefs all across Walt Disney World Resort crank up the ovens to bake thousands of pieces of gingerbread to craft spectacular holiday creations.  From a Gingerbread Holiday Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort to the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, here’s what you’ll find beginning Nov. 23:

 

• Already on display is the Gingerbread Holiday Castle at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, nestled in the Grand Canyon Concourse on the fourth floor, inspired by Disney’s blockbuster “Frozen” and a touch of Disney artist Mary Blair’sit’s a small world.  Adorned with sugar snowflakes, gingerbread shingles, and chocolate-coated trees, guests can spot Anna, Elsa, Olaf, and more. (Look for the 16 Hidden Olafs.)
  

• Starting Nov. 16, the biggest creation is the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, made with a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria.  And every day, except Sunday, there are gingerbread house decorating demonstrations in the lobby (and a gingerbread house collectible pin featuring “Alice in Wonderland“).   This gargantuan creation is 16 feet high and uses 1,050 pounds of honey, 800 pounds of flour – and it takes more than 400 hours just to bake the gingerbread!
  
  
• The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot is an intricate re-creation of the United States Capitol Building debuting November 25 – and, new this year, the Lincoln Memorial joins the vignette.  Look for five Hidden Mickeys in the 50 pounds of gingerbread and 20 pounds of icing.
  
  
• New at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is the “Gingerbread Academy” that lets guests build gingerbread houses to take home, along with complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider for sipping.  Cost is $125 for up to four guests.  If you prefer to decorate a gingerbread cookie, cost is $8.95 per ornament, with proceeds to benefit Give Kids the World.  And a chance to work with one of the pastry chefs to create holiday cupcakes is $10.95 per person.  Make sure to walk through the lobby to take in the beauty – and delicious scent of gingerbread houses decorated by the pastry chefs of Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.
  
  
• A 3-foot-long African-inspired Marketplace graces the lobby starting November 23 at Tusker House Restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, a creation made with 23 pounds of flour, 8 pounds of honey, 25 pounds of dark chocolate, and 5 pounds of white chocolate, just for starters.

 

• The Holiday Carousel is back at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in the “Beach-side” lobby. Again this year, the team of chefs has crafted a life-size spinning carousel with 36 pounds of honey, 96 pounds of flour, 100 pounds of icing and more. Look for 17 Hidden Mickeys. The limited-edition collectible pin features Minnie Mouse and the carousel, and there’s also a Disney’s Beach Club Resort holiday pin featuring Donald Duck. Over on the Yacht side, check out the Holiday Village with Miniature Train surrounded by rock candy mountains.
  
  

• The Holiday Carousel is back at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts in the “Beach-side” lobby.  Again this year, the team of chefs has crafted a life-size spinning carousel with 36 pounds of honey, 96 pounds of flour, 100 pounds of icing, and more.  Look for 17 Hidden Mickeys.  The limited-edition collectible pin features Minnie Mouse and the carousel, and there’s also a Disney’s Beach Club Resort holiday pin featuring Donald Duck.  Over on the Yacht side, check out the Holiday Village with Miniature Train surrounded by rock candy mountains.

* * * * *

I swear, I don't know HOW we are only going to Disney World for a quick weekend trip...it may be impossible to see and taste all the deliciousness!

Disney Reveals New MagicBand Packaging This Week

At Walt Disney World® Resort, they are always looking for ways to improve your experience while ensuring their products continue to support The Walt Disney Company’s environmental initiatives.

Beginning Nov. 11, 2016, Guests who receive MagicBands at home before their resort stay will have their MagicBands fulfilled in new packaging.  The new packaging is fully recyclable and printed on recycled paper, in response to Guests' requests.

This packaging will include the same grey MagicBand holder that’s provided to Guests and at the resort front desk.  It will also contain the same collateral information on how to wear the MagicBand, how to use it in the parks and resorts, and RFID technology.

The new packaging includes a sleeve on its left side, which is where the Walt Disney Travel Company luggage tags will now be located.  The luggage tag straps can be found inside the gray MagicBand holder.

I always love seeing the new changes that Disney comes up with.  I can't wait to get our next MagicBands in this packaging!

Disney Unveils New Money-Saving Ticket Option!

Discover Endless Magic at All Four
Walt Disney World Resort Theme Parks with a New Special Ticket

With so many new attractions and experiences to discover at each of the Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Parks, now is the perfect time to start planning your stay – and Disney has a new special ticket offer to experience the distinctive magic in each Walt Disney World Theme Park.

