I was just getting my pedicure and talking Disney with my friend and a coworker of hers. He is supposedly big into WDW too, but Casey said I put him to shame. We talked some about Le Cellier and the soup. I told Casey I had the recipe and they both wanted it. Made me think, why not blog about it.
For those who haven't tried it, if you are in Epcot during Food and Wine try it. If you get a reservation at Le Cellier try it. If you can't have it because of some of the ingredients... don't have it.
1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
3 celery ribs, cut into 1/4 inch pieces
4 tablespoons of BUTTER
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken stock
4 cups of milk
1 pound white cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Tabasco sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Course salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup warm beer
Chopped scallions or chives for garnish
serves 10
1. In a 4- or 5- quart Dutch oven, cook the bacon, stirring, over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until lightly brown.
2. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes over medium heat. Whisk in the chicken stock and bring to a boil for 1 minute. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the milk and continue to simmer for 15minutes. Do not boil after you add the milk.
5. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Stir in warm beer. If the soup is too thick, thin with some warm milk.
6. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped scallions or chives.
Bon Appetit!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Art the Greeter
Today I got the official news that Art, the Greeter at the Beach Club Resort and Beach Club Villas is retiring. I am sure there are many reasons for that final decision, but the main one I can say, as it was confirmed, is that it will allow him more time with family, especially with the upcoming holidays. Art had talked about it before he was out a few months ago. He had to take time here and there off because when you start taking social security, you can only work so many hours in a month and a year. He had talked about some things he would like to do, "when the time is right".
I saw Art this past weekend, and now knowing that this is official, it make sense on something made in passing. I knew it was coming, just not when. One of the things I have loved when I see Art, is his visiting for moments with families who want to stop and take a picture with him. I have taken MANY of those pictures when I stop to visit over the past several years. I just took one picture of him off the refrigerator and replaced it with another. He will soon have a more special spot, as I am planning to get a photo of him with my mom, sister and niece. It's a 3 generation shot. That one will get framed and treasured, for many reasons.
Art is a huge inspiration and also motivator. I went back to school in 2007-2008, and Art would tell me whenever I was at WDW, "Mediocrity is unacceptable." He is so right. Bring yourself up a level and strive harder. Be better at what you can do and be. Don't do things halfway because it's easier or because someone else can come along later and fix it. Do it right the first time.
I've noticed with conversations I have had with him and some others, that he doesn't judge people, he doesn't take sides. He is the most humble human being I have come to know. He is generous with his time, which is evident when he is at work. If someone asks to see him on his break... he has insisted that staff get him. Only once have I ever interrupted a break, and I was just going to wait for him. Management went to get him instead.
If you can get to WDW before 17th October, I hope you can get by to see Art. I am not sure if he is going to continue to take Sundays and Mondays off, but would think that he will be taking them off. I feel truly blessed to call him a friend... and to have been in the presence of someone like him. He truly is a living icon of all things Disney, and will missed by thousands.
I wish you well Art! May God bless you many, many times over. And thank you for the joy, happiness and peace you have given me.
About the photo: Art was talking with a guest. I had moved around out of the way by one of the pillars closer to the back door. Art had looked up and looked up again when he realized I was there. I had my camera ready, as I wanted a candid shot and got this picture. 24th January 2009.
Friday, September 25, 2009
My Last Kungaloosh
Last night I went to one of the last Adventurer's Club private events. It was very bittersweet. Saw some of the "box people", Lou Mongello and Ryan, author of the Main Street Gazette blog. I brought my friend Rebecca who was with me there a year ago (almost to the day). She was my backup because someone wasn't able to be home from a trip. (I remember my first time was with an ex BF when we went to PI years ago. AC intrigued me.)
We were escorted in and walked down the stairs. We had a buffet set up with salad, beans, mashed potatoes, couscous, chicken, roast beef and bread. No alcohol.... sadly... was looking for a Kungaloosh. Disney did not keep up the license for that building. The library was full, so Rebecca and I went into the treasure room to eat.
As we finished dinner the show began. We came into the rotunda and had the official greeting and induction... you know the greeting, the creed and the song. You do know the secret greeting?? How about the creed?
