Archive for April, 2012

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Busch Gardens……a little more then a zoo…

Posted in FLORIDA ADVENTURES with tags , on April 29, 2012 by disneychronicles

We had a fun day at Busch Gardens. We went on a Monday and there were no crowds and no lines. It was a great combination of amped up roller coaster rides and zoo animals.

Yes, a strange combination! but somehow it works!

The park has eight areas, each with its own theme, animals, live entertainment, thrill rides, kiddie attractions, dining, and shopping.

A Skyride cable car soars over the park, offering a bird’s-eye view of it all.

 

 

The animals are active and photogenic and very close. That was truly my favorite part. It is worth it just to come for the animal interactions.  The Jungala exhibit is amazing (added in 2009) it brings Bengal tigers to center stage and puts them at eye level—allowing you to view them from underground caves and underwater windows. The big cats are just one of the reasons the theme park attracts some 4½ million visitors each year.  This area is the best viewing area I have seen! Bravo Busch Gardens!

The rides are fast!  so if you love roller coasters you will LOVE it!

They do have a “Sesame Street” area for younger kids but in my opinion nothing for the tweens! Sesame Street Safari of Fun is a 5-acre kids’ playground with Sesame-themed rides, shows, and water adventures.  In my case my boys are 6 and 9 and they do not do the big roller coasters and they would not want to do the younger rides. So you have to figure it out what would work for your family.

If you’ve never been it is a good stop while in Florida!

Believe it or not there are more pics! Check them out here…:D

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150732481318853.410341.142061353852&type=3

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Maelstrom…..the Ride…

Posted in DISNEY ATTRACTIONS, DISNEY'S EPCOT with tags , on April 26, 2012 by disneychronicles

Maelstrom uses a 16 passenger Viking-style boat that takes you through a 10th century Viking village and a mythical forest where you’ll encounter trolls who cast a curse on the boats. ohhhhhhh scary…..lol ok not really!

The ride first takes visitors back to a mythological version of Norway’s Viking days. The boats first pass through scenes of seafarers and Vikings. The boats then enter an enchanted swamp, and are forced backwards down a waterfall by angry trolls. The boats float rapidly past scenes of polar bears and living trees, before coming to a stop on the edge of another waterfall, exposed to the Norway pavilion’s main thoroughfare. After again rotating to a forward-facing position, the boats plunge forward into the stormy North Sea. The boats pass dangerously close to an oil rig and the ride comes to an abrupt end in a calm harbor.  After the ride, guests disembark and then have the option to watch a 6 minute film highlighting the history and folklore of Norway.A decent enough water ride but not suited for thrill-seekers! and it really seems these rides are getting shorter & shorter 😦

spoiler alert……You may not want to watch 🙂

Click to watch….

Maelstrom

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Who’s this Duffy Bear anyway?

Posted in EVERYTHING DISNEY with tags , on April 21, 2012 by disneychronicles

Duffy….Mickey’s Teddy Bear! He originated from the creative minds at Tokyo Disney Resort … they took a merchandise item, named it, created a backstory, and ended up with an extremely popular, immersive entertainment experience. Fans went crazy for him and really embraced the character.” ..Duffy was initially introduced in 2002 for the opening of “Once Upon a Toy” at Downtown Disney in Orlando, and was known only as “The Disney Bear” (He really hasn’t taken off as well in the US)

So here’s the story…..

“When Mickey was leaving on a long sea voyage, Minnie didn’t want him to be lonely so she made Duffy to keep him company during his travels. Minnie presented her hand-sewn bear to Mickey in a duffel bag, which is how he came up with the nickname ‘Duffy.’ Mickey and Duffy visited many exciting places together and made lots of new friends along the way. At the end of their journey, they sailed back home to be reunited with Minnie.”

Although Duffy has sported holiday-themed costumes at various Parks’ parades, he’s known for rocking the sailor suit that reminds him of his travels with Mickey. “Guests can purchase different outfits for their Duffy bears, including some that represent the different countries at Epcot and all the holidays!

What you may not know about is (also introduced several years after her beau) ShellieMay.  She is Duffy’s girlfriend (and, yes, she’s a real Disney Character!). Currently, this bow-clad bear can only be seen at Tokyo DisneySea.

and of course…Duffy even has his own Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/DuffytheDisneyBear

And there it is!

All that you ever wanted to know about this bear named Duffy!

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Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival 2012

Posted in DISNEY'S EPCOT with tags , on April 15, 2012 by disneychronicles

We stopped in on a Saturday, the weather was a little cloudy but it sure did not take away from the creativity and beauty of these creations.

The festival is held March 7, 2012 through May 20, 2012. It is worth checking out! Green thumb or not you will be AMAZED!

I promise you.

You’ll find more than 100 topiaries throughout Epcot theme park—including more than 75 Disney character topiaries!

Highlights include character topiaries representing Buzz, Woody and Lotso from the Disney•Pixar film Toy Story 3, Lightning McQueen and Mater from the Disney•Pixar film Cars 2, and other classic favorites.

They are beautiful and amazing! It makes you wonder how long it took to make some of them. No detail was left behind!

Lady & the Tramp was my favorite!

Check out all my pics here….

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150701464203853.407196.142061353852&type=3

Check out the official Facebook page…

https://www.facebook.com/EpcotFlowerandGarden

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