Tuesday

Via Napoli ~ Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com. Each week we gather with bloggers to link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday Disney vacation picture posts. I hope you'll join us by linking up your pictures and hopping to see all the great vacation photos the blogs have posted.

This week's theme is the Letter"V" and the first thing I thought of was Via Napoli Restaurant in Italy at Epcot. We had such a fabulous dining experience there. If you'd like to read my review head on over to 
Via Napoli Review, a taste of Italy in Epcot's World Showcase.
 Via Napoli Restaurant Review
What's your favorite Italian restaurant in the parks?


Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday...



Angelina Jolie Casts a Spell as Maleficent | Disney twenty-three

Maleficent in the summer publication of Disney twenty-three’s Summer issue, available exclusively to Gold Members of D23, also includes a behind-the-engine look at Walt Disney World’s newest theme park attraction, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
D23, Disney's official fan club talks with the iconic actress, Angelina Jolie and the creative team of Maleficent to learn the secrets behind making the film; the issue also takes a fascinating look at the creation of Walt Disney's classic Sleeping Beauty.

Monday

Love is in the Air!

Travel tip ~ The month of May welcomes beautiful weather, The Flower and Garden Festival and those infamous pesky little flying Lovebugs around Disney World. Not our beloved Herbie the Love Bug but coupled insects lovin’ it up airborne everywhere in Florida. There’s not much a Guest can do but shoo them away and wipe them off the windshield. 
Click for more Tigger- ific WDW Tips
They’re annoying, weird and gross but most importantly (to me anyway) they don’t bite. Just be sure to shake out your shoes and bathing suits if you leave them on the balcony or patio of your resort.

Saturday

Happy National Pretzel Day! Mickey Mouse Soft Pretzel in WDW and DL

Where in the world/land can you find one of these scrumptious Mickey pretzel treats? 
Here are just some of the locations you can pick up your favorite soft pretzel at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.

Do you prefer a sweet, salty (or savory) pretzel? Do you enjoy a plain Mickey Mouse Pretzel or Cream Cheese-filled Pretzels? Leave your vote in the comments section below. 

National Pretzel Day!

Disney World Disneyland Mickey Pretzel Locations


Disneyland Resort 
  • -Wetzel’s Pretzels®, Downtown Disney District: Located next to RIDEMAKERZ and Haagen-Dazs®, snack on fresh, fancy pretzels like the Cheese Meltdown, Grateful Garlic and Sinful Cinnamon. 
  • -Bayside Brews, Disney California Adventure park: Enjoy a brew (if you’re over 21, of course) and a variety of soft pretzels like the Jalapeno Cheese-filled Pretzel, Cream Cheese-filled Pretzel and Mickey Mouse Pretzel with Cheese.
  • -Bengal Barbecue, Disneyland park: The Mickey Mouse Pretzel and Jalapeno Cheese-Filled Pretzels serve as extra provisions on your journey through Adventureland.
  • -Refreshment Corner, Disneyland park: Mickey Mouse Pretzel, Jalapeno Cheese-filled Pretzel and Cream Cheese-filled Pretzel. Add a cup of cheese to your pretzel for extra dipping delight.
Disneyland Pretzel Carts
  • - Fantasyland (Mickey Pretzel & Cream Cheese-filled Pretzel) in the area in front of “it’s a small world”
  • - Tomorrowland (Mickey Pretzel & Cream Cheese-filled Pretzel) in front of Red Rockett’s Pizza Port
  • - Frontierland (Mickey Pretzel & Jalapeno Cheese-filled Pretzel) across from the Mark Twain Riverboat Dock
Walt Disney World Resort
  • -Germany pavilion, Epcot World Showcase: Make a stop in the quaint German village at Epcot for an authentic snack as you tour World Showcase. Chomp on a flavorful hand stretched pretzel (or “bretzeln” as they say in Germany) to the tune of authentic music as you get lost in the charming cobblestone plaza.
  • -Frontierland, Magic Kingdom theme park: This Mickey Mouse-shaped, tasty treat is the talk of the town and, here at Walt Disney World, is only available at one location: Frontierland Pretzel Wagon. You can find the wagon between the Diamond Horseshoe and Pecos Bill Cafe (next to the Turkey Leg cart). The cheese or chocolate dipping sauces are the “icing on the pretzel” that make this a must-eat treat.