We moved into the Library as the show carried on. The other group behind us ate. The show was way too short! After the show we came back out, had dessert in the back and then re-entered. The show continued in the Rotunda, then the Mask and Treasure rooms. It ended too soon. We were able to take pictures... live for the last time in 1937.
The cast members made comments throughout the show about the club being closed a year and about things being shipped to Hong Kong. I am glad to know I can still see a couple in few places around the parks. I will miss them and this place that made me smile so much... and let me escape my reality. I am glad that I did decide to take my camera at the last moment. Though I think that this is one of WDW largest mistakes, I pray that the magic carries on however it is used (even as props) in Hong Kong.
Thanks you Lou Mongello and MEI/Mouse Fan Travel for hosting this!
We were escorted in and walked down the stairs. We had a buffet set up with salad, beans, mashed potatoes, couscous, chicken, roast beef and bread. No alcohol.... sadly... was looking for a Kungaloosh. Disney did not keep up the license for that building. The library was full, so Rebecca and I went into the treasure room to eat.
As we finished dinner the show began. We came into the rotunda and had the official greeting and induction... you know the greeting, the creed and the song. You do know the secret greeting?? How about the creed?
We climb the highest mountain,
just to get a better view.
We plumb the deepest oceans, cause
we're daring through and through.
We cross the scorching desert, martini in our hand.
We ski the polar icecaps, in tuxedo looking grand.
We are reckless, brave and loyal, and valiant to the end.
If you come in here a stranger, you will exit as a friend.KUNGALOOSH!
We moved into the Library as the show carried on. The other group behind us ate. The show was way too short! After the show we came back out, had dessert in the back and then re-entered. The show continued in the Rotunda, then the Mask and Treasure rooms. It ended too soon. We were able to take pictures... live for the last time in 1937.
The cast members made comments throughout the show about the club being closed a year and about things being shipped to Hong Kong. I am glad to know I can still see a couple in few places around the parks. I will miss them and this place that made me smile so much... and let me escape my reality. I am glad that I did decide to take my camera at the last moment. Though I think that this is one of WDW largest mistakes, I pray that the magic carries on however it is used (even as props) in Hong Kong.
Thanks you Lou Mongello and MEI/Mouse Fan Travel for hosting this!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
D23 Expo: Upcoming changes for the Disney Parks and Resorts
I do not normally do the same type of blog that all the other Disney Bloggers seem to do. This is the exception. I saw some information that was going out that wasn't what was said when I listened to the 30 minute feed twice.
Fantasyland at Walt Disney World is getting revamped. Back behind the area that we know they have already started work. There will be settings for Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Cinderella, Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Belle. I am so looking forward to Belle! There will be a new dining area there, "Be Our Guest" I believe is the table service and Gaston's pub will be counter service. They will move the current Storytime with Belle into this area with a change to it. There will be a ride for Ariel (reminded me of Finding Nemo in Epcot). And finally, Pixie Hallow is going to much more than it already is at Toon Town.
Disney Cruise Line had some changes. I thought they said 2 places for new places to see, but only heard Alaska. The Wonder will be permanently moved to the West coast. The 2 new ships, Dream and Fantasy, will be coming soon. Castaway Key is getting some changes too. They did show a little bit of the DVC resort in Hawaii.
I know I have said Tokyo when talking about Adventurer's Club... and I do not know why I keep doing that... but rumor is that after I go to an event there (with 2 others follow the next 2 nights) the AC is being packed up and moved to Hong Kong. Well, now I believe it even more. At DLHK they are adding a new land, a frontier type land, called Grizzly Trails. There is going to be a roller coaster type ride with a mix of California Screamin' and Expedition Everest with added details in all their coasters.
Finally, the AC link. There is going to be a Haunted Mansion type ride that has a interactive part so you never get the same ride twice. It's called Mystic Point and has a theme about a man's adventures and a monkey. This is why I see everything being packed up now at the AC. How sad we lose this great attraction... just because they want to use the props there.
