This. Is. American Idol!

By: Jacqueline aka Jersey Diva 

 This. Is. American Idol!

I have watched American Idol since the very first episode and although I may have skipped a season somewhere in there, I still consider myself a fan.  Of course, on our recent trip to Hollywood Studios, I had to check out The American Idol Experience.

I'm a singer, but I am not brave enough to get up there and sing in front of a live audience. This is why I took a seat in the audience of the 5 pm showing.  Each showing features 3 singers whom have auditioned earlier in the day. The final showing of the day is a Finale of all the winners from the day's performances. Each singer gets to sing one song for the audience and the 3 judges (think terrible Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell impersonators) critique.

Once the singers are finished, the audience gets to vote using a keypad on the arm of our seats.  As I said, the winner moves on to the Finale where that winner will receive a "Fast Pass" to the front of the line at any American Idol audition in any city.

If you are an AI fan, I would recommend checking out at least one showing of The American Idol Experience.  If you are a mega fan who can sing, I would definitely recommend auditioning for that chance to get the "Fast Pass."

Follow your dreams,
Jersey Diva

This article was originally posted on the Tips From the Disney Divas and Devos Blog, where Jersey Diva is a contributing writer.

The Magic in What You Wear at Disney

By: Beth

Do you or members of your family enjoy wearing Disney themed shirts while touring in the Parks? Our family does. We don't always wear a Disney shirt—I know, gasp—but often times we do. 

Whenever possible, we attempt to wear a Disney shirt that reflects which park we will be visiting for the day or a special character that depicts our unique personality or one we hope to find while touring that day. 

Has anything you've worn ever gotten you any special “perks” or surprises while at Disney? 'Ours has, on more than one occasion. 

We were touring World Showcase during the Year of a Million Dreams back in 2008. Rose was on a mission to find Aurora, her favorite Disney Princess at that time. Before leaving our resort that day, we found out where Aurora might be in World Showcase and what time to expect her. Off we headed to fulfill the girl's wishes. 

Both my girls had a wonderful time talking with Aurora and getting her autograph and pictures. Just before we left, both of the girls were told, by Aurora, that Belle was waiting for them “over in the shaded area near the water in Morocco” with a big surprise. According to Aurora, Belle mentioned specifically that my girls would be visiting today, and Belle was waiting for their arrival.  
My girls were beyond ecstatic. So...off we went in search of Belle. 

A Photo-pass photographer spotted us right away. We learned much later that the handler for Aurora had “radioed ahead” that we were on our way, so they were indeed looking for my girls. After the experience took place we also learned that the photographer was not looking for Abbey's bright yellow wheelchair which is rather hard to miss, but rather for the cute t-shirt that had a funny message regarding Beast printed on the front of it. 

When we arrived in Morocco, the handler assisting Belle came up to us and asked us to get in line for Belle's Meet and Greet. The handler politely asked our family to hang back just a bit, which we agreed to do. Other park guests kept going up for pictures and an autograph. My girls were waiting somewhat patiently for their turn. Once again, the handler working with Belle asked our family to wait “just a moment longer.”  I was getting somewhat annoyed, on the verge or saying something, when the MAGIC happened. 

We heard a rather odd clomping sound along the walkway where we were waiting. Beast was being assisted by his personal handler and was coming out specifically to join Belle for pictures and signatures. I'm not sure whose jaw dropped further as my girls watched Beast join Belle for pictures and signatures. Belle's handler was waiting for just the right moment with this extra special magic for my girls. It was well worth the wait. 

The Photo-pass photographer was able to capture many great shots of my girls interaction with not only Beast but Belle as well. Each of my girls had the opportunity to speak with their favorite character for just a moment. Beast laughed and laughed over my daughter's shirt, almost seeming to prefer our sweet Abbey over Belle if that were possible. 

Rose enjoyed a magical moment with Belle, telling her how much more enjoyable reading books was because of her. Belle went through great pains to make sure that Abbey was posed in such a way that her shirt, along with Beast, were highlighted. Once you see the picture, you will understand what was so magical albeit comical about this shot. Truly a magical moment that was totally unplanned on our part—all because of what Abbey decided she wanted to wear that day. 

Just before our time was finished, Belle knelt down to thank Abbey and Rose for coming to visit her today and making the Beast laugh. This is still a very special memory for my girls. 

Wearing Disney or even non-Disney shirts are fun. Before you say it, our family really doesn't believe it had anything to do specifically with The Year Of A Million Dreams, since we've encountered special photographic opportunities both with a Photo-pass photographer and without since this special moment from 2008. Here is a shot from 2012. 

We stopped to chat with these lovely Citizens of Main Street. We are all laughing so hard in this photograph not only because of the Disney themed t-shirt I was wearing, but something else as well. When I was asked to show the BACK-side of my shirt, well the adults all enjoyed a great laugh at the silly “pun” that was made based on every thing I was wearing at the time. Since I am the photographer for the group shot pictured above, I am including my photograph separately. I am sure if you think about it, you will quickly learn the “pun” that was made and why the adults laughed so hard in the above picture. 

At my “expense” and for a special treat on my special day, we received vouchers for free Mickey ice cream bars. We still laugh about this funny encounter, all due to what we were wearing at the time. Special photographic moments seem to happen, for our family at least, because of what a member of our family chose to wear that day and our willingness to interact with the characters in the Parks. 

