Thursday

Happy Halloween! Who Wants To Win a $1000 in Disney Gift Cards?



Hi there friends! It's not a trick but a great big treat that starts tomorrow!
We have teamed up with a great group of Disney Bloggers (listed below) to offer you a chance to win one of 3 Disney Gift cards totalling $1,000!
There will be one $500 Disney Card Prize and two $250 Disney Gift Card prizes!
So, be sure to stop back for your chance to win this dream giveaway!

Tuesday

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ Heroes and Villains

Welcome to The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop for the week of 10/29. Each week here at Focused on the Magic we host a link up blog hop where we share our Disney related Wordless Wednesday blog posts. 
You are invited to link up your post and visit the wonderful Disney fan blogs linked up. You'll find information about the hop at the bottom of this page.
Our theme this week is, Disney Heroes and Villains.
The first thing that came to my mind was the cast of characters at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. There are plenty of both heroes and villains each night of the party. 
It's a spooktacular hard ticket Halloween themed event held in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World


MNSSHP Highlights:
Disney Villains Dance Mix and Mingle!  

Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade 

Happy HalloWishes 


Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop Focused on the Magic


Everybody neat and pretty? Let the hop begin!

Walt Disney World Resort Transportation

Motor Launches and Motor Cruisers (also referred to as a water taxi or water launch) provide transportation between the Magic Kingdom and several of the Walt Disney World Resorts.
One of our families favorite forms of Walt Disney World transportation are the Motor Launches and Motor Cruisers. So much so that my husband asks before I make the resort reservation if it has monorail or boat service. It's just so relaxing after a long day in the parks to hop aboard one of the boats and cruise back to the resort and in the morning it's just a perfect way to start the day. The boat captains can be quite entertaining too. If you have a chance sit up front do so, you may get to hear the captain tell jokes or tales of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Motor Launch to the Grand Floridian



ºoº

The resorts serviced by motor launches and motor cruisers are:
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Disney's Polynesian Resort
• Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge

What's the difference between a motor launch and a motor cruiser?
Motor Launches are open sided with wooden bench seats. The canopy provides protection from the sun and some protection from the rain. You may encounter a wet seat or two after a rain shower.

Motor Cruisers are larger and have enclosed sides with sliding windows. There are outside benches for seating in the bow (front) and in the stern (rear) of the cruiser.

The resorts and their flag colors:
There are two Blue Flag motor launches providing service to the Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Campgrounds starting daily at 6:45am.
Two Gold Flag motor launches run from the Magic Kingdom to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian and then back to the Magic Kingdom. They typically run from an hour before park opening to and hour after the Magic Kingdom closes. The wait time is between 15 to 20 minutes.
The Wilderness Lodge (Red Flag) is serviced by one motor launch and one motor cruiser and begin each day at 8:30am unless there are Early Extra Magic Hours. They run at night till one hour after park closing unless there is Night Extra Magic Hours.
The Fort Wilderness Campground is serviced by two (Green Flag) motor cruisers running from 8:30am to approximately 1 hour after the Magic Kingdom closes. These boats only run between the Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness Campground.


Both the Red and Green Flag lines operate for Extra Magic Hour Mornings and also for evening Extra Magic Hours so there is always transportation across the waterways to your resort and the Magic Kingdom.
Motor Cruiser to the Magic Kingdom

When we have a choice I prefer to sit up front in the bow of motor cruisers. It gives me a chance to snap pictures of the Seven Seas Lagoon and the water bridge channel to Bay Lake. I especially like it in the evening as the sun is setting.The colors are amazing!