The expansion at DL California Adventure is going on. The World of Color nighttime spectacular is coming along with new boats/barges that look very colorful. They are opening a new land: car Land, that takes you to Radiator Springs. There will be a ride there that is a play on Test Track from the appearance of the mock up. And in Oct 2010, StarTours will be closing at DL for a revamp, that will reopen in 2011. At the announcement, this was only said for the DL resort. Yes, I do eventually see that changing at DHS, but it wasn't announced at that time. Maybe someone asked after the fact, but why would they not say both with all the news????????
Fantasyland at Walt Disney World is getting revamped. Back behind the area that we know they have already started work. There will be settings for Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Cinderella, Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and Belle. I am so looking forward to Belle! There will be a new dining area there, "Be Our Guest" I believe is the table service and Gaston's pub will be counter service. They will move the current Storytime with Belle into this area with a change to it. There will be a ride for Ariel (reminded me of Finding Nemo in Epcot). And finally, Pixie Hallow is going to much more than it already is at Toon Town.
Disney Cruise Line had some changes. I thought they said 2 places for new places to see, but only heard Alaska. The Wonder will be permanently moved to the West coast. The 2 new ships, Dream and Fantasy, will be coming soon. Castaway Key is getting some changes too. They did show a little bit of the DVC resort in Hawaii.
I know I have said Tokyo when talking about Adventurer's Club... and I do not know why I keep doing that... but rumor is that after I go to an event there (with 2 others follow the next 2 nights) the AC is being packed up and moved to Hong Kong. Well, now I believe it even more. At DLHK they are adding a new land, a frontier type land, called Grizzly Trails. There is going to be a roller coaster type ride with a mix of California Screamin' and Expedition Everest with added details in all their coasters.
Finally, the AC link. There is going to be a Haunted Mansion type ride that has a interactive part so you never get the same ride twice. It's called Mystic Point and has a theme about a man's adventures and a monkey. This is why I see everything being packed up now at the AC. How sad we lose this great attraction... just because they want to use the props there.
The expansion at DL California Adventure is going on. The World of Color nighttime spectacular is coming along with new boats/barges that look very colorful. They are opening a new land: car Land, that takes you to Radiator Springs. There will be a ride there that is a play on Test Track from the appearance of the mock up. And in Oct 2010, StarTours will be closing at DL for a revamp, that will reopen in 2011. At the announcement, this was only said for the DL resort. Yes, I do eventually see that changing at DHS, but it wasn't announced at that time. Maybe someone asked after the fact, but why would they not say both with all the news????????
Food and Wine Festival
In just under 2 weeks, Epcot will be welcoming many to 7 weeks of wonderful food and wine from all over the world. I was at Epcot yesterday and they are already have the kiosks set up. There wasn't any topiaries set up yet, which were sparse last year, IMO. Last year was actually the most disappointing year with the way it was done... but that didn't keep me from going or enjoying it. There is a wide variety of things to do.
They have the Eat to the Beat concerts (see list below), Wine Seminars*, Taste Seminars**, Culinary demonstrations**, and then some things like a taste of Italy, a Beer Hop, and many sample size offerings of food and wine from all over. There are countries that you find in World Showcase that are also represented (France, Germany, Canada, etc) and then you have Greece, New Zealand, Ireland, India, Spain and more. New this year is going to be Thailand and Brazil... and also a dessert and champagne kiosk. The cost for the samplings vary from $3 to up to $7-8. It's a good place to try things you wouldn't try and take a step to go beyond your boundries. (I tried escargot and pickled octopus there and liked them both.)
Bon Appetit!!!
