My Disney Blog

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milk Shakes

I have to admit - I have never tried this delicacy, but it sure sounds interesting! This item, from '50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios sure is popular. It happened quite by accident as they were experimenting to create the original menu. I bet Disney, and all the fans, are glad they did! Anyway, you can create this taste-treat in your very own home by watching this video!



You'll need the following ingredients to create this concoction - seems simple enough that I could even handle it!

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY MILKSHAKE INGREDIENTS:
4 ounce Peanut Butter
4 Ounce Grape Jelly
72 Ounces Vanilla Ice Cream
8 Ounces Milk
8 Ounces Pure Vanilla Extract

How about you? Have you tried this famous Prime Time treat? What do you think of it? Is your trip not complete without one of these from the Prime Time Cafe? Tell me more!

--- Disney Dean

The American Idol Experience World Premiere

I wanted to share with you a really cool slide show that Disney has just created for the Gala Premiere of Disney's exciting new attraction - The American Idol Experience. If you mouse-over the image you can check out exclusive content from the gala including 62 photos, 4 videos and other information.  It is quite impressive - especially if you view the full screen version (hit the little box in the upper right hand side of the slide show box). You can even view videos by clicking the 'video' icon. I hope you like this!

--- Disney Dean

Journey Into Narnia - Prince Caspian Opening Soon at DHS

This summer, some of the characters from C.S. Lewis's timeless fantasy The Chronicles of Narnia come to life at Walt Disney World in Florida. Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian, an all-new soundstage attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios, offers an in-depth and unique look into the making of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" (released in theaters May 16 by Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media Films). The journey begins at the queue where guests can test their knowledge of the Narnia stories. Next, guests will have an option of participating in a meet and greet with Prince Caspian himself against a backdrop of the "Dancing Lawn," the location where the Narnians first confront Prince Caspian in the movie. Fans who can't wait to be transported will have the option to head directly into the new movie attraction Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian. The attraction opens with a narration from the film's director, Andrew Adamson, who explains the behind-the-scenes footage of the making of "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian." Guests then pass through an archway carved into stone that reveals an underground vault which holds the stone table where, in the first movie, Aslan sacrificed himself. "Guests and fans alike will be drawn into a different world as they enter the Narnia portal," says Dave Hoffman, art director for Walt Disney Imagineering. "By using audio and visual effects with multiple surround screens, we immerse guests into The Chronicles of Narnia like never before." In addition to the immersive, behind-the-scenes experience, guests can view authentic props from the movie set and costumes worn by the actors and actresses in the film. Even the structure of "Aslan's How," which is visible as guests "cross over" into Narnia, was cast from the same molds as the one used in the actual film. The attraction itself will open in early summer but the meet and greet experience with Prince Caspian is currently open for guests to enjoy. Guests will find it located at Soundstage 4, between Walt Disney: One Man's Dream and Toy Story Mania!, at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

American Idol coming to Disney World

I must admit - this one kind of took me by surprise! I haven't been able to figure out where this will be going in Disney's Hollywood Studios, but sounds pretty interesting. It is probably going to go where Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was located. I am such a Disney purist, that I would rather see Disney themed rides/attractions in the parks, but I guess it will probably be popular for many people.

--- Disney Dean

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will create an "American Idol" attraction that will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, it was jointly announced today by Jay Rasulo, chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts; Simon Fuller, CEO of 19 Entertainment; and Keith Hindle, executive vice president of FremantleMedia Licensing.

The attraction, slated to debut in late 2008, will be located at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park and will follow the model of the high-energy show. Disney guests will be able to experience the challenge of auditioning, the rush of performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the distinctive "American Idol" set.

That experience will include an audition process, open to all who register, where guests perform "live" in front of a Disney's Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. After backstage preparation -- working with a vocal coach, hair and make-up -- it's lights up and showtime in front of a "live" audience and a panel of judges.

Guest performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-day Grand Finale show at Walt Disney World, and the winner of the Grand Finale show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition -- to ensure no waiting in long lines. But when it comes down to the television show auditions, everyone is treated equal.

"Millions of people have imagined themselves standing on the 'American Idol' stage," said Rasulo. "We're excited that we will be bringing this dream to life every day at Walt Disney World."

Added Fuller, "One of the most remarkable elements about 'American Idol' is that for a brief moment each week, we can provide TV viewers the opportunity to imagine life as America's next superstar. Disney's new attraction perfectly captures what we at 'American Idol' feel is the heart and soul of this brand, real people getting a shot to make their dream a reality."

"This partnership," noted Hindle, "brings the number one show on television, watched in over 100 countries, to the number one theme park destination in the world. It's a perfect combination and opportunity to offer everyone a taste of the 'American Idol' experience."

The coming "American Idol" attraction will reflect the best and brightest of the TV show, giving starry-eyed park guests a chance to become a star on the attraction's stage. It joins an all-star lineup at Disney's Hollywood Studios, a celebration of today's Hollywood in movies, television, music and theater. Among the new adventures debuting in 2008 is the just-opened "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" plus coming attractions "Block Party Bash," an interactive and moving DisneyoPixar spectacle filling the theme park streets; and Toy Story Mania! immersing guests in a 3-D interactive ride-through video game starring popular DisneyoPixar "Toy Story" characters.