Neat bit of boat trivia:
  • Both of the launches run clockwise until 3pm when they reverse direction. Both launches run until 11:30pm 
  • The Motor Cruisers are named Mermaid I, Bon Voyage, and Castaways.
Motor Launch & Motor Cruiser Map


ECVs can be accommodated on motor cruisers if the water level is low causing a big gap between the dock and the ramp. Strollers and wheelchairs must be folded to board motor launches. ECVs cannot board motor launches.
______________
Thank you for joining me today. Your next stop is The Disney Point.
Magical Express ~ The Disney Kids
Ferryboats ~ DISTherapy
Motor Launch & Motor Cruisers~ Focused on the Magic (you are here)
Friendship Boats ~ The Disney Point
Parking Lot Trams ~ A Disney Mom's Thoughts
Walking Paths ~ Disney Living

Monday

Hidden Mickey Monday ~ Animal Kingdom

Our Hidden Mickey this week is found in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World. As you walk along the Maharaja Jungle Trek in the Asia section look for a mural depicting the wealthy rajah Bhinma Disampati hunting with a bow and arrow. Notice his Mickey earring?Maharaja Jungle Trek Hidden Mickey


Do you hunt for Hidden Mickey's? What's your favorite?

Sunday

Silent Sunday

Magic Kingdom Halloween

Silent Sunday at Focused on the Magic

Friday

Photo Alert: D23 ~ "Hocus Pocus" Screening for 20th Anniversary

D23’s 20th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California
Hocus Pocus! We have and inside look just for you!

The Official Disney Fan Club presented the 20th Anniversary Screening of Hocus Pocus at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California on Saturday, October 19, 2013. 

In attendance were original cast members Kathy Najimi, Thora Birch, Vinessa Shaw, Omri Katz and Doug Jones.




Tuesday

Wordless Wednesday ~ Pirates

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop for the week of 10/23. For those of you joining us for the first time, each week we host a link up hop to share our Wordless Wednesday Disney related travel pictures.
The link up is at the bottom of this post as is a calendar of themes for this month.
Our theme this week is the Disney Inspired Letter "P". The first thing that came to my mind was Pirates of the Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom.

Pirates of the Caribbean is our must do attraction in the Magic Kingdom



Pirates of the Caribbean is our must do attraction in the Magic Kingdom! 
What's your must do?

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop Focused on the Magic


Everybody neat and pretty? Let the hop begin!

Monday

American Tourister Has Gone Hollywood! {Giveaway}

 In celebration of American Tourister Disney Luggage becoming a star at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® and being featured on billboards, in shop windows, park benches. American Tourister has just announced a week of fun and giveaways. 

Starting today, you can enter for a chance to win special Disney-inspired American Tourister bags and luggage tags from American Tourister. 



American Tourister, The Official Luggage of Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts Sweepstakes!

In order to participate in the Sweepstakes, Facebook members may access the  American Tourister Facebook Page (“Website”) starting at 12:00 noon Eastern Time (“ET”) on October 21, 2013 and ending at 11:59 p.m. ET on October 25, 2013 


  • Entrants will answer questions on the fan page.  If you comment you will be entered to win a Disney D23 Mickey or Minnie luggage set (your choice of Mickey or Minnie)
  • There is only one entry per person, so additional comments (though fun) will not count as additional entries.
  • There will be 5 winners chosen at random.
  • It is only open to permanent legal residents of the fifty states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia (excluding Guam, Puerto Rico and all other U.S. and foreign territories and possessions), who are physically located and residing therein and who are 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry.
For complete rules: http://www.americantourister.com/home/at/contest/hollywoodrules.html


American Tourister Disney Luggage
What are you waiting for? Head on over to American Tourister’s Facebook Page and  #packmorefun! 
To see the full line of bags and collections check out the American Tourister store. American Tourister bags are currently offering free shipping on orders over $99!  

Sunday

Silent Sunday in the Park

Silent Sunday in the Parks ~ Wishes

Silent Sunday at Focused on the Magic

Friday

Disney-Branded Produce to be Featured at PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo



Disney Consumer Products Triples Sales of Disney-Branded Fruits and Vegetables and Showcases New Produce Selection at PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo

More than 3.1 Billion Servings of Disney-Branded Fruits and Vegetables Served


Kid-friendly and parent approved, Disney Consumer Products (DCP booth #783) will showcase its newest selection of "better for you" produce, lunch items, and snacks at the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Fresh Summit Convention & Expo on October 18 - 20 in New Orleans, La.  
Sales of Disney-branded fruits and vegetables have tripled over the last two years, and more than 3.1 billion servings of Disney-themed fruits and vegetables have been served in the U.S. since 2006.  Grocery retailers have expanded distribution of Disney-branded produce, and licensees continue to introduce new products featuring beloved characters from Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess to Monsters University and Marvel Super Heroes. 
Disney Consumer Products Triples Sales of Disney-Branded Fruits and Vegetables and Showcases New Produce Selection at PMA Fresh Summit Convention & Expo
#DisneyProduce

Thursday

Delivery Man with Vince Vaughn New Poster & Twitter Sweepstakes

Fans who Retweet this poster with the hashtag #DeliveryManSweeps have a chance to win gift cards for gas, flowers, music and more!

