Making Changes

Other than Peter Pan there comes a time in everyone's life where they must grow older. Not necessarily grow up though. This year I am turning 20 years old. Hard to believe that I started this blog over 3 years ago. Since I will no longer be a teen I feel that it is time for a small change though.
All new posts will be made on WDWDetails. You can click through that link or on the New Blog Location tab just above this post.
You will still be able to see all the posts that are currently here on WDWorld4Teens. Do not fear I have no plans to stop posting about the wondrous things I discover! So to keep updated with all my new adventures s be sure to head on over to the new URL so you don't miss out!

Have a Magical Day!

Star Wars Weekends 2013

When it was announced that Disney had bought Lucas Films and intended to create new movies many of my friends asked if I was going to suddenly start liking Star Wars now that it was Disney. I just giggled because there were a few things they didn't realize.
1. I grew up on Star Wars and have always loved the original movies
2. Disney pretty much already owned Star Wars
3. I've been attending the Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios for a few years now

With my avid obsession of Character Autographs and Greetings its easy to understand why I really enjoy these special weekends each summer. The entire park is crawling with rebel and empire forces. From Tusken Raiders to Ewoks, Darth Vader to a Jedi Mickey Mouse there are so many opportunities to see these rare characters. Throughout my visits I've been able to see Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Queen Amidala, Clones, Storm Troopers, Jawas, Chewbacca, Classic Disney Characters dressed in Star Wars theme, among dozens of others. My main advice for catching some of the roaming characters is to not give up. Quite often they will walk past you if you try to get a picture or autograph but hey the rebels have their hands full and the clones are too busy following orders some times.

One thing I never fully understand about Star Wars Weekends is how the line for Star Tours is 1 to 2 hours long yet there are Fast Pass available for 45 minutes from the time you get them. Some people don't know about the wonder that is Fast Pass but it is a great way to make the most out of your time in the parks.

For the true fans there are celebrity meet and greets but you have to be there before park opening in order to get your tickets! Unfortunately I have not yet had the opportunity to rub elbows with the real life stars. Often they have special seminars being held each day though as well so be sure to check out the times guide for who will be there!

Looking for Star Wars Merch? Look no further than Darth's Mall (yes that's the real name). Limited edition merchandise and event only items are available here along with a meet and greet area.

Don't miss out on the ending show. If you've ever wanted to see Clones break dance or Senator Palpatine rap or everyone's favorite Cantina Band perform this is the place where anything can happen. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I am so glad I was able to find a spot to watch it!

*Jedi Hand Wave* These are the photos you were looking for
May the force be with you, and have a Magical Day!

Animal Kingdom - In the details. Guest Blogger

So my mom was fortunate enough to go to Animal Kingdom and celebrate the 15th Anniversary this past Earth Day while I was working. Here is her take on what she saw and her general love of all things Disney.

Guest Blogger: Suzi ( My Mom!)

Some people just don’t get it.  They never have, they never will.  Why do I have such a fascination with Disney?  And why don’t I have the same appreciation for other theme parks?  One day we had some family friends over for dinner, they had just returned from EPCOT after a 20 year hiatus, and said nothing had changed.  They rode the same five rides as last time.  Then there’s the friend that loves Disney, and will go to 4 parks in a day, only for one signature ride at each and be done.  I guess it’s them that I don’t understand.

Yes the theme parks have awesome rides for the motion part of it, but rather it’s the details that keep you riding again and again.  Every time I go to the park, I discover a new detail.  Sometimes it’s something I went specifically to see because someone else mentioned it.  Sometimes it’s something that I think only I have seen, and it’s just happened.

Everyone who is a true Disney fan knows to look for hidden Mickey’s.  Most everyone knows about the plates on the table in Haunted Mansion – you do now if you didn’t.  So I thought it was interesting that the last time I rode it, the plates had been moved to traditional table settings, and were not in the hidden Mickey.

Monday April 22^nd 2013 was Earth Day, and this signifies the anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  This year was a milestone 15^th Anniversary, and they threw a party.  Quite by chance, I found out about a group of Disney fans that were meeting for the weekend WDWCelebrations .  I had never heard of them, but they looked like they had an amazing agenda planned, for a very low price.  So I registered and off I went to Disney, by myself.

