We recently polled our forum members to ask their favorites at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris, for our inaugural “MK Best of Disney Awards.” And…drumroll please…here are the results!
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Best Epcot Restaurant -
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Best Downtown Disney Restaurant -
Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant
Best Signature Restaurant -
(2 joint winners)
Citrico’s
Le Cellier Steakhouse (dinner)
From 7 November 2011 to 8 January 2012, the magic of Christmas will descend on Disneyland Paris! The enchantment of Christmas pervades the Disneyland Park with unforgettable, unique experiences to be shared with family and friends. For two months, Mickey Mouse and his friends don their best finery to welcome Santa Claus; the Christmas tree — and snow — arrives on Main Street, U.S.A.; and the roofs of Sleeping Beauty Castle sparkle with a myriad of twinkling lights.
This year, to make Christmas even more magical, Mickey and Minnie’s new friend, Duffy, the Disney Bear, is coming to Disneyland Paris, too.
Get to know this new friend — just waiting to be adopted!
This year, a surprise awaits visitors. Duffy, the Disney Bear, will be arriving at Disneyland Paris for the Disney Enchanted Christmas! Duffy is not just any teddy bear — he has been lovingly and affectionately crafted by Minnie especially for Mickey. As Mickey was preparing for a long sea voyage, Minnie thought he wouldn’t be so lonely if he had a friend stowed away in his luggage. When Mickey saw the little bear, it was love at first sight and he decided to call him ”Duffy”. They travelled the world together, discovering new cultures. At the end of their travels, Mickey and Duffy shared their magical memories with Minnie. Duffy is a really soft teddy bear with gentle eyes — and he is absolutely irresistible! Duffy is a cuddly little bear who just loves new adventures and making new friends.
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Cast in the “Disney’s Maleficious Halloween party “ show:
If you’re planning a Disney trip, or just want to earn a bit of extra money for something else, you can earn some by taking part in online surveys, research and writing reviews. While you’re not going to become a millionnaire by doing this, every little bit helps!
Some of the sites below pay in gift vouchers rather than cash, but you can use these to buy things for your trip, or just to use for Christmas presents or such like.
Obviously, some sites are better than others, so I’ve reviewed the ones that I’ve used to save you wasting time. I can only review UK sites, being UK based.
Visiting Disneyland Paris can be very expensive, especially in comparison to a trip to Walt Disney World. The exchange rate doesn’t help either, and makes food and drink over there seem all the more extortionate. Here, we’ll look at the ways you can try and save money on your trip and get the best value.
Reservations & Travel
If you plan on staying in a Disney hotel, be warned, it can be very expensive! But having said that, there are nearly always offers on, whether it be a percentage off, free dining, or free nights. Some offers may only be for select days or hotels. The best thing to do is check out our DLP discount forum which always shows the latest offers. If you’re a forum member (free to join) you can subscribe to the forum and be notified of any new offers posted. If there isn’t one available for the dates you want, keep checking back, as new discounts are usually released at regular intervals (unless you’re visiting within a month or so).
Be flexible with dates if possible. You’ll pay a lot more during school holidays, especially October half term. The parks have Halloween events going on and Disney aren’t daft, they know there’ll be a high demand and hike the prices as a result. Timing your visit just week after half term can halve the cost of staying at the Disney hotels.
When we asked members on our Disney forums to name their top annoyances at Disney Theme Parks, we got quite a response! Here are the most common gripes:
1. People cutting in line. Including families who have one person waiting in line, then the rest of the group show up once they’re near the front, and push their way past everyone else to get to that person.
2. The free-for-all that ensues when a bus turns up, or an elevator door opens. Most not giving any regard to who was there waiting first.
3. People who don’t give up seats on buses for someone carrying a baby or toddler, or for elderly guests.
4. People who smoke in non-smoking areas, i.e. most of the parks. Disney, if you’re going to have a rule, please enforce it!
Disney Magical Moments Festival kicks off at Disneyland Paris on April 6.
Here are some fun facts about the new celebration:
Mickey’s Magical Celebration
From conception to realization: fun facts
During the Disney Magical Moments Festival (from 6 April 2011) at Disneyland Paris, guests step into the spotlight to star in their very own adventures inspired by classic Walt Disney Pictures films. From Fantasia to Alice in Wonderland, from Peter Pan to The Jungle Book and The Lion King, everyone can experience their own spectacular moments that will create memories to last a lifetime.
Get swept up in classic stories from Snow White to Tangled, Beauty And The Beast, Cinderella or The Princess And The Frog. Or take part in the adventures of the new Disney•Pixar generation stories from Ratatouille, Cars, Wall-E, Monsters, Inc. and the Toy Story films.
Magical Kingdoms can exclusively reveal that Mickey Mouse has announced his retirement, with effect from today, April 1st, 2011.
At the grand old age of 83, Mickey blamed his decision largely on the fact that Disney have recently made him homeless, demolishing his house to make way for the new Fantasyland expansion.
“Can you imagine being made homeless at my age, and all to make way for a new Dumbo ride? They’ve finally given me a new home at Town Square Theater, but it’s just not the same, I don’t even have a bed to sleep in,” Mickey complained.
He continued, “And then there’s being expected to be here, there and everywhere, jetsetting around the world. It’s tough trying to be in two places at once don’t ya know?!”
Mickey Mouse was born in 1928, making his debut in the silent animated short Plane Crazy, although many consider his first appearance to be in Steamboat Willie, which was actually released six months later. He has since starred in many cartoons, comics, TV shows and has made regular appearances at Disney Parks around the world.
Questioned on his future plans Mickey revealed that he’s considering taking a Disney cruise. “It’ll be a nice way to start retirement, and I’ll even be able to leave the ship for a change!” quipped Mickey.
Our sources tell us that Disney are hastily trying to find a new mouse to replace Mickey.
Disney spokesperson, Flora Opil, refused to comment on the shock news, mumbling something about having to interview someone called Jerry.
WALT DISNEY WORLD
Stitch dance party returns
The “Club 626 Character Dance Party” has returned to the Rockettower Plaza Stage in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland for the spring period. It will run daily from 4-10pm.
Peter Pan Queue Change
The queue area for Peter Pan is to be extended, using the space currently occupied by the restrooms next to the attraction. Restrooms will be built in the former Skyway station area to replace the ones that are being removed.
ESPN dates
The dates for next year’s ESPN Weekend have been announced – March 2 – 4, 2012.
