Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios Florida - December 2011

Universal Studios Florida has brought down the famous floats and balloons from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City to Orlando to be part of a nightly parade called the Macy's Holiday Parade.  This parade simulates the same parade that is performed in New York City without the cold temperatures.  I've been to the parade in New York City and it is a much more relaxed experience to watch it in Orlando where you can watch it on multiple nights during the week.  The team members helping out with the parade are very happy and get into the Christmas spirit.  This parade really rivals the nightly parades at Walt Disney World.  I took these videos using my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone.




My Experience at the 2011 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party,,,captured in video! - Part 3 - Magic, Memories and You

This post in the series will cover the Magic, Memories and You show that is shown on Cinderella's Castle before the Wishes fireworks show.  Special projections are shown on the castle to transform it to a giant project screen showing special animation effects and pictures. The park makes special tweaks for the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  Below is the video that I took with my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone of the show.




My Experience at the 2011 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party,,,captured in video! - Part 2 - Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade

In my second post in this series, I cover the Once Upon a Christmas Time Parade that is held at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.  This parade only shows during this party.  That year, the Magic Kingdom held the parade twice during the party.  That was a smart move by the park because the first showing of the parade is the most crowded.  I took videos during the first showing, which was a challenge because I did not get the best view of the parade.  I was stationed near Cinderella's Castle.  There were parents that put their kids on their shoulders right in front of me to obstruct my view.  That was irritating.  I did not let their inconsideration ruin my time at the parade.  Here are the videos that I took of the parade with my Motorola Droid Bionic.














My Experience at the 2011 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party,,,captured in video! - Part 1 - The Dance Parties and Musical Entertainment

I'm starting this series of posts sharing my experiences through videos that I made from the 2011 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.  This post features the dance parties and the musical entertainment that is offered at the party.

There was a dance party held at Cosmic Ray's.  A DJ was setup to interact with the guests and to play all the popular dance hits from 2011.  Cast members brought several characters to the dance party to dance with the guests.  Yes, I also got on the dance floor and danced! In my opinion, this was the best dance party offered at the party that year.



This video featured Goofy and Pluto dancing with a cheerleader group to KeSha's Blow.


This video featured Goofy and Chip and Dale doing the Cupid Shuffle with a lot of kids and adults.

This video features Goofy and Pluto doing the shuffle to LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem.

I also attended the dance party at the Diamond Horseshoe building.  To me, this was the least fun to attend because the DJ was not that good at getting the guests into the music.  It seemed that most of the people were just standing the around and looking at the characters.



I went outside of the Diamond Horseshoe and spotted the Frontierland Band playing lighted up banjos.  This was really cool because they were all decked out with lights while playing all their music.



I headed to Tomorrowland because another musical performance was playing there.  A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas Show was featured.  This was funny and entertaining.  The dancers were really into the performance.  I took two videos of this show:




Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade at Magic Kingdom - December 2011

Back in the first week of December 2011, I was hanging out on Main Street USA near the fire station when I saw a parade pass through.  I was the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade.  This parade has been around since 2009.  It is scheduled to end its run at the Magic Kingdom on January 4, 2014.  It is a fun parade full of cast members dancing, and floats that look like big wrapped presents.  The theme for the parade is celebrating dreams coming true.  I made a video of it with my Motorola Droid Bionic Smartphone.


Monday, November 25, 2013

Disney Channel Rocks! at Disney Hollywood Studios - December 2011

Disney Channel Rocks! was a daytime musical show that was performed in front of the big sorcerer's hat at Disney Hollywood Studios.  The performers sang and danced to covers of popular songs from the Disney Channel.  The show played its last show on April 6, 2013.  I was fortunate to see the show during the first week of December 2011.  I recorded a short clip of this show with my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone.  I thought this show was fun and entertaining.  The kids that were performing the song and dance number had a lot of enthusiasm  and spirit, and got the children in the audience to dance with them.  Below is the clip of the show.


Sunday, November 24, 2013

Illuminations Reflections of Earth Christmas Edition at Epcot - December 2011

Illuminations Reflections Earth is a spectacular fireworks show that is performed every evening to close out the day at Epcot.  During December, Epcot puts out a Christmas edition of the nighttime show.  Christmas songs are performed, as well as special fireworks to match the Christmas theme.  It's cool the Epcot changes this show during December.  I shot video with my Droid Bionic smartphone at my favorite spot to watch Illuminations, at the bridge connecting the African outpost with China.  I have to apologize ahead of time with the quality of video.  The Droid Bionic tended to go out of focus in the environment.  Bear with the focus issues and enjoy the videos!







Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom - December 2011

I wanted to post these videos of the version Festival of the Lion King at Animal Kingdom from December 2011 because I wanted to feature the show at its present location at Camp Minnie Mickey.  Camp Minnie Mickey is being converted into Avatarland.  The show will be moving to a location that is currently being built at Africa.  I'm not sure if the show will change in any way when it moves to its new location.  The show in its present form is really entertaining and fun for the whole family.  It is shown multiple times per a day.  Here are videos of the show back in December 2011:



Saturday, November 23, 2013

Mo Rockin' and Bellydancing at the Moroccan Pavilion at Epcot - December 2011

I spent the first week of December 2011 down at Walt Disney World.  I made time to visit Moroccan Pavilion at the World Showcase area in Epcot to enjoy the performances of Mo Rockin' and see some bellydancing.  Mo Rockin' is a musical group that plays traditional music from Morocco out at the Moroccan Pavilion several times a day.  Watching them requires no additional admission.  The bellydancer is the same bellydancer that performs at Morocco's sit-down dining restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh.  The music is entertaining, and the bellydancing is amazing.  This is definitely something that you do not want to miss while you are visiting all the areas at the World Showcase.  Below is a video that I took of Mo Rockin' and the bellydancer.



Friday, November 22, 2013

Animal Kingdom's Jamin' Jingle Parade - December 2011

During the first week of December 2011, I had the opportunity to visit Animal Kingdom to see what the park does during the Christmas season.  One premier attraction that the park holds during this time is the Jamin' Jingle Parade.  It is a Christmas twist to the parade that Animal Kingdom normally runs during the late afternoon.  The cast members and characters wear special costumes, and special floats are paraded down the park.  A special musical loop is played throughout the parade route, which gets all guests in the Christmas mood.  I felt the need to "jam" to the music, no pun intended!  Overall, this is a very enjoyable parade to watch to end your fun day at Animal Kingdom.  Below is the entire parade from December 2011.



This Week in Disney Foodies - November 16, 2013 to November 22, 2013

Here is the recap of this week's posts in the Disney Foodies facebook group

Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney Hollywood Studios - December 2011

Christmas is one of the best times to visit Walt Disney World.  Each park is decorated and have their own brand of entertainment to offer.  Disney Hollywood Studios features the Osbourne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.  This attraction is located on the Streets of America, and features Christmas lights on all the buildings that move to music.  In this post, I will feature the attraction from 2011.  I filmed this with my Motorola Droid Bionic smartphone.




Thursday, November 21, 2013

Main Street Philharmonic - September 2012

On my solo trip to Walt Disney World in September 2012, I was in the Magic Kingdom when I ran into a performance from the Main Street Philharmonic.  This group is a mini marching band that entertains visitors to Main Street USA.  I luckily had my camera handy to take HD video of their performance.  The first video features the band performing solos for the audience.


The second video shows the band performing favorite Disney songs.


The last video shows the band marching off of Main Street USA.


Whenever you are at the Magic Kingdom, make sure to check the schedule and see when they are playing.  They are definitely worth watching and enjoying their music.

American Idol Experience at Disney Hollywood Studios - September 2012

American Idol has been a very popular musical realty TV show on FOX for over a decade.  Walt Disney World decided to bring American Idol to the Disney Hollywood Studios years ago as the attraction American Idol Experience.  This attraction took over the Superstar Television Theater which featured the Superstar Television attraction, one of the original attractions that opened with Disney-MGM Studios.



The attraction has a number of showings throughout the day, with a final contest at the end of the day to determine which person will receive the "golden ticket" that will enable you to skip the lines at any of the American Idol TV auditions.  Guests can audition for a spot on the show.


Sunday, November 10, 2013

TNA Impact Wrestling at Universal Studios Florida, Feb 28, 2013

I'm a big wrestling fan, and have seen wrestling on TV since I was a kid back in the 1980s. I watched all the major and small wrestling promotions that had a TV show.  I knew that Total Nonstop Action (TNA) wrestling shot their TV tapings at one of the soundstages at Universal Studios Florida, but never knew exactly which days they taped.  On February 28, 2013, I was at the right place at the right time because I saw this sign as soon as I crossed the main entrance to Universal Studios Florida.

Sign for Impact Wrestling TV taping

Saturday, November 9, 2013

EPCOT Spaceship Earth Descend Video from May 19, 2010

I like riding Spaceship Earth at EPCOT.  The ride has changed scenes and narrators throughout the years.  The most noticeable change is on the decent portion of the ride.  During the current descent, an interactive video is shown in the ride vehicle to answer questions.  From the answers that you give, an entertaining video is created starring you!  The ride takes a picture of your face at the beginning of the ride, and puts the picture in the video.  Here is video of the descent back in May 19, 2010.