More Pretzel Fun at Walt Disney World:
All Disney theme parks have their special sprinkling of pretzel options. Be on the lookout for a popular fan favorite, the Cream Cheese Pretzel. This pretzel is filled with a sweet cream cheese and dusted with sweet crumbs. You can find this one at The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom, the Pretzel Garden cart on The Streets of America in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Fife & Drum Tavern at the American Adventure pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Also featured at Fife & Drum Tavern, and at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, is the Jalapeno Cheese Stuffed Pretzel. 
It’s a perfectly pretzel way to spice up any day — but especially on National Pretzel Day!

What's your favorite pretzel at The Disney Parks? Leave your vote in the comments section below. Be sure to tell us if it's in DL or WDW.
My favorite pretzel in the Disney Parks is in Epcot's Germany Pavilion while sipping a nice cool drink enjoying the German music...ah, I can't wait for May!


bon appepretzel!  
Thanks for stopping by Focused on the Magic.com

Friday

Flower and Garden Festival Food Favorites: Frushi

 Focused on the Magic Flower and Garden Festival Food Favorites

We're back with a favorite food find from the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. 
I love that the food kiosks at the festival are focused on fruits and vegetables but it makes deciding what to try that much harder. 

Our Favorite Food Find: Frushi

Location: Hanami Kiosk at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival


Price: $4.50 {1 DDP snack credit }

Frushi is a delightful Japanese treat made with fresh strawberries, pineapple and cantaloupe rolled with coconut rice atop a raspberry sauce sprinkled with toasted coconut and whipped cream on the side. This is a must have at least once and I bet you won't be able to resist just one!
Focused on the Magic Flower and Garden Festival Food Favorites: Frushi


Do you have a favorite quick snack?

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 Focused on the Magic: Foodie Friday Disney  Food  Fan  Pinterest  Board
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DisneyDayByDay

This post is linked up to the Favorite Food Friday Blog Hop hosted by my Disney Foodie Friend Sean at Disney Day By Day. If you didn't get here from there, hop on over and find out about more fabulous Disney foods!
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New "After Hours Wind Down Experience" at Epcot

Walt Disney World Resort Guests can now end their day at Epcot sampling, sipping and strolling awhile longer with the new "After Hours Wind Down" experience.
Walt Disney World Resort guests are invited to sample and savor flavors from around the world after the nightly finale with the Epcot After Hours Wind Down, an intimate experience at one of four authentic and exclusive lounges, Thursdays through Sundays.
Award-winning Epcot Chefs and Sommeliers pair a beverage flight with cultural cuisine.
Epcot After Hours Wind Down, an intimate experience at one of four authentic and exclusive lounges.

  • Admission to Epcot is required and is not included in the price of the after-hours lounge.
  • Each nightly celebration begins immediately after the conclusion of evening fireworks.
  • An event ticket is required for all nights when participating in Epcot After Hours Wind Down.
  • Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit.
Reservations began April 10, with the first Epcot After Hours Wind Down taking place on April 17. Guests can book the experience at Disneyworld.com/Spring.

DATES: Thursdays through Sundays
TIMES: 9:20 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
LOCATIONS: La Cava del Tequila (Mexico), Spice Road Table (Morocco), Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (Italy), Rose & Crown Pub (United Kingdom)
MENU: Selection of appetizers and one beverage flight (cash bar option available to purchase additional beverages)
PRICE: Adults $35 per person/per location (tax and gratuity not included)
FOR MORE INFORMATION: call 407-WDW-DINE


What do you think about winding down with a sample, sip and stroll at Epcot?