What is your favorite Disney shirt to wear while touring the Parks. Do you have any special pictures or experiences as a direct result of wearing a specific article of clothing? Inquiring minds enjoy hearing from you as well.

Vintage Walt Disney World License Plates

By: Nick

A few months ago I found these license plates that I've had since the early to mid 90s in the garage.
The first 2 are from my first visit to Walt Disney World in 1992.
Disney World celebrated it's 20th Anniversary in 1991.

Epcot was still Epcot Center. I loved the old Epcot Center.

These next 2 are from 1996.
I was at the Magic Kingdom on October 1st, 1996, it's 25th Anniversary.
Interestingly, it was not nearly as crowded as October 1st 2011, it's 40th Anniversary. Maybe people were staying away from the pink castle?

This next one is from the "Company D" store, a shop for Disney Cast Members. I was a Disney Store Cast Member at that time. CMO stands for Cast Member Only.

HONK if you love Disney!

Sunrise over Walt Disney World's Seven Seas Lagoon

A while back I shared a video of the view from our room at The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian.
I also shot some video of the Sunrise from our room, and thought I'd share it today.

Here is a short video followed by a link to a longer version on my YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0LxEhfnN_E&feature=youtu.be

Favorite Food Friday: Tonga Toast at Disney's Polynesian Resort

by: Nick

Have you ever tried Tonga Toast, which can be found at the Kona Cafe at Disney's Polynesian Resort?

Tonga Toast is a classic, as it has been served at the Polynesian since 1971. It's sourdough bread, stuffed with banana and deep fried.

It's served with a delicious Stawberry Compote.

I first had this delicious entree almost 20 years ago, and I've only had it twice, mostly because it's a bit of a trip to get to the Poly for breakfast, but we may have to put it into regular rotation.

The recipe from Magical Recipes:

Ingredients

Tonga Toast
 
1. 2 or 4 slices sourdough bread, cut 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick
2. 1 banana
3. 1/3 cup sugar
4. 1 teaspoon cinnamon 
5. 1 egg
6. 1/4 cup milk
7. 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
8. oil or shortening for frying
9. whipped butter and/or syrup
Strawberry Compote
10. 10 large strawberries
11. 1/4 cup sugar
12. 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Tonga Toast
 
1. Cut a 1-inch pocket in one side of each bread slice.
2. Cut banana in half crosswise, then split each piece lengthwise.
3. Remove peel and stuff 2 pieces of fruit in each pocket of bread; set aside.
4. Mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
5. Mix well the egg, milk and vanilla.
6. Heat about 4 inches of oil in a pan to 350 degrees F.
7. Dip stuffed bread into egg/milk mixture and let it soak a few seconds to let penetrate bread.
8. Fry bread on both sides in hot oil until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
9. Drain on paper towels or wire rack.
10. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and serve.
Strawberry Compote
 
11. Slice 6 strawberries and place in small pot.
12. Add sugar and vanilla, stir.
13. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until mixtures starts to boil.
14. Place 4 sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor.
15. Add cooked strawberry mixture and blend until smooth.
16. Serve warm or cold.

An InLinkz Link-up

Meeting Tinker Bell at the Magic Kingdom

By Nick

I'm a collector. I started collecting comic books at 12 years old, and continued to do so on and off into my 30s. In my 20s, I started collecting Disney, which probably comes as no surprise. I still buy items from time to time, but, let's face it, my house is only so big.

I've tried to find things to collect that barely take up any space at all. Like experiences.

Some non Disney experiences include visiting all 50 States, all 50 State Capitols, and every National Park. As for Disney, I'd like to visit every Disney park.

I also collect characters. My goal here is to get a photo with as many characters as possible. I don't feel self conscious about it, as I'm a child at heart!

This all sounds like I'm making an excuse for a grown man to get a photo with Tinker Bell.
And, psychologically, you are probably right!

But enough of looking into my psyche, we're here to see where to find Tinker Bell!

At the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, you can meet Tink and other Disney Fairies at Tinker Bell's Magical Nook, a tiny piece of Pixie Hollow which has magically grown in Adventureland.
If entering from Main Street, it is found on the right, just before Aloha Isle. 

Wait times get long quickly, and the Fairies spend plenty of time with each group, so I suggest going as early as possible. We went right over at park opening, and there was already a short line.

Along the queue, you'll find photos from Pixie Hollow, but this is likely not enough to keep the attention of restless children, or adults for that matter, for very long.

Like the queue to meet Mickey and Minnie at The Adventurer's Outpost over at Disney's Animal Kingdom, I found this a good time to check Facebook and eMail.

Finally it's time to meet Tinker Bell and one of her friends!
We are magically shrunk down to the size of a Fairy, and we enter the Nook, which is very well themed and affords excellent photo backdrops.

There is a PhotoPass photographer there, and they are happy to take photos with your camera as well as theirs, so have it ready.

We visited the Magical Nook in January, so Tinker Bell was appropriately attired in her winter clothes.

There are usually other Disney Fairies in the area, but I have read that at various times there may be only one.

We had the fortune of meeting Tink's fraternal twin sister, Periwinkle, a Frost Fairy, which was fortuitous as it was cold out by Florida standards, so it gave us something to talk about. I asked her to dial the frost back just a notch!

The Fairies who appear may change during the day. Other Fairies you might see are Iridessa, Fawn, Silvermist, Vidia, Rosetta, and Terrence.

Wordless Wednesday: Disney in the Details, Cars Land at Disney California Adventure