Eat to the Beat Concerts:
09/25 - 09/27 - Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy
09/28 - 09/29 - Richard Marx
09/30 - 10/03 - Starships with Mickey Thomas
10/04 - 10/06 - En Vogue
10/07- 10/08 - Better than Ezra
10/09 - 10/11 - Sister Hazel
10/12 - 10/13 - Kool and the Gang
10/14 - 10/16 - Spyro Gyra
10/17 - 10/18 - Jon Secada
10/19 - 10/20 - Sister Sledge
10/21 - 10/22 - Vanessa Carlton
10/23 - 10/25 - Taylor Dayne
10/26 - 10/28 - Boyz II Men
10/29 - 10/31 - John Waite
11/01 - 11/02 - Taylor Hicks
11/03 - 11/05 - Billy Ocean
11/06 - 11/08 - Los Lobos
* Wine Seminars
Epcot Adventures in Wine Varietals Epcot
Wine Schools
Food and Wine Pairings
** Taste Seminars/Culinary Demostrations
Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen
French Regional Lunch Series
A Party for the Senses Signature Dinners
Sweet Sundays
They have the Eat to the Beat concerts (see list below), Wine Seminars*, Taste Seminars**, Culinary demonstrations**, and then some things like a taste of Italy, a Beer Hop, and many sample size offerings of food and wine from all over. There are countries that you find in World Showcase that are also represented (France, Germany, Canada, etc) and then you have Greece, New Zealand, Ireland, India, Spain and more. New this year is going to be Thailand and Brazil... and also a dessert and champagne kiosk. The cost for the samplings vary from $3 to up to $7-8. It's a good place to try things you wouldn't try and take a step to go beyond your boundries. (I tried escargot and pickled octopus there and liked them both.)
Bon Appetit!!!
Eat to the Beat Concerts:
09/25 - 09/27 - Big Bad Voo Doo Daddy
09/28 - 09/29 - Richard Marx
09/30 - 10/03 - Starships with Mickey Thomas
10/04 - 10/06 - En Vogue
10/07- 10/08 - Better than Ezra
10/09 - 10/11 - Sister Hazel
10/12 - 10/13 - Kool and the Gang
10/14 - 10/16 - Spyro Gyra
10/17 - 10/18 - Jon Secada
10/19 - 10/20 - Sister Sledge
10/21 - 10/22 - Vanessa Carlton
10/23 - 10/25 - Taylor Dayne
10/26 - 10/28 - Boyz II Men
10/29 - 10/31 - John Waite
11/01 - 11/02 - Taylor Hicks
11/03 - 11/05 - Billy Ocean
11/06 - 11/08 - Los Lobos
* Wine Seminars
Epcot Adventures in Wine Varietals Epcot
Wine Schools
Food and Wine Pairings
** Taste Seminars/Culinary Demostrations
Celebrating Family and Friends in the Kitchen
French Regional Lunch Series
A Party for the Senses Signature Dinners
Sweet Sundays
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Disneyland's Walk of Magical Memories
Disneyland is doing a walkway similar to the bricks that are at the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Resort. The one at DL will be between MK and California Adventure. The bricks are still being sold at this time. They run $150.00 for 3 lines. Each line is up to 16 letters, spaces and punctuation. You may have names, a place (like city and state) and a date. You also get to pick a little picture from a choice of 6 designs (wedding bells, a castle with a banner under it that I don't remember, Mickey icon shape with a year in it, and Mickey's hands that make a heart. One for California AP holders only and one for CM only.). You may not put "in memory of, in honor of, wedding, anniversary, birthday etc.). For an extra $35 each you may get either an acrylic or wooden replica of the brick. After the information is received by DL, they send a confirmation out in approximately 3 weeks. After another 10 weeks, you get the replicas.
I recently purchased a brick with contributions from awesome friends who wanted to be a part of remember a friend we lost suddenly. I spoke about her in a past blog. We have all contributed enough money to not only get the brick, but also 2 wooden replicas for her children, AND over $250.00 is going to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in her name. Her brick has the Mickey hands picture, her name and where she lived. I am amazed by their generosity and friendship. They have been a great help as I have dealt with the loss of a friend and I hope that I was equally as generous with compassion for them as they went through this loss too.
Jen's brick will be placed in February 2010. I hope I can get out there one day to see it. I do have a couple friends in California who would take a picture for me. I think it's a wonderful way to remember someone who loves Disney.
I recently purchased a brick with contributions from awesome friends who wanted to be a part of remember a friend we lost suddenly. I spoke about her in a past blog. We have all contributed enough money to not only get the brick, but also 2 wooden replicas for her children, AND over $250.00 is going to the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund in her name. Her brick has the Mickey hands picture, her name and where she lived. I am amazed by their generosity and friendship. They have been a great help as I have dealt with the loss of a friend and I hope that I was equally as generous with compassion for them as they went through this loss too.