The new 4 Park Magic Ticket is only $70 per day for a limited time and gives you one admission to each of the four theme parks on four separate days starting tomorrow, Nov. 15, 2016 through May 26, 2017.  (That is a savings of over $60 when compared to a four-day base Magic Your Way ticket!)

The 4 Park Magic Ticket is valid for a total of four admissions to the Walt Disney World Theme Parks and can be used to enter each Theme Park only once.

Tickets are valid for one day of admission to Magic Kingdom® Park, one day of admission to Epcot®, one day of admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, and one day of admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® on four separate days and may not be used to enter the same Park more than once.

This special ticket is the perfect way for you to stay at nearby at Walt Disney World Resort area hotels and experience all of this magic and more at each of the theme parks, but it won’t be available for long.

You can only purchase the 4 Park Magic Ticket between Nov. 15, 2016 and March 5, 2017*.  Tickets must be used within 14 days of first use or by May 26, 2017, and the following block-out dates apply:  Dec. 17, 2016 through Jan. 2, 2017 and April 10-21, 2017.

*Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable, and exclude activities/events separately priced.  Admission is subject to capacity closures and other restrictions.

All New Disney Nighttime SPECTACULAR at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

The all-new  “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios® at Walt Disney World® Resort on Nov. 14, 2016.

Santa Claus is missing, and the search-and-rescue mission to get The Big Guy back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve is all part of the fun.  The show comes to life on, above, and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks, and a rousing seasonal musical score.

Led by elves Wayne and Lanny, the duo from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” the spirited yuletide adventure to the North Pole features memorable holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and more all building to a festive finale that’s “So tinsel!”

If you are thinking about heading to Walt Disney World this holiday season, Dreams by Design Travel can help you get there flawlessly with help making dining reservations, ride reservations, and more.  Contact them today (via the logo on our home page) for your free holiday travel quote.

Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom Unveil New Dessert Cruise!

We love dessert, and we love all types of transportation at Disney's Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.  So imagine our delight in hearing about this new fireworks dessert cruise at the Magic Kingdom.

This article was just posted on-line by the Disney Parks Blog.  Here is a brief excerpt:

Cast your sights on the new Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise—the perfect way to take in a breathtaking view of the Magic Kingdom Park night time spectacular fireworks from an exclusive spot on Seven Seas Lagoon with dazzling desserts and drinks.

Imagine sailing off from the Ticket & Transportation Ferryboat Dock promptly one hour prior to “Wishes” Nighttime Spectacular, offered select nights weekly, on the iconic, double-stack ferryboat. Set a course for decks laden with delectable sweets such as “The Grand” key lime tart; pineapple upside down cake from the chefs at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; spiced flourless chocolate cake from the pastry kitchen at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; “Main Street” Mickey Balloon Tarts; mini “fireworks” cupcakes with a pop; Cinderella’s Sugar Slipper with Orange Financier; no-sugar-added Florida mango panna cotta; and a fabulous fruit and cheese spread. Toast the evening with specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in souvenir glow glasses. 

This special hard-ticketed event will have limited seating, and prices are $69 and $99.  You may call 407-WDW-DINE or visit DisneyWorld.com/DINE for reservations.

Visit the Disney Parks Blog to read more about this new and very cool event!

Disney Moves Toward $10 Hourly Starting Pay

Article courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

"Walt Disney World is among big companies moving toward paying workers at least $10 an hour — a change that experts say will improve the standard of living for the lowest-paid employees and could pressure other employers to raise pay.

A proposed contract with Disney World's largest union group, the Service Trades Council, would provide minimum hourly pay of $10 in 2016 for more than 23,000 full-time workers if it's ratified next week.  This year, the start rate would rise from $8.03 to $9 — $1.07 more than Florida's minimum wage.  The council estimates that about a third of its workers make less than $9 now.
"There's a movement across this country to raise the minimum wage," said Ed Chambers, the council's president.  "Disney's just ahead of the curve.  They probably anticipate that by that time [2016] it will be the going rate.  Why not take a leader position in raising the standards for everybody?"

Sixto Roman, a ride attendant at the Animal Kingdom, is one of the Disney workers looking forward to the extra pay.  Roman said he relies on food stamps and sometimes worries about how he'll pay rent on his pay of $8.35 an hour.

"My family will have a better life," said Roman, a 28-year-old married father of two young daughters.  "It won't be so stressful."

California-based Gap Inc. and Swedish retailer Ikea, both of which have stores in Central Florida, also have announced plans to raise minimum pay to $10 or more nationwide.