We arrived at the park at 7am, 2 hours before opening.  New thing #1 they were using the new Mickey turnstiles for passholders and resort guests.  #2, right before opening the person in charge of the cast members letting us in went down the line and told the cast members to check their zippers!  Even the cast members said that was a first.  #3, the group that I was with knew a cast member, and we all started chanting Mikey, Mikey, Mikey.  The cast member in front of me (I was first in line) said that Mikey couldn’t do anything to get us in early, but Ron could.  So we all started chanting Ron, Ron, Ron.  He came out with a microphone and said that chanting his name wouldn’t get us in early, but money would.

Many people have already blogged about the ceremony and merchandise so I shall skip forward a few hours.  As we were enjoying our Earth Day cupcakes, the leaders of our group mentioned that some of the answers to the upcoming scavenger hunt were within view.  I tucked this info away for later, same as when they leaned over a bridge to look at something.

I discovered several new things this day.  The main thing being that there is nothing in Animal Kingdom that is there without reason and that so much has gone into the design of the park to make it authentic to the areas that they represent, albeit some of this tongue and cheek.

Looking for something different to drink?  Try the Jamba Juice.  I found out that the walk up refreshment stands have some pretty unusual food and drinks.

Scavenger Hunts are an excellent means to learn about the park.  Again, look it up, you can probably find several.  But for a teaser, here are a few of the things that I searched for. 

Dina Sore’s phone number, the number of painted fish in a pavilion, the country that bricks were made from, survey markers, information that could only be found on a menu, or on a tiny scrap of paper plastered to a pole.  I discovered that bulletin boards had a lot of fun information posted.  I also discovered that if there is a small path that looks like you shouldn’t go on it, it’s ok as long as there isn’t a barricade.  Often times these paths lead to little known gems.  The queue lines have a lot of stuff, check out Kali River Rapids, you can exit the line just before the ride if you want.  Having never been on the ride, I couldn’t believe how much detail that I missed.

So what keeps me returning to Disney?  It’s the attention and care to the little details.  Enjoy the rides.  But the next time you are standing in line take a look around.   

PS -Did you know that you can get free baked samples at Big Top Souvenirs in Magic Kingdom?

We hope you enjoyed this update and as always, Have a Magical Day!

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2013

So the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival for those of you who don't know is an amazing combination of beautiful flower topiary special events with HGTV stars and other famous landscapers, play areas for kids,  limited time art vendors, and now even featuring food stands too! Over the past 5 years I've gone to all but one of those seasons. This year is the 20th Birthday for the Flower & Garden Festival and I was so excited to see all the beauty added to the already gorgeous EPCOT.

I took lots of photos, as you may be able to tell that I do on a regular basis. Unfortunately I'm blaming my new home of Miami and the Bermuda Triangle for the disappearance of all said photos. What is fortunate however is that my mom visited at another time and I can borrow her photos to share the spring flair with you all!

If you have ever participated in the Flower & Garden Festival for more than one season you may recognize many of the topiary as they are frequently reused in different areas each year. Some new ones for this season however included Phineas and Ferb, Monsters University, Woody & Lots'o, and a Radiator Springs play area. To honor Oz the Great and Powerful there was also a large space between Imagination and World Showcase featuring a play area for kids, fun carnival style games for all ages, and lots of pieces representing the movie. Feel like a photo op in a crash landed hot air balloon? Look no further than here!

The Flower & Garden Festival Passport is a smart way to double check that you've seen all the special happenings and the stamps are very cute but don't feel like you need to get all of them as there really isn't an special prize for completing the whole passport.

Strolling around World Showcase one is sure to find numerous blooming flowers hailing from all around the world. One of my favorite things about Florida is the ability for all these beauties to flourish and the opportunity for such wonderful colors and exotic plants. It seems this year that the Festival was much more geared to families with smaller children as there seemed to be more activities as well as play areas for parents to sit for a bit while their tots spend their extra energy.

If you just can't wait for the Food & Wine Festival this fall visiting the Flower & Garden might just help to tide you over. Several new garden marketplaces have sprung up around World Showcase to offer everyone refreshing treats inspired by their region and the freshness of the Festival. Personally my stop at The Cottage: Savories, Triffles, & Teas was fantastic! The cheddar biscuit with salmon and rose blush lemonade gave me the boost I needed on a hot Florida day.

I hope you enjoyed my overview of my trip to this year's Flower & Garden Festival and wish you a magical day!

Photo time!