DreamWorks Pictures’ “Delivery Man” Poster & Sweepstakes

DreamWorks Pictures’ “Delivery Man” stars Vince Vaughn as affable underachiever David Wozniak, whose anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years earlier resulted in 533 children. David must now embark on a journey that leads him to discover not only his true self but also the father that he could become. 

Tuesday

Disney Wordless Wednesday ~ Action!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop for the week of 10/15. For those of you just joining us, each week we host a link up hop to share our Wordless Wednesday Disney related travel pictures.
This week I am sharing a collage of action shots taken during Lights, Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show at Disney Hollywood Studios in Disney World.
 

Lights, Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show at Disney Hollywood Studios in Disney World.

Lights, Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show is a must do in our family. Both of my sons love motorcycles, car racing and film making. It's a win win each trip!

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop Focused on the Magic


Everybody neat and pretty? Let the hop begin!

Dreaming of a Walt Disney World Christmas



Walt Disney World Christmas

When we are planning or dreaming of the perfect most magical time of year to go to Disney World Christmastime first comes to mind. The spirit of the holiday fills the air. In each of the parks, resorts and cruise ship the magic of Christmas can be seen with food, shows, parades, decorations and lights that take your breath away and fill you up with joy.

Monday

Production Begins on “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” Starring Helen Mirren

Movie Monday ~  The Hundred-Foot Journey


Welcome to Movie Monday! I hope your weekend was filled with magic and movies. We've been busy. Our Saturday night movie was Iron Man 3 which was just as thrilling to watch at home as it was to see in the theater.
This past week was exciting for me as it was the 
special advance screening of The Fifth Estate which will be in theaters October 18. More about that next week
.
This week's Movie Monday post features a first look at Oprah Winfrey and Helen Mirren from the set of "The Hundred-Foot Journey. 

Oprah Winfrey and Helen Mirren from the set of "The Hundred-Foot Journey. ©DreamWorks Studios

Production has begun in southwest France on “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” based on the best-selling novel by Richard C. Morais. Starring Academy Award®-winner Helen Mirren, and directed by Oscar® nominee Lasse Hallström, the film will be released on August 8, 2014 in the U.S.

Sunday

Silent Sunday in the Park

Magic Kingdom Halloween Decorations

Silent Sunday at Focused on the Magic

Friday

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Dragon Berry Colada from the Caribbean

Caribbean Booth at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival

The 
Dragon Berry Colada from the Festival’s Caribbean Booth is a delicious icy cold adult beverage and has become a fan favorite at the festival. It's very easy to make at home too.
The price is 
$7.75 and in a lighted souvenir cup which I didn't partake in, would be $12.75.
I whip up a batch of these at home throughout the summer months and dream I'm strolling the World Showcase or cruising the Caribbean.

Tuesday

Disney Wordless Wednesday ~ Food, Wine & Music at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop for the week of 10/9. For those of you unfamiliar, each week we host a link up hop to share our Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts.
This week I am sharing a collage of 10 of my
 favorite things to enjoy at Epcot's Food & Wine Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort. 
Epcot's Food & Wine Festival at the Walt Disney World Resort.

A taste of the things you can look forward to at The Food & Wine Festival.

Epcot's entrance display each year. Always so creative. It set the stage for the Foodie fun that lies ahead.



