Tuesday

Almost Wordless Wednesday ~ Happy August!

Happy August and welcome to The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week we share our Disney Wordless Wednesday or Almost Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts. 
You can link up a Facebook picture, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Flickr, video post or your own blog post. The rules are few and linking up is simple. Hop along over to The Disney Wordless Wednesday 411 for all the details. 


This week's theme is Your August Calendar Shot
My calendar shot for the month is one I took in August on a very hot day on the Maharaja Jungle Trek, a self guided tour at Animal Kingdom. Sorry if you've already seen this picture here a few times, but I just had to use it for August. 


Why this picture? Well, my birthday is this month and I happen to be a Leo. Yes, I know it's a stretch since this is a tiger not a lion. The lion in Animal Kingdom is always asleep when my safari truck rolls by and my one and only shot isn't a favorite. Hopefully, I'll get a good shot in September. There's another reason. Whenever I look at this picture I am reminded of that sizzling hot August day and the smart tigers lying about in their cool pond gazing up at us sweltering in the heat. 


Focused on the Magic
Time to link up...

Deluxe Resorts ~ Disney's BoardWalk Resort

Today we are taking a virtual tour of Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts and I get to discuss my favorite, Disney's BoardWalk Resort.
Deluxe Resorts ~ Disney's BoardWalk Resort
Escape the fast pace of the theme park and relax in the old fashioned charm of a 1930's Mid-Atlantic New England style seaside resort. The BoardWalk Resort is nestled on a 25 acre lake within walking distance to Epcot or Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Friday

Destination Disney ~ The Color "Pink"

The focus today is on the Disney color "Pink". It's always fun to join in on the fun and games of Disney memes especially when they involve looking through my catalogue of Disney pictures. Let's see what's pink...

During the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival the World Showcase is filled with pretty pink roses and flowers



The Beauty & the Beast Stage Show costumes are so pretty in pink.


 A yummy pink cupcake  = Yum!



 Pretty princess in pink


Spectacular marquee in pink lights
Pretty scary pink smoke
Pretty pink Pixie Hollow Fairy House flowers


Thanks for stopping by Focused on the Magic.com




Tuesday

Wordless Wednesday ~ The Disney Letter "C"

Welcome to the latest edition of the The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week Disney Bloggers gather to blog hop, link up and share their Disney Wordless Wednesday or Almost Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts.

It's a fun blog hop for sharing your Disney memories and pictures. There's a theme each week that you can follow if you wish. Facebook pictures, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Flickr or video posts are all welcome. You can even email your pictures and I will be happy to add them to this page. Email your picture to Deb at focusedonthemagic@gmail.com. I'll make every effort to get them posted right away.

The theme for this week's Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop, 7/25/12 is ~ Disney Letter "C" ~

So, put your thinking earcaps on and dig through your pictures, post 'em and I'll see right back here.


Now for a few of my favorite Disney Letter "C" pictures.
The China Pavilion in Epcot


China Pavilion, Epcot


Cogsworth

The Crystal Palace


Captain EO

Cinderella in her Coach




Finally, the clock on Main Street. This was taken at 2 am during Extra Magic Hours, my favorite time to roam the Magic Kingdom taking pictures. 
In case you haven't heard, it was announced recently that EMHs will be cut back by 1 hour at night. I'll miss that extra hour. Will you?



Focused on the Magic

Time to link up...

Monday

Destination Disney ~ The Color "Orange"

There's one thing we enjoy doing around the Focused on the Magic blog and that's fun and games with our Disney travel photos. 
Today we're searching for a color. We are in search of the color "Orange" in our Disney travel pictures.
Let's see what's orange...


Sometimes the castle and fireworks are orange during Wishes.

Saturday

Weekly Look Back and Forward ~ 7/21

Pretty in Pink ~ Cinderella Castle ~ Focused on the Magic.com
It was easy staying focused on the magic this week. Planning Disney World trips is always a magical time for me. New this week to our trip agenda are a few meet ups with Disney friends for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP) and for Epcot's 30th Anniversary a weekend of fun with Celebration 30. In addition we're planning lots of foodie adventures during Food & Wine Festival while eating our way around the World Showcase once again:)
If you know of a meet up that's taking place between Sept. 26th - Oct 3rd please email me at focusedonthemagic@gmail.com or leave a comment below. I'll compile a list with links and post it here on the blog. Hopefully we can get to meet up with you in Disney World. 

Let’s take a quick look at the pixie dusted blog postulations that happened around Focused on the Magic this week. Then we’ll get to take a look ahead to next week’s fun topics.