 Focused on the Magic: Foodie Friday Disney  Food  Fan  Pinterest  Board


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Tuesday

Star Wars Characters on Parade! ~ Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week we gather with bloggers to link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday Disney vacation picture posts. I hope you'll join us by linking up your pictures and hopping to see all the great vacation photos the blogs have posted.

This week's theme is Characters on Parade! Because I'm getting all excited for Star Wars Weekend at Walt Disney World I thought I'd share pictures of a few of the characters that were on parade opening weekend last year. 

Who is your favorite Star Wars character?
Star Wars Weekend Characters on Parade!


Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday...

Sunday

Happy Easter!

 Mr. & Mrs Easter Bunny Walt Disney World Parade
 Mr. & Mrs Easter Bunny Walt Disney World

Will you be one of the happy vacationers in Walt Disney World for Easter Weekend? 
To add to your vacationing pleasure Disney has added fun Spring ~ Easter entertainment and activities. There are Candy Scrambles, Mr. & Mrs Easter Bunny Meet & Greets and Religious Services available to all guests and the Grand Floridian has a beautiful display of decorative eggs. 
You don't have to be in the park to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt!
You can join in on a digital Easter egg hunt across a variety of Disney Parks Facebook fan pages this Sunday, April 20.
Simply visit different pages to collect different Disney Parks-themed Easter graphics. Each “found” Easter egg will also offer you a hint as to where you can find another one.
Let the hop begin here at the Disneyland Facebook page. Happy hunting!


Tuesday

Citizens of Hollywood (Streetmosphere) at Disney's Hollywood Studios ~ Disney Couture

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com. Each week we gather with bloggers to link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday Disney vacation picture posts. I hope you'll join us by linking up your pictures and hopping to see all the great vacation photos the blogs have posted.

This week's theme is Disney Couture.

We see uniquely designed and themed fashions on Cast Members everywhere in the parks. I chose to share pictures of the 
Citizens of Hollywood (Streetmosphere) at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They always have the most authentic and detailed looking costumes from a time when fashion was flamboyant and fun. Each dress is a work of art and tailored to the actresses onstage personality making it a fashion statement. 
Citizens of Hollywood (Streetmosphere) at Disney's Hollywood Studios ~ Disney Couture

  1. Officer First Class William Club to the rescue of Honey Darling, the darling of Hollywood.
  2. Minerva Limpwhistle with Malcom Macheezmo clutching the super star!
  3. The Divine Dorma Nesmond holding one of her many awards for Best Actress, 1933 “From Nowhere to Enternity”
  4. Starlet ~ Joodie Patootie
  5. Starlet ~ Cynthia Bloom striking a glam pose for the camera





Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday...

Pixar Easter Egg Hunt

Pixar Fans Join the Hunt!


The clip below is from the Pixar Easter Egg Hunt found exclusively in the Discover section on Disney Movies Anywhere. Disney Movies Anywhere is Disney's all-new, cloud-based digital movie service.


Watch the all-new Pixar  Easter Egg Challenge clip and see how many hidden gems you can find from your favorite Pixar films!


Disney's Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest Offers a Chance to Win $1 Million Dollars!

Disney is giving amateur baseball pitchers in the nation a chance to compete for a $1 million prize in the Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest. The Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest is being held to celebrate the opening of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm,” an incredible true story about two young men who went from never throwing a baseball to getting a Major League tryout.
Contestants can test their fastball skills at Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida or the Tribeca Family Festival in New York. Nine finalists will advance to the final contest held at Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” World Premiere in Hollywood, California


Disney's Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest Offers a Chance to Win $1 Million Dollars!!
A HOT ARM COULD LEAD TO A COOL MILLION!