  • Cranberry Bog fun! Gotta have Craisins!
  • France ~ Merlot, Chateau de Marcade Bordeaux & Creme Brulee au Chocolat au Lait
  • Chef's Showcase ~ Cooking seminars & wine tastings galore!  
  • Hawaii Booth ~ Tuna Poke!
  • Hawaii Booth ~  Kalua Pork Slider
  • Eat to the Beat Concert Series ~ Sugar Ray 
  • Siesta Key Spiced Rum Dole Whip delight!
  • Event shirts ~ Last years fave. Eating and drinking around the World Showcase map
  • Australia Booth ~ Grilled Lamb Chop with Mint Pesto and Potato Crunchies
  • France ~ Escargots Persillade en Brioche
    The list goes on and on but those...

  • Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop Focused on the Magic


    Everybody neat and pretty? Let the hop begin!

    Giveaway Celebrating 4 Years with Gluten Free and Dairy Free at WDW – $15 Disney Gift Card


    Focused on the Magic $15 Disney Gift Card Giveaway


    It’s week 7 and the final week of our celebration with our friends at Gluten Free Dairy Free Disney! Thanks so much to all have participated. We've had a great and hope that you did as well.

    This week's prize is provided by Dana of Travel Deals by Dana,
    One lucky winner will receive a $15 Disney Gift Card.
    Contest begins 10/8 and ends on midnight on 10/15.
    Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. You must be 18 years or older.

    Monday

    Hidden Mickey Monday: Wilderness Lodge Picture Frame

    Our Hidden Mickey this week can be found in a picture frame in the lobby of The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
    Hidden Mickey Picture Frame at The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge.


    Sunday

    Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure Review + Giveaway!

    Just in time for the holiday home entertainment and gift giving season, Lionsgate released the all-new CGI animated adventure Alpha and Omega 2: A Howl-iday Adventure. Arriving On Blu-Ray Combo Pack And DVD Exclusively At Walmart, As Well As Digital Download And Video On Demand October 8 From Lionsgate Home Entertainment  
    This brand new adventure takes the unlikely pair of wolves, Kate and Humphrey, and their new frisky family of cubs on a heartwarming wilderness adventure in Banff, Canada. The cubs experience being separated from their pack and fending for themselves in the wild. 

    Saturday

    Disney Makes Halloween Shopping A Treat With Spooktacular Selection


    Costumes, Apparel, Home Decor, Collectibles and More!

    From Princesses to Super Heroes, Pirates to Mermaids, Families Can Be Inspired with Wide Selection of Classic and All-New Costumes Featuring Disney, Marvel and Star Wars
    DISNEY MAKES HALLOWEEN SHOPPING A TREAT WITH SPOOKTACULAR SELECTION

    Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is making it easy for consumers to bring home the magic of Disney this Halloween with a wide array of authentic Disney, Marvel and Star Wars character-inspired costumes and more, available now at Disney Store, mass and specialty retailers across the country.

    Friday

    Marvel’s THOR: The Dark World Ultimate Mentor Adventure Will Empower Girls

    Marvel’s THOR: THE DARK WORLD  ULTIMATE MENTOR ADVENTURE


    Marvel Studios, UL (Underwriters Laboratories), Dolby Laboratories, National Academy of Science, Girl Scouts USA and El Capitan Theatre

    Team Up to Host
    Marvel’s THOR: THE DARK WORLD 
    ULTIMATE MENTOR ADVENTURE


    Seeking The Next Jane Foster!

    In MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD, Academy Award® winner Natalie Portman portrays astrophysicist Jane Foster, an independent spirit who follows her heart and journeys to a new world.
    Marvel Studios, UL (Underwriters Laboratories), Dolby Laboratories, National Academy of Science, Girl Scouts USA along with the famous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, are proud to team up to sponsor a nationwide MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD ULTIMATE MENTOR ADVENTURE in conjunction with the November 8th release of the film starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman.
    MARVEL’S THOR: THE DARK WORLD ULTIMATE MENTOR ADVENTURE aims to empower girls 14 years and up, in grades 9 - 12 nationwide, to embark on a journey to discover their potential and future in the world

    Tuesday

    Wordless Wednesday ~ Magic Kingdom October

    Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic where each week we host a hop to share our Wordless Wednesday Disney related picture posts.
     Magic Kingdom October


    Everybody neat and pretty? Let the O'hop begin!

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