Friday

The Best Hot Dogs at the #Disney Parks

There's nothing like a good old American Walt Disney World Resort hot dog from Casey's Corner in  Magic Kingdom. I wax nostalgic when I think of enjoying one seated at a table on Main Street, USA listening to Jim play ragtime tunes on the piano. 
I really thought I knew a lot about hot dogs in the Disney Resorts until our InsidEARS Community Managers shared their thoughts with us. The first thing I learned was that, 
July is National Hot Dog Month! 
Who knew? I certainly didn't. 



A few hot doggidy facts from the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy and Happy Hot Dog Month!
    Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite dogs from the Disneyland Resort. These dogs have more bite, than bark!  What delectable dog is your favorite at the park and how do you dress your dog at home? (yes, I mean hot dog, not the family pet)
Get your Dogs Here! Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland: Chili cheese hot dog
Pluto’s Dog House, Toontown, Disneyland park: Kid’s turkey dog, served with sliced apples and choice of Low-fat milk, juice or small bottled water. Chips and soda available upon request
Award Wieners, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Disney California Adventure park: Portobello-mushroom philly – grilled Portobello, onions & bell peppers sauteed in hefeweizen, topped with pepper jack cheese. Served with sliced apples or chips.
Corn Dog Castle, Disney California Adventure Park or Little Red Wagon, Main Street, U.S.A., Disneyland park: Hand-dipped corn dogs are the fan favorite here. They are crispy, hot and delicious, one of my favorite park treats of all time. Served with chips or apples slices.
Award Wieners, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, Disney California Adventure park: Mild Italian sausage, topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, served with sliced apples or chips.

Whitewater Snacks, Disney’s nd onions. Served with fruit or french fries.Grand Californian Hotel & Spa: Hot dog – with chili, cheddar cheese a
Now for some special Walt Disney World Resort hot dog news from InsidEARS Community Manager Marissa Community :
There’s a new “top dog” (actually, three to be exact) in town at Downtown Disney Marketplace at Walt Disney World Resort. Marketplace Snacks (located across from Team Mickey Athletic Club) now offers three varieties of specialty hot dogs.
These new fabulous franks are:
  • Philly Cheesesteak Dog: a deluxe hot dog and bun, topped with steak, onions, green peppers and cheese sauce
  • Barbecue Pork Dog: a deluxe hot dog and bun, topped with pulled pork and cole slaw
  • Chili Cheese Dog: a deluxe hot dog and bun, topped with chili and cheese
These specialty hot dogs are priced at $8.75 and are accompanied by a bag of chips.
Personally the Barbecue Pork Dog sounds delic! Have you had a chance to taste test any of these hot dogs?


Have a Magical Day

Tuesday

Almost Wordless Wednesday ~ Disney Weenies

Welcome to another edition of the The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week Disney Bloggers gather to blog hop, link up and share their Disney Wordless Wednesday or Almost Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts.


It's a fun blog hop for sharing your Disney memories and pictures. There's a theme each week that you can follow if you wish. Facebook pictures, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Flickr or video posts are all welcome. You can even email your pictures and I will be happy to add them to this page. Email your picture to Deb at focusedonthemagic@gmail.com. I'll make every effort to get them posted right away.
The theme for this week's Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop, 7/18/12 is ~Disney Weenies~
You may be wondering what exactly a Disney Weenie is. Well, it's not a someone who takes the chicken exist on Tower of Terror, as a DF suggested, although it would fit the description;) No, it's what Walt Disney and his Imagineers called the iconic structures or focal points in each of the parks and lands. They are big enough to be seen from a distance and interesting enough to draw you closer for a better look. Examples would be Spaceship Earth, Space Mountain, Big Thunder, The Sorcerer's Hat, The Tree of Life and all the wonderful castles to name a few.
So, put your thinking earcaps on and dig through your pictures, post 'em and I'll see right back here.



Now for my favorite Disney Weenie ~ I chose pictures of Cinderella Castle at night.
From any angle the castle stands out so beautifully and really draws you in to see more. It's the first thing you see as you walk over the bridge from Tomorrowland or Adventureland.







What's your favorite Disney Weenie?

Focused on the Magic

Time to link up...

Happy Anniversary Disneyland! Celebrating 57 Years of Happiness

Today is a very special day in Disneyland history. It marks the 57th anniversary of the Disneyland Park. Although I wasn't there in person I think I remember watching it on the Dateline: Disneyland TV show. News of this magical place where all your favorite characters lived and played was everywhere and stories of the opening spread like wildfire among my friends. We listened and studied everything that Walt Disney shared with us on TV each Sunday night. I would have been 5 going on 6 so my memory of the actual events of the day are very hazy. I do remember wanting desperately to be right there in Disneyland experiencing it first hand with all the other Honorary Mousketeers but living very far away on Long Island in New York it would be a dream.
Did you get to be there on opening day or do you know someone who was?