Jen's brick will be placed in February 2010. I hope I can get out there one day to see it. I do have a couple friends in California who would take a picture for me. I think it's a wonderful way to remember someone who loves Disney.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
MNSSHP Kickoff
Tonight was the first night of the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Fall has arrived at WDW when the decorations went up over a week ago. Made my day when I saw a text picture from a friend showing me that. We are heading into my favorite time of year... Fall.
There is a lot to do at the MNSSHP. You can go to dance parties, trick or treat at special spots through out the park, ride the rides, watch the parade (which is the highlight of the night) not once but twice, see Hallo-Wishes and the ultimate of all things is for just a bit... is to see the Headless Horseman ride! This is the must NOT be missed.. if even for one time. The parade itself is a not to miss too, especially with the ghosts and the gravediggers. Oh, and look for the caretaker and his dog from the HM! For the trick or treating part, WDW gives you bags to collect all the sweets you can. The cast members are a lot of fun too!
Don't forget you can dress up for this party! I have seen a variety of themes in the park. The best was a group who dressed up as characters from the Adventurer's Club. I have seen group as Peter Pan, Wendy, Tink, Michael and John... oh, and some lost boys! Saw theme of 101 Dalmations, Snow White, Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Some friends and I talked about doing that for this year, when the trip was really big, but it didn't pan out.
The music is addictive and I can hardly wait to change my phone ringtone to "Boo to You". I did it last year and it was a huge hit =0) There are many photo options and don't forget to use your photopass. There was a ghost added into the photo at the HM which was pretty cool. There are also banners that can be added online when you edit the pictures.
Happy Trick or Treating!
There is a lot to do at the MNSSHP. You can go to dance parties, trick or treat at special spots through out the park, ride the rides, watch the parade (which is the highlight of the night) not once but twice, see Hallo-Wishes and the ultimate of all things is for just a bit... is to see the Headless Horseman ride! This is the must NOT be missed.. if even for one time. The parade itself is a not to miss too, especially with the ghosts and the gravediggers. Oh, and look for the caretaker and his dog from the HM! For the trick or treating part, WDW gives you bags to collect all the sweets you can. The cast members are a lot of fun too!
Don't forget you can dress up for this party! I have seen a variety of themes in the park. The best was a group who dressed up as characters from the Adventurer's Club. I have seen group as Peter Pan, Wendy, Tink, Michael and John... oh, and some lost boys! Saw theme of 101 Dalmations, Snow White, Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. Some friends and I talked about doing that for this year, when the trip was really big, but it didn't pan out.
The music is addictive and I can hardly wait to change my phone ringtone to "Boo to You". I did it last year and it was a huge hit =0) There are many photo options and don't forget to use your photopass. There was a ghost added into the photo at the HM which was pretty cool. There are also banners that can be added online when you edit the pictures.
Happy Trick or Treating!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Have to Keep the Magic
My heart is sad. My dear friend Jennifer is gone. She died suddenly on Monday morning. Jennifer and I were going to do the 2 Kingdoms in one day trip I talked about below. We were to meet up with others at Disneyland if they didn't or couldn't come to both. Jennifer had a great laugh. She loved Disney more than anyone I have met. She loved her two children so much. She had a kind heart and a generous soul.
Here is the biggest part... Jen and I have never met. We tried so many times.. but things happened that didn't work out for her. She was suppose to be with me in September 2008, the weekend after I took my boards. Another friend Kip was there, and we got a pink balloon and carried that around one day, calling it Jen. When I got home, I took the balloon and let the air out (okay not air) but regardless... I mailed it to her. She loved it. I feel like we have known each other for longer than the couple years. That is the power the internet can have. Bring you close to someone who is miles and miles away.
I plan to keep this trip. I hope other friends will join in. I hope someone else will come along too. Jen had said the more the merrier! I promise to keep the Magic in my life.