Monday

A Look at Disneynature Next Film, "Monkey Kingdom" Trailer

As a huge Disneynature film fan I have been anticipating the release of "Bears" on April 18th. Ever since I posted the first "Bears" poster and trailer I've been captivated by the images."Bears" is a True Life Adventure showcasing a year in the life of a bear family as two impressionable young cubs are taught life’s most important lessons. 
Now a new True Life Adventure film will swing into theaters in April 2015.
How exciting! Have a look at the poster and trailer and tell me if you too are excited.
Disneynature’s “Monkey Kingdom” spotlights the gripping reality of a newborn monkey and its mother, struggling to survive within the competitive social hierarchy of the Temple Troop, a dynamic group of monkeys who live in ancient ruins found deep in the storied jungles of South Asia, alongside a rich cast of forest characters. 
Disneynature’s “Monkey Kingdom”


Friday

Foodie Friday: Dole Whip With Siesta Key Spiced Rum at Epcot Flower & Garden Festival

Welcome to this week’s Foodie Friday where we share our favorite food finds with our friends. This week we are taking a look back at the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. It was the first year food booths were introduced to the festival and we couldn't be happier. Having food booths complimented the already fabulous flower and garden experience beautifully.



Our Favorite Food Find: Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum

Location: Pineapple Promenade at Epcot's Flower and Garden Festival

Price: $6.25

Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum at Epcot's Flower and Festival

As you may already know I am a huge fan of Dole Whips. I've written about them frequently a lot! You can peruse my posts about Disney Dole WhipsHERE

When it was announced that there would be an alcoholic version of the Dole Whip served during the Flower and Garden Festival I couldn't wait to give it a try even though I usually don't drink adult beverages. This was a special occasion so I gave it a try and not before asking the CM to go light on the rum. I wanted to be able to walk around the World Showcase not stumble.The weather wasn't in our favor and I knew we only had a few minutes to enjoy our Dole Whips so we grabbed a table with a view and settled in until the rain came. Rain is Florida can be biblical and it was. Up popped the umbrella and on went the ponchos while we finished  our whips and enjoyed the view.

Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum at Epcot's Flower and Festival

The Dole Whip with 
Siesta Key Spiced Rum was delicious with just the right amount of rum added to it. It still had the classic creamy cold sweet pineapple flavor but with a little kick in each bite. The rum they used is very good. It had just the right taste of spices and honey. What's even better is that it's made in Florida. I like that Disney is supporting local businesses. 
I'll always prefer my Dole Whips straight without rum but this was a nice change and I look forward to having another one on our next Flower and Garden Festival adventure in May.


Dole Whip with Siesta Key Spiced Rum at Epcot's Flower and Festival
Siesta Key Spiced Rum is hand-crafted in small batches in Sarasota, Florida at our small, artisan distillery. We make our spiced rum by infusing our award winning rums with real spices and then adding honey for a bit of sweetness. We do not use any artificial flavors or sweeteners and you can taste the difference. Siesta Key Spiced rum is unlike any mass market spiced rums.

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Thursday

DecalGirl Disney Skin {Review} Giveaway

As many of you know I love of all things Disney and I also have quite a collection electronic devices. From laptops and tablets to SmartPhones and iPhones, iPads and MP3 players my family is has it all. It's the decadence of this decade that has us fully under it's spell but that's a debate for another day.
I also love to give Disney related things away! Today we have a review and DecalGirl Giveaway for you!

DecalGirl Disney Skin {Review} Giveaway

DecalGirl contacted me a few months ago with the announcement that they had just signed a licensing agreement with Disney/Disney Pixar to manufacture high quality skins and case products. I was thrilled for them and announced it right here,

New Disney Skins and Cases from DecalGirl.

I have shopped for skins many times and the quality of the artwork and craftmanship of DecalGirls skins surpasses any I've found.

So, when they asked if I'd like to do a review and giveaway of one of the new Disney designs I was over the top excited. Finally, I would get my plain black Acer laptop Disneyfied! Just in time for my upcoming trip to Disney World!