Our Disneyland InsidEARS Community Manager, Kelly shared this wonderful post and rare photos with us today. It's very moving and I'd like to share it here with you in Kelly's words:

July 17, 2012 1:16pm Disneyland InsidEARS News


Fifty-seven years ago today, Walt Disney read the inspiring words on this plaque during the official dedication of Disneyland park. Across the country, an estimated 90 million television viewers were watching an unprecedented live broadcast of the day’s festivities on ABC.
Disney Parks Blog Author, George Savvas, brings us this great look at the opening of Disneyland park.
Around the time of our anniversary each year, I see a photo of Walt which is often erroneously described as a photo taken during the opening ceremony. Perhaps you have seen this photo too.


Have you ever noticed that Walt is not wearing his necktie in this picture? That’s because this is actually a photo taken during a rehearsal for the telecast. The photos we have that were taken during the official dedication were taken from the side.


Now, it’s been said that practice makes perfect, but if you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching our opening day television special, “Dateline Disneyland,” you know this isn’t always true. The live broadcast was the largest of its kind ever attempted and included 24 separate cameras. Naturally, in such a huge undertaking, there had to be some rehearsal to ensure things would run as smoothly as possible, and we have some more fun photos from the earlier “run-through” of the day’s festivities to share.
These next pictures show Walt with California Governor Goodwin Knight, parading down Main Street, U.S.A. Can you guess which one was taken during the rehearsal?




In this rare photo, Walt practices the dedication of Fantasyland in the area just southwest of Sleeping Beauty Castle. I think his pride is so obvious in this photo. Don’t you just love the smile on his face?


Among others rehearsing for their part in the the big show were television host Art Linkletter, and “Davy Crockett” stars Fess Parker and Buddy Ebsen, shown here in Frontierland before the broadcast.


Meanwhile, outside the entrance to Frontierland, actor and television personality Ronald Reagan was getting ready for his part in the landmark TV special.


Finally, a “prequel” photo of sorts. We’ve all seen the photo of children entering Fantasyland for the first time during the opening day broadcast. In this rare photo, those same children are seen from the other side of Sleeping Beauty Castle as they prepare for the big moment.

Happy 57th Anniversary Disneyland!

Favorite Quick Service Restaurant at Disney World

We're in the process of counting down to our next trip to Walt Disney World in September and planning our dining experiences is always a fun part of the process for me. We've talked it over and Peter and I both agree that when we're in the Magic Kingdom we just have to stop at The Columbia Harbor House for a quick service lunch.
The Columbia Harbor House is located in the Liberty Square area of the Magic Kingdom in the Walt Disney World Resort, just across from the Haunted Mansion and the new Fantasyland expansion or what used to be the Skyway Tower. The decor is nautical, turn of the century seafaring New England. The storytelling starts on the cobblestone street outside with a bell ringer and an ornate sign welcoming guests inside to enjoy the fare.

Once inside you'll find that you've stepped back in time. High ceilings, colonial windows, dark wood paneling and charming nautical decorations continue the seafaring theme throughout. There are traditional walk up counter service areas and two levels for dining with wooden tables and chairs surrounded by walls with sea charts, maps and oil lanterns. All hearkening you back to a time of seaports filled with whaling ships, sea captains and sailors with hearty appetites.

Anchors Aweigh Sandwich - white tuna with lettuce and tomato on toasted multigrain bun with cole slaw $8.99
You'll also notice CMs dressed in colonial costumes at the ready to offer assistants to guests. Condiments stations are well cared for and the tables and chairs are always clean and tidy. My choice is always a table upstairs with a view of the Haunted Mansion below. The Columbia Harbor House has in my humble opinion the best air conditioning on property of any the eateries. A welcome relief on a hot Florida day.

Fried Shrimp Basket - Served with cole slaw and  French Fries $9.99
The menu has offerings of clam chowder, lobster, shrimp, hummus and much more to take care of the needs of just about everyone. I usually have the shrimp basket pictured here. It's filling and tasty, just what I need to recharge. No, it's not exactly the healthiest choice but I never have fried shrimp at home, so this is my special treat while in Disney World.
Even the picky eaters and the lactose intolerant in my group find plenty to enjoy without making a special request. If needed, Columbia Harbor House will take special dietary requests. Click here to view a sample menu.

Now you know my favorite quick service restaurant. What's yours?
If you haven't found one yet, there are more than 5 pages of quick service restaurants listed in the official Disney World Resort dining section. Plenty of options to try.



Have a Pixie Dusted Day
! 
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