Travelling from Port Orleans French Quarter to Downtown Disney on a Boat

For many guests that stay in the Walt Disney World resorts, the normal transportation that WDW provides to Downtown Disney is a bus.  If you stay at Port Orleans French Quarter, the resort offers a shuttle boat that you can ride to get to Downtown Disney.  The boat service is great and relaxing.  On the way to Downtown Disney, the boat trip allows you to see the Tree House Villas at Saratoga Springs, golf courses, Saratoga Springs resort.  I highly recommend taking this mode of transportation if you stay at Port Orleans French Quarter.  Here is a video I took in May 2010 of the boat trip from Port Orleans French Quarter to Downtown Disney.


Magic Kingdom Rope Drop

Each WDW park used to do something special to kick off the opening of the park for the day.  It seems now the only park that still holds a rope drop ceremony is the Magic Kingdom.  The ceremony happens in the area right after the main entrance to the park, at the top of the railroad station.  The fire chief welcomes all the visitors and there is a whole song and dance that is done.  One lucky family is selected to officially open up the park.  Rather than describe it, let me show you a video that I took of it back in May 20, 2010.


Sunday, November 3, 2013

Night of Joy 2012

I was not a fan of Christian Rock music.  It was not because I disliked the music.  I was never exposed to the music or the artists while I grew up. While on the Disney World website back in 2012, I saw an event called the Night of Joy held at the Magic Kingdom which featured Christian Rock performers.  I decided to attend the event on September 7, 2012 to experience the music and to see why fans flock to the musicians.

The day of the event was met with a rain storm.  The rain delayed the start of the performers and threatened to cancel some of the acts.  Luckily, I had my poncho to protect me from the rain.  The rain did not stop the performers.

I really enjoyed the group Disciple.  They played at the Rockettower Plaza Stage at Tomorrowland.  Even though they played on a smaller stage, they had a fan base equivalent to the acts on the main stage.  Their heavy metal style really resonated well with the teenagers.  I really liked the songs that I made videos on.





2013 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Baseball at the ESPN Wide World of Sports

For years, the Atlanta Braves have been holding their Spring Training Camp at Champions Stadium at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.  I had the opportunity to go down to Walt Disney World during the end of February 2013 to see my Washington Nationals play the Atlanta Braves play two spring training games at the Braves's Spring Training Camp.  I have been to an MLB regular season game before, but never attended spring training baseball.  Disney World gives you the opportunity to enjoy the theme parks and catch a spring training game on the same day.  Bus transportation is available from Disney's All-Star Resorts, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney's Pop Century Resort to ESPN Wide World of Sports.  I took advantage of the bus transportation since I did not have a rental car on my trip.  If you drive to the facility, free parking is available.  You can buy tickets in advance through TicketMaster, or you can buy it at the Box Office at the stadium.  As soon as I got to the stadium, I took a couple of pictures.

The entrance to Champions Stadium
Me walking to the ticket entrance to Champions Stadium

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory in Port Orleans French Quarter - October 2013

I recently stayed at the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort during the first week of October 2013 and had the opportunity to try some of the quick service dishes offered at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory.  When I first arrived at the resort, I wanted to have the Chicken Gumbo.  I've had this one before on my previous visits to the resort and enjoyed.  I was curious if this was still good.  I took a picture of the gumbo as soon as I sat at a table.

Chicken Gumbo
A generous serving of Chicken Gumbo is offered, and is served with crackers.  The gumbo is very tasty and not too salty.  There is plenty of chicken and and vegetable in the rue.  Do not be deceived by the size of the serving.  It is very filling.  If you are a fan of tasty stews and want something that will not break your food budget, this dish is for you.


Photo Tour around Port Orleans French Quarter Resort - October 2013

During the first week of October 2013, I had the opportunity to stay at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.  This moderate level resort has a lot to offer. Let me take you all on photo tour of the resort.

Here is the bus stop where you catch your bus to the theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney.  This bus stop is located at the front of the resort.  This is the only bus stop for this resort.
Here is the doorman that greets all visitors and guests to Port Orleans French Quarter

This Week in Disney Foodies - October 27, 2013 to November 1, 2013

Here is the recap of this week's posts in the Disney Foodies facebook group

Sunday, October 27, 2013


Corin Droz posted her food pics from her tasting dinner at Flying Fish in Disney's Boardwalk Resort.....

Main Entree - Tournedos of Snake River Farms Berkshire Port Tenderloin and Pomegranate-glazed Slow Braised Belly. Wilted Greens, Potato Puree, Wild Forest Mushrooms, and TIny White Asparagus, Burgundy Truffle, Lemon Thyme, Red Wine and Pork Reduction. E. Guigal Chateaneuf-Du-Pape, Rhone Vally '07. - Corin Droz

Second Course at Flying Fish at Disney's Boardwalk Resort - Pan Roasted Local Day Boat Swordfish. Fondue of Porcini, Young Leeks, Tiny Snow Peas with a Smoked Salmon Caviar-Rose Champaign Butter Sauce. Paired with George Duboeuf Pouilly-Fuisse Chardonnay, Maconnaise, France '11 - Corin Droz