Tuesday

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ Retro


Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com. Each week we gather with bloggers to link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday Disney vacation picture posts. I hope you'll join us by linking up your pictures and hopping to see all the great vacation photos the blogs have posted.
Fasten your seat belts! This week we are entering the Way Back Machine and going Retro.

Last May during the Flower and Garden Festival The Odyssey building in Epcot was open to Annual Passholders to change their paper passes to electronic passes for the start of the new pass system. 

While relaxing in the air conditioning and enjoying a beverage I took the opportunity to browse and snapping a few pictures of a display of memorabilia that was set up in the lobby. 
Fascinating stuff that took me right back to our first trips to Disney World.

Do you have a favorite retro experience?

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~  Retro



Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday...

Monday

Liven up your fish tank with PetSmart Disney Ornaments {Review} #Giveaway


Liven up your fish tank with PetSmart Disney Ornaments #Giveaway

Want to show your #DisneySide in your fish tank and create a fun environment for your finned friends? PetSmart has released a new collection of adorable Disney ornaments to decorate your home aquarium. 
We are thrilled here at Focused on the Magic to host a review and giveaway of these 4 adorable aquarium ornaments! Each ornament retails at $7.99 and is available exclusively at PetSmart.
Liven up your fish tank with PetSmart Disney Ornaments #Giveaway

Friday

Ultimate Blog Party - 2014

Its time for the annual 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party! We love parties, so come on in and join us! My name is Deb and "Focused on the Magic" is where I write about our families adventures. We’ve been participating in the Ultimate Blog Party for few years now. Each year we've made new friends through the UBP and I am looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones.


Do you like brownies? I made a fresh batch for my latest review. They are made with Crio Bru cocoa grounds which made them extra tasty. Try one;) You'll find we like to eat and talk about it here on the blog in a feature called Foodie Friday.

Wednesday

Sing Into Spring Giveaway from Walt Disney Records

Sing Into Spring Giveaway from Walt Disney Records | Focused on the Magic

Spring is in the air finally here in NJ. The temps are warming up finally. A welcome sign for me are my spring bulbs which have just broken ground. Soon we'll be outside enjoying the beautiful weather planting the vegetable garden and taking road trips. 

For us it means we'll be listening to our music and lots of it.I have been listening to Disney music since I was a child and with my sons as they grew. We have quite a collection of CDs.

I like to listen to my Disney tunes when I walk or exercise. They're great for getting me to keep up a fast pace. We listen to them in the car and sing along which makes any trip that much more fun. 

To celebrate spring, Walt Disney Records (via Entertainment New Media Network) sent me a gift bag filled with four fantastic Disney CDs:
The Teen Beach Movie soundtrack, the Frozen soundtrack, the Austin & Ally (TV series) soundtrack, and Disney Channel, Play It Loud, a compilation of some of the most popular Disney Channel tunes.


Enter to win a 4 pack of either the Preschool CD collection or the Teen CD collection!


Tuesday

Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ April

Welcome and thanks for stopping by The Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop here at Focused on the Magic.com where each week we gather with our Disney Blogger friends to link up and share our #DisneySide Wordless Wednesday vacation picture posts. I hope you'll join us by linking up your pictures and hopping to see all the great vacation photos the blogs have posted.
The theme this week is:Your April Calendar Shot.
Disney Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop ~ April

Happy April! To celebrate the 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival which happens to be going on right now at Epcot and the beautiful month of April, I'm sharing one of my all time favorite photos and one I just entered into a contest.

Shameless plug, I 
would love it if you gave it a vote http://woobox.com/sbotso/vote/for/2264957 

There's even a Hidden mickey in the clouds making it even more magical for me. Can you see it or is it just my imagination? It's a side shot of Steamboat Willie.
I try to take the same picture every year by standing in the same spot and waiting for the monorail to come around. People walk by and some people have asked me what I'm doing.

I guess they've never seen a Disney photography nerd in action.(▰˘◡˘▰)

Do you have a favorite photo spot?

Time to link up your Wordless Wednesday...

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