Economists say a major driver for such companies is the desire to hire and retain good employees as the economy improves in states such as Florida, where the unemployment rate dipped to 6.2 percent in June.

"The labor market's tightened up a little bit, and companies are paying up, not just to get workers but to keep them," said Mark Vitner, a senior economist with Wells Fargo.

In Orlando, economists said, competition for workers is escalating as the theme-park and hospitality industries grow.  Universal Orlando, for example, is hiring about 3,500 new workers this year.  Its expansion includes the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Diagon Alley, the Cabana Bay Beach Resort hotel, and eight new CityWalk venues.

Both Universal and SeaWorld, whose work forces are not unionized, raised hourly starting rates to $9 in June, two months after Disney made its contract offer.

Universal, which boosted hourly pay by $1, said compensation will remain part of its recruitment strategy but would not elaborate.  SeaWorld, which raised the start rate for nearly 30 job classifications from $8.30, said it doesn't anticipate raising wages again soon.

Experts said other tourism employers will likely be pressured to meet or come close to the Disney wages.

"It's going to turn into a bidding war," said Duncan Dickson, a professor at the University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management who used to be Disney's director of casting.
 By paying more, experts say, theme parks can reduce turnover costs and keep attracting employees who will focus on customer service.

"If you're a merchandise person at one of the new merchandise shops in Diagon Alley, there's a lot more expected of you in terms of entertainment value than if you're a clerk at Target or a clerk at Walmart," Dickson said.

Another Disney contract for part-timers in the Service Trades Council that will be negotiated later also will include the offer of a gradual increase to $10, Disney and the union group said.  Roughly half of Disney's 70,000-person Central Florida workforce is represented by the council, which includes janitors, housekeepers, and bus drivers.

Disney spokeswoman Jacquee Wahler said in a statement that the pay offer "represents the appreciation we have for our cast members and our commitment to providing a leading employment package."

Not everyone thinks the proposed contract is a winner, however.  The leadership of two of the six unions in the Service Trades Council gave it a thumbs down.  Detractors say employees who make more than the minimum would get relatively small raises when compared with health-insurance increases after the first year.

Still, Chambers said, the pay increase for the lower-paid workers is "huge." He noted that the change will be gradual — $9 this year, $9.50 in 2015 and $10 in 2016.

The Disney contract vote, scheduled for Friday, comes at a time of national debate about the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25. President Barack Obama wants to raise it to $10.10, which supporters say would give the nation's poorest workers a boost and reduce dependence on public assistance.  Republicans have opposed the plan, saying it would be a job killer.

In California, where Disney has its headquarters and operates Disneyland, the state raised its hourly minimum wage to $9 this month.  It will go to $10 in 2016.  The minimum rates this year and in 2016 are the same as the ones Disney is offering its Orlando workers.

Ikea says it looked at the cost of living when determining increases in its start rates, so changes differ by location.  In Orlando, workers will go from $8.25 to $10.57 in January.

Gap Inc., which owns chains including The Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, set a minimum hourly rate of $9 last month and will go to $10 next June.

Such jumps are particularly meaningful in Orlando's tourism-dominated economy, experts say.  A Sentinel analysis last year showed that Central Florida is the country's lowest-paying major metro area.  For those at the bottom, the increase is significant, said Sean Snaith, a University of Central Florida economist.

"Does it push them into the middle class?  Probably not. But ... it's not an insignificant hike from where the minimum wage is now in Florida."

spedicini@tribune.com or 407-420-5240407-420-5240"

Disney On Ice Returns in a BIG Way to ATL and Celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

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):

Credit:  Internet David Oppenheimer

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.

DISNEY - **FREE** Dining - Still Time to Book

Did you know you can eat for **FREE** at Walt Disney World during certain promotion times?

It's true.  You can!

Right now is one of those promotion times, and there is still time to book your **FREE** dining vacation.  Just click on the travel planning button to the right for more information.

*Visit the Disney website for promotion details.

Going to Disney? Check Out This Creative Countdown Calendar

*Courtesy Pinterest

Best Cookies at Disney World!

*Courtesy of Pinterest

Where and what are the best cookies at Walt Disney World?  Click the link above to find out!

Wildlife Wednesdays: Party for the Planet to Celebrate 15th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Earth Day on April 22!

*Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

On April 22 (Earth Day), in recognition of Disney's Animal Kingdom’s 15th anniversary, there will be even more natural magic. Here are some tips for all of you who are able to come:

• Get there by 8:30 a.m.! While the park and its attractions don’t open until 9 a.m., the turnstiles will open at 8:30 a.m., and I am proud to be joining Disney’s Animal Kingdom Vice President Josh D’Amaro who is hosting a special 15th anniversary ceremony that will take place in front of the Tree of Life at 8:40 a.m.
  