**8/13/2009: I am going to WDW on Saturday. I am going to meet up with a couple friends of Jen's and mine. We will celebrate her life (one of many trips for that).
Here is the biggest part... Jen and I have never met. We tried so many times.. but things happened that didn't work out for her. She was suppose to be with me in September 2008, the weekend after I took my boards. Another friend Kip was there, and we got a pink balloon and carried that around one day, calling it Jen. When I got home, I took the balloon and let the air out (okay not air) but regardless... I mailed it to her. She loved it. I feel like we have known each other for longer than the couple years. That is the power the internet can have. Bring you close to someone who is miles and miles away.
I plan to keep this trip. I hope other friends will join in. I hope someone else will come along too. Jen had said the more the merrier! I promise to keep the Magic in my life.
**8/13/2009: I am going to WDW on Saturday. I am going to meet up with a couple friends of Jen's and mine. We will celebrate her life (one of many trips for that).
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Characters in Flight
I finally was able to ride the Characters in Flight helium balloon last night and it was awesome! I didn't take my camera, so I didn't take any photos. The flight was around 7:15pm when we went up. The sun was still very much up, but it was nice. You could see a good distance around the property and beyond in some areas. I really think that if you time it right you could be on the flight when the fireworks* are going off at Epcot or at Magic Kingdom. I would imagine many, many others would try this too! It was really a neat perspective! I think that it can be romantic too... even if it only lasts 10 minutes total. I am looking forward to doing it again sometime.
*Don't forget how long the fireworks are...... Wishes is approximately 12 minutes and Illuminations is 12.5 minutes.
*Don't forget how long the fireworks are...... Wishes is approximately 12 minutes and Illuminations is 12.5 minutes.
Monday, July 27, 2009
A Random Thought...
I was just going through some other blogs and saw something that I had thought would be neat to do. I just wasn't sure how to make it possible. But it is!
The funny thing about this, is there has always been a desire to do something* similar here in the state of Florida. Now just thinking bigger! The idea is to be in Walt Disney World AND Disneyland on the same day! I would need to stay in Orlando of course at WDW. Spend some time in the park of choice... most likely Magic Kingdom. Take a late flight, that would allow me time to get to DL and into a park that same day... again, the original park.
I have to take another look at flights and talk to a friend. There is a group of us going in December to Disneyland. I am looking forward to this. I have never been to DL... let alone past Texas! I am hoping too, that this will be topped off with some other things. I need to add a night to our stay but not sure which resort.
* I have always wanted to see the sun rise on the east coast of Florida, head west doing something to spend the day arriving on the west coast of Florida and see the sun set. Get up early enough to see the sun rise at WDW, and then watch it set while at DL.
The funny thing about this, is there has always been a desire to do something* similar here in the state of Florida. Now just thinking bigger! The idea is to be in Walt Disney World AND Disneyland on the same day! I would need to stay in Orlando of course at WDW. Spend some time in the park of choice... most likely Magic Kingdom. Take a late flight, that would allow me time to get to DL and into a park that same day... again, the original park.
I have to take another look at flights and talk to a friend. There is a group of us going in December to Disneyland. I am looking forward to this. I have never been to DL... let alone past Texas! I am hoping too, that this will be topped off with some other things. I need to add a night to our stay but not sure which resort.
* I have always wanted to see the sun rise on the east coast of Florida, head west doing something to spend the day arriving on the west coast of Florida and see the sun set. Get up early enough to see the sun rise at WDW, and then watch it set while at DL.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Disdates
When I first started being on the Disboards on a regular basis, I ventured in the adult and solo travelers section. There are a lot of threads there (some a bit of a duplication of the another) but the people there were welcoming and invited me to join them in for chat on Dismates.
Now, Dismates is gone, and has been for about a year. There was another chat forum that a friend created, but never had the bells and whistles we loved in chat. Chat can help increase the chance of meeting that prince, pirate or princess that one may be looking for. Well, DisneyDadNY has recreated Dismates in the form of Disdates.com! It really looks the same, with a different but nicer chat forum. He is still working on the bugs and kinks, but it looks good.