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Here's a YouTube video announcing the new attraction :)

50's Prime Time Cafe YouTube Video

Yesterday, I made a post about the 50's Prime Time Cafe at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and I just ran across a GREAT video of someone's experience there on YouTube. If you have never been there, you'll be so surprised at how the "family" is treated - it's definitely a wonderful experience and one that most people would really enjoy. Anyway, here it is - the YouTube video of the 50's Prime Time Cafe:

--- Disney Dean

50's Prime Time Cafe Review

The 50's Prime Time Cafe is just a blast! If you've never been there, you really are missing out. It is one of my favorites at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I just ran across a really fun review on Lou Mongello's Disney World Trivia site, and thought I'd let everyone know. It's always good to see personal accounts before you go, and I think the author did a really nice job.

SO, head on over to DisneyWorldTrivia.com and check it out!

--- Disney Dean

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

As the self-proclaimed world's biggest Indiana Jones fan, I honestly did not know whether I would see another Indiana Jones movie. I have watched the previous DVD's so many times I cannot count, and it just seemed to me that there was something missing - something not complete about the series. I followed all the drama that went on with the script rewrites, and the various rumors - only to see them all go bust. BUT, then things started to change a little. The news suddenly started feeling more positive, and I just had the feeling they were going to pull off another one. When they announced that Karen Allen was coming back, I was overjoyed. I was hoping that Sean Connery and John Rhys-Davies would come back, so that's a bummer, but at least it is coming back. I promise to be the first one in line when the movie opens on May 22, 2008, and I hope to see it about 5 times in the movie theater. I TOLD you I was the world's biggest Indy fan. I'm also hoping that the buzz will encourage more Indy attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. There has been some chatter going on lately in this regard, and I would just love if they did. I've heard the ride at Disneyland is just great (and I believe it is the same layout as the Dinosaur ride at Animal Kingdom - can anyone verify this for me?). So, are there any other Indiana Jones fans out there? If so, are you excited to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below this post and let's start the excitement! For some reason, I know I will be ok if they don't do another one - I just needed ONE MORE - kind of like eating potato chips - you can never stop when you are told :)

To further fuel the excitement, head on over to IndianaJones.com and start downloading wallpapers, buddy icons, posters and more. The image in this post is one of their posters - and you can download this exact poster on IndianaJones.com

--- Disney Dean

Merry Christmas

WOW, I can't believe Christmas Day is finally here! I "ate like I was at Disney World" yesterday, and now I have to work today :( I definitely wish I was at Walt Disney World, although it's nice to be home with the real snow too. We received about a foot of snow in the "Wilds of northern Minnesota" on Sunday, and spent a fair amount of time digging out on Christmas Eve. Well, watching Disney Holiday Magic with Samantha Brown yesterday really got me to thinking about how wonderful the holidays are at Walt Disney World. I went to find some fun videos on YouTube, and had the hardest time picking just the right one. On a whim, I decided to see if anyone posted Disney Holiday Magic with Samantha Brown, and IT WAS THERE! I couldn't believe it - I was so happy! It is broken into 5 parts and is actually a pretty decent recording. When you click the link above, it will take you to part 1, and the other parts should show up in the related videos on the right hand side. Anyway, I hope you enjoy Disney Holiday Magic, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday, wherever you are in the world, and whatever form of the holiday you celebrate. I hope you all "eat like you are at Disney World" today :)

--- Disney Dean

Disney's Hollywood Studios Logo

A new logo was just released for Disney's Hollywood Studios name change coming up in January 2008. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I kind of like the new design - it's simple and I think it fits with the overall dynamic of the park. It has a nice art deco style to it, and makes use of Mickey Mouse within the logo. Seems to work, but anxious to hear your thoughts as well - do you like the new logo? Of course, I'm sure I will be calling the park "MGM" for the rest of my life, but that's beside the point. According to the Orlando Sentinel - "The logo replaces the MGM lion logo that has graced Disney-MGM Studios since it opened in 1989." The only new attraction under construction in Walt Disney World is Toy Story Mania, a new ride that will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios. So, whatta you think about the new logo? Read more about the new logo at the Orlando Sentinel, a great source for up-to-the minute Disney news and information.

--- Disney Dean

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Handy Manny at Disney-MGM Studios

It was recently announced that Handy Manny, the popular Playhouse Disney character, will be the newest member of the Disney-MGM Studios family. Handy Manny will be making regular meet-and-greet appearances in the Disney-MGM Studios theme park the week of November 18, 2007. In 2008, Handy Manny will debut as part of the cast in a new show entitled "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!". My kids absolutely LOVE Handy Manny, and I think this will be a great addition to the lineup at Disney MGM (soon to be named Disney's Hollywood Studios).

To learn more about Handy Manny, visit his page on the Playhouse Disney website. Check out the cool games on the Playhouse Disney website as well.

--- Disney Dean