  
• Commemorative guide map: Be sure to pick one up when you enter the park. And while in the Main Entrance area, also pick up a keepsake postcard that serves as a Party for the Planet guide.
  
  
• Special conservation button: Starting April 22 and for a limited time (until quantities run out), those who give to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will receive a commemorative 15th anniversary DWCF button.
  
  
• Party for the Planet activities: In Africa, children will learn how to identify animals by observing tracks and other clues. In Asia, families will find out how choosing “green” products can make a big difference for wildlife and nature. At Rafiki’s Planet Watch, families will discover fun ways to spend time in nature and participate in activities inspired by the Disneynature films “African Cats,” “Chimpanzee,” and “Wings of Life.” Guests also can talk with cast members who work on conservation projects around the world.
  
  
• Guest artists and special merchandise: Speak with specialists from Elemental Nursery and Just Plumerias, who will be on hand to feature their beautiful plants and topiaries, along with special guest appearances. There will be face painting with a variety of animal images and the opportunity to pose for a fun portrait, plus special 15th anniversary merchandise (quantities limited). Find out more here.
  
  
• Speciality snacks: A party wouldn’t be a party without snacks–enjoy an Earth Day cupcake.

Looking for more Earth Day fun during your visit to the Walt Disney World Resort? On April 22 at Epcot, which is celebrating the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, special Earth Day activities are taking place at The Seas with Nemo & Friends and Vision House in Innoventions, and be on the lookout for Earth Day activities at our resorts and Downtown Disney.

Upcoming 2013 events for connecting families with nature (as always, dates subject to change):

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

• May 8: International Migratory Bird Day
• May 23: World Turtle Day
• June 5: Pollinator Day
• July 25: Tiger Day
• August 1: Primate Day
• August: Cotton-Top Tamarin Month
• September 5: International Vulture Awareness Day
• September 26: Elephant Day
• October 31: Bat Day
• November 12: Rhino Day

At The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot:

• May 18: Endangered Species Day
• May 23: World Turtle Day
• June 8: World Ocean Day
• September 7: International Manatee Day

Epcot at Night

DISNEY PARKS BLOG - Dinosaurs Say “Good Buy” at Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures in Dinoland, U.S.A., at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

*Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

From the Disney Parks Blog yesterday:

One of my favorite things to do on weekends is take a road trip in search of vintage roadside signs and attractions. I’ve photographed many of them in states like Florida, Ohio and California. My love for these roadside wonders is one reason I like Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures in Dinoland, U.S.A., at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. In her book “The Making of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park,” Melody Malmberg described this location as “the ultimate affectionate tribute to roadside Americana.” I recently spent nearly 45 minutes taking photos in this location in anticipation of the park’s 15th anniversary (I was there so long that a retail manager almost scheduled me for work).

Located off US 498 in Diggs County, the shop is only a short distance from the Dino Institute, home to DINOSAUR, which my fellow author Nate Rasmussen recently featured on the Disney Parks Blog.

According to Malmberg, the shop was founded by Chester and Hester, dinosaur aficionados who turned a gas station into the ultimate dinosaur destination. The Dino Institute wants to “buy and raze the place, but Chester and Hester’s unidentified heirs have as good a sense of humor as the originators.” The heirs refuse to sell, and have kept the shop filled with countless dinosaur toys, figures, images and more.

I love the little vignettes found throughout the shop like “Hester’s Dino Rocks,” which feature a dinosaur band, or the western town overrun with dinosaurs. The outside of the shop is just as much fun as the inside with huge playful signs. You can even see a painted over gas sign on the back roof of the shop.

This location contains a good mixture of merchandise items including apparel, toys, hats, coffee mugs and even D-Tech electronic accessories. There are also a few DINOSAUR attraction themed items like Carnotaurus latex figures or radio controlled Time Rover ride vehicles.

I invite you to stop by Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures next time you are in Dinoland, U.S.A. Here are a few additional photos from my expedition.

Caption This: Piracy in the Caribbean at Walt Disney World Resort

Do you recognize this famous scene from Pirates of the Caribbean here at Walt Disney World Resort?

In it, three locals (under the watch of a pirate guard) await their turn to get dunked in the town fountain. What’s on their minds as they wait? You tell us. Go ahead and “Caption This!”

Leave us a comment below to tell us how you would caption this picture.

*Thanks Disney Parks Blog!