I recommend it for anyone who loves Disney and wants to meet someone who shares in that love. I also recommend that if you do sign up, fill out your profile, check the settings so you don't get emails you don't want for when someone winks or adds you to their buddy list IF you do not want these emails. You don't need to do it all in one sitting, but go through each section and modify it to fit your needs in your profile etc. I have to admit, I haven't updated my profile other than to say, I am looking for friends who love Disney (but there is a reason for that & <3 I'm spoken for). I have seen a couple friends on there already... I recognize their IDs. They just need to finish the rest to meet the needs of why they are there.
Now, there are people who will say the singles threads are not there for meeting your mate... or that chat wasn't it either. I hate to tell them that they are so wrong! I know of 5 couples right off who met there... and yes, there were some who dated others, that didn't work out... and then there are some just looking to get some. I was told that the ones who think they are going to get a guy because they sleep with them are a bit mistaken (not the exact words a guy told me) but if I used the exact word, it would be obvious who was involved. Also, it's easy to lose the respect of others for being the easy girl (or guy!). I know many of us could tell you who the players were (or trolls) of the original chat.
Now, Dismates is gone, and has been for about a year. There was another chat forum that a friend created, but never had the bells and whistles we loved in chat. Chat can help increase the chance of meeting that prince, pirate or princess that one may be looking for. Well, DisneyDadNY has recreated Dismates in the form of Disdates.com! It really looks the same, with a different but nicer chat forum. He is still working on the bugs and kinks, but it looks good.
I recommend it for anyone who loves Disney and wants to meet someone who shares in that love. I also recommend that if you do sign up, fill out your profile, check the settings so you don't get emails you don't want for when someone winks or adds you to their buddy list IF you do not want these emails. You don't need to do it all in one sitting, but go through each section and modify it to fit your needs in your profile etc. I have to admit, I haven't updated my profile other than to say, I am looking for friends who love Disney (but there is a reason for that & <3 I'm spoken for). I have seen a couple friends on there already... I recognize their IDs. They just need to finish the rest to meet the needs of why they are there.
Now, there are people who will say the singles threads are not there for meeting your mate... or that chat wasn't it either. I hate to tell them that they are so wrong! I know of 5 couples right off who met there... and yes, there were some who dated others, that didn't work out... and then there are some just looking to get some. I was told that the ones who think they are going to get a guy because they sleep with them are a bit mistaken (not the exact words a guy told me) but if I used the exact word, it would be obvious who was involved. Also, it's easy to lose the respect of others for being the easy girl (or guy!). I know many of us could tell you who the players were (or trolls) of the original chat.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bay Lake Tower
The previews have been going on for Bay Lake Tower for DVC members and future members. AP members had their preview already and the Cast Members get an open house next week.
We started with a wonderful little show and talk about what DVC is and offers. Was really neat to go to for me having originally buying in site unseen so to speak. I first toured when my mom bought in. We did stay in 2 DVC resorts though prior to buying. There were some free gifts and then a dance party and finger food offerings. Then up to the tower.
Now seeing the studio and one bedroom (and the two together making a two bedroom) at the preview center, we needed to see the three bedroom. It's very nice.. but was surprised how small the living room is with it being designed to sleep 12 max. There isn't enough room for 12 to sit "comfortably" there. Maybe 7 but no way 12...
The BLT is ONLY for registered guests when it opens. I love the added features that they have to make sure guests only are there. Only if a registered guest brings you in, will you get in from what I was told. There are two DOUBLE check points, three if you count the BLT lobby. Check in is in the main Contemporary building.
I was disappointed also with the fact that when we went to watch Wishes, that the sound was not working outside on the observation deck as the guide said it would. I would like to be up on the observation deck to see things again in a couple months.... and I get too! My mom and I have bought in on our joint account (several months ago) and we stay there in December in a one bedroom villa. My sister is suppose to join us. We have a Magic Kingdom view!
We started with a wonderful little show and talk about what DVC is and offers. Was really neat to go to for me having originally buying in site unseen so to speak. I first toured when my mom bought in. We did stay in 2 DVC resorts though prior to buying. There were some free gifts and then a dance party and finger food offerings. Then up to the tower.
