T.G.I.F. Pic Of The Week – The Monsters Are Back!

Disney’s new movie Monsters University invades theaters NEXT FRIDAY JUNE 21! I can’t wait for this – I am a huge Monster’s Inc fan – the characters and story were great, and I can’t wait to see what they did with this “prequel”, which follows Mike and Sully as they head to college to learn how to scare!

Be sure to check out the movie, and if you want to look the part, I suggest you check out the new merchandise at the Disney Store. I actually had a chance to check it out last week while I was in NYC – and it’s really awesome – they even had a “build your own monster” section – where there are bins of eyes and arms and legs and bodies to pick from to create your own one of a kind monster!

I know I will be there to see it on opening day – how about you?

TGIF!

Celebrating 22 Years Of Muppet Vision 3D!

 In May of 1991 - Exactly 22 years ago today - Disney welcomed the Muppet Vision 3D attraction to Hollywood Studios with a “green carpet” event – featuring the famous faces we all grew up loving to watch (Fozzy Bear and Bean the Bunny are my personal faves!)

The animation and 3D techniques used in this show were the most advanced available at the time, and the gimmicks and characters have kept us laughing out loud for the past 22 years

The Muppets have come a long way since then, and I personally think that with the New Muppets Movie in the works, that this attraction, while fun and funny, could definitely use an upgrade. But, until then, I will continue to enjoy this amazing attraction!

 

Happy 22 years to Muppet Vision 3D, and here’s to 22+ more!

T.G.I.F. Pic Of The Week – Going “Under The Sea” With The Little Mermaid

There have been a lot of changes around Walt Disney World lately – many of them can be seen in the New Fantasyland, where you will find Ariel and her friends come to life on the ride “Under The Sea – Journey Of The Little Mermaid“

  

  

You enter the ride through Prince Eric’s Castle, and board a “shell” to take your journey

Where else but WDW can you ride through the sea and see mermaid, a prince, and dancing fish all in one place?

 

After you are done with your voyage, head over to Ariel’s Grotto and meet the Mermaid herself!

I personally cannot WAIT to check out this area and the ride when I head to WDW in December – The Little Mermaid is a classic from my childhood that I watched over and over – and seeing it come to life would be a dream come true!

TGIF!

Adult WDW – A Dole Whip With A “Twist”

The 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing, and in addition to the tons of beautiful topiaries, celebrity appearances, and live concerts – there are also some deliciously unique fresh food offerings, like BBQ meat and craft beer pairings, Mexican tapas, and much more, including this beauty:

The Rum Spiced Dole Whip

So they take the traditional Dole Whip and add some delicious Siesta Key Spiced Rum for a delicious adults-only treat!

Head over to the Pineapple Promenade booth for this and other delicious treats – like pineapple upside down cake, and a non alcoholic version of the Dole Whip is available here too

And what could be more perfect than enjoying a delicious frozen Dole Whip with Rum while walking around Epcot and taking in all the sights and sounds?

 

Is “Star Wars Land” Coming To Disneyland?

Now that Disney owns the rights to Star Wars and Lucas Film, they are making a 7th movie, and many are wondering if they are planning to do even more with Star Wars – like possibly build a whole Land themed after the legendary films?

In an online survey that was sent in late March to Disney Annual Passholders and other Disney enthusiasts, one of the questions read “How interested would you be in visiting a Star Wars themed land at the Disneyland Resort?”

Unfortunately that’s as far as the news has gone so far – we can only speculate at this time what they might do with the results from that survey, but hopefully people are in favor of the idea, and I know that personally my husband and I would be ALL FOR IT – we love Star Tours, and a Star Wars Land would be a perfect addition to Disneyland (and maybe someday Disney World in Florida too? One can dream….)

T.G.I.F. Pic Of The Week – Big Changes Coming for Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney has always been a great place for those of all ages to shop and eat, but it’s always held extra appeal for the adult crowd, with it’s bars and clubs and live music that all seem to come alive at night. Disney recently revealed plans to make this complex even better by transforming it into “Disney Springs”

The idea behind Disney Springs is to create a space that welcomes families and those of all ages so that they can have a place to feel relaxed, while enjoying unique shops and delicious dining options. It will be modeled after turn of the century lakeside towns that Florida was famous for, and the “backstory” is that the Town Center of Disney Springs was where a serious of bubbling natural springs were located and it’s where settlers first laid down roots. Growth to the area then brought the Landing, Marketplace, and West Side – each with their own distinct theming and charms.

The area will essentially double its offerings – going from 75 to over 150 entertainment/dining/shopping options that should all be completed by sometime in 2016. I personally can’t wait to see it all come together! Check out more information here, and of course stay tuned here on LivinginagrownupWorld for updates and pics as they become available!

TGIF