Now seeing the studio and one bedroom (and the two together making a two bedroom) at the preview center, we needed to see the three bedroom. It's very nice.. but was surprised how small the living room is with it being designed to sleep 12 max. There isn't enough room for 12 to sit "comfortably" there. Maybe 7 but no way 12...
The BLT is ONLY for registered guests when it opens. I love the added features that they have to make sure guests only are there. Only if a registered guest brings you in, will you get in from what I was told. There are two DOUBLE check points, three if you count the BLT lobby. Check in is in the main Contemporary building.
I was disappointed also with the fact that when we went to watch Wishes, that the sound was not working outside on the observation deck as the guide said it would. I would like to be up on the observation deck to see things again in a couple months.... and I get too! My mom and I have bought in on our joint account (several months ago) and we stay there in December in a one bedroom villa. My sister is suppose to join us. We have a Magic Kingdom view!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Photography at Disney
I was at Walt Disney World yesterday with a friend and her family. And there was a moment when I was thinking about photography at the World.
There are so many things you can do... and places to take photos. Giving it a different take just by letting your imagination go. I actually did not take my cameras with me this trip. It was nice. But always taking photos in my mind. Thinking angles. Do not let your mind stay the same. Take a moment and think the shot... look at it through your lens for a bit (if it is not a spur of the moment shot). You do not have to take a photo straight either. Turn it one way or the other to make it a little off angle. A friend took a photo of her stepdaughter and I as we walked ahead of them. I can't wait to see it.
Another thing... turn your flash OFF on rides like Pirates and the Haunted Mansion (you know the rides =0) They specifically ask you to not use a flash there). One really really takes away from others experience. I saw photos on someone else's blog from the HM and it really is a shame that the flash was used. Washes out the photo and the effects that Disney has created. With the different photo editing programs you can do so much. Plus, take the time to read about how the settings work on your camera. I am STILL learning about mine! I actually would like a class again to learn about some things I have forgotten from my graphic arts class in high school.
Take advantage of the photopass people too. Ask them to take photos with your own camera, or ask someone walking by to take it. Even if you are always behind the camera, or do not like the way you look, consider that this isn't just your memory..... whomever you are traveling with wants memories of you too! So get out from behind the camera and get some shots of you too.
There are so many things you can do... and places to take photos. Giving it a different take just by letting your imagination go. I actually did not take my cameras with me this trip. It was nice. But always taking photos in my mind. Thinking angles. Do not let your mind stay the same. Take a moment and think the shot... look at it through your lens for a bit (if it is not a spur of the moment shot). You do not have to take a photo straight either. Turn it one way or the other to make it a little off angle. A friend took a photo of her stepdaughter and I as we walked ahead of them. I can't wait to see it.
Another thing... turn your flash OFF on rides like Pirates and the Haunted Mansion (you know the rides =0) They specifically ask you to not use a flash there). One really really takes away from others experience. I saw photos on someone else's blog from the HM and it really is a shame that the flash was used. Washes out the photo and the effects that Disney has created. With the different photo editing programs you can do so much. Plus, take the time to read about how the settings work on your camera. I am STILL learning about mine! I actually would like a class again to learn about some things I have forgotten from my graphic arts class in high school.
Take advantage of the photopass people too. Ask them to take photos with your own camera, or ask someone walking by to take it. Even if you are always behind the camera, or do not like the way you look, consider that this isn't just your memory..... whomever you are traveling with wants memories of you too! So get out from behind the camera and get some shots of you too.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Good Night Kiss
I was feeling a little.... quiet tonight and started to look through a variety of youtube videos that I have marked as my favorites. One of them is for the Good Night Kiss at the Magic Kingdom. I had read about it somewhere on the Dis and when I got to see it, it was pure magic. The videos I had seen, have never been able to do it justice in my opinion. Seeing it in person, waiting in anticipation, up on the hub or just down main street. I think the hub is better from the couple times I have seen it. You have to be patient and there are times I am told that it may not play. I can hardly wait to go back and wait for it... though I admit, I would like to be with friends talking or with someone special. I hope you can get to see it in person sometime soon!
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