2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend motivation and survival guide

Article first appears within the Disney Theme Parks Examiner postings on Examiner.com, Sept 9, 2014

The Disney Princess Half Marathon extravaganza, taking place this weekend at and all throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, is similar to every other runDisney weekend in that it is wholly memorable and outstanding. Everyone who participates in a runDisney event either immediately makes plans to return for their next, or goes through their days distracted and with a profound sense of loss.

If you are participating in this, or any runDisney run, know that they are exceedingly accommodating. The courses are flat, lined with entertainment, magic and motivation. There are a few things to keep in mind though, which will help make the Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend the spectacular success it is designed to be:

See FULL ARTICLE HERE

Have a question, observation or condemnation for Hidden Magic? Please comment here, or reach out to us on Facebook and twitter.

Article first appears within the Disney Theme Parks Examiner postings on Examiner.com, Aug 19, 2014

It is entirely acceptable to be a fan of Elvis and The Beatles, but we bet you have a favorite. The same applies to Disney. You may absolutely love Disneyland and Walt Disney World, though it's likely not equally. Recently we asked a group of Disney World Addicts to pick a side based upon one of the classic attractions: Pirates of the Caribbean.
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom have their own version of this timeless favorite. They are touted by many to be the best ride in their respective parks. The rides are similar. Opinions vary, though sentiment invariably favors Disneyland.
Most respondents are familiar with both parks, which is helpful in gathering reliable results. Others just know what they like, and for the most part they like the original. Pirates of the Caribbean, Disneyland, opened in 1967, and was the final attraction Walt Disney designed and worked on personally. For that alone, if it were a bathtub in the parking lot, many would still vote for it. The Florida version opened in 1973, and while Walt's fingerprints are all over it, its dirt didn't get under Walt's nails, so it's just not the same.
Walt Disney World loyalists emphasize the quality of their ride's queue. Almost entirely inside, to protect guests from sun, rain and hurricane, the Magic Kingdom line winds through much more elaborate and adorned scenery. Once inside the attraction at Disneyland, the line moves so rapidly, there's little time and thus little at which to gaze.
Read the  FULL ARTICLE HERE

2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend recap, shameless runDisney praise

Article first appears within Disney Theme Parks Examiner postings on Examiner.com, Jan 11, 2015

Another incredible runDisney series of events has graced yet another army of guests, participants and enthusiasts. The 2015 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend concludes on Sunday, and besides becoming even more well-attended, the weekends keep getting better. runDisney knows what they are doing. Additionally, they are harnessing valuable lessons brought by each successive event to make an already magical experience wholly transformational. There are still issues, of course, you couldn't give away gold bars and eternal life without some difficulty. There are fewer problems with every passing run, and far fewer than anywhere outside Disney.
One concern with any wildly popular endeavor is overcrowding. Every Disney Resort does a masterful job of organizing and moving people. The Imagineers have sought to anticipate and remedy issuses ahead of time, while Cast Members expertly handle what cannot be designed out. Sometimes attendance at the parks, or certain regions of them, say in the Soarin' queue or anywhere Anna and Elsa are spotted, simply exceed capacity and anyone's ability to maintain. This has become an unavoidable result of runDisney's excessive and ever-growing loyal following. The races are amazing. Word has gotten out. These weekends simply draw too many people, no matter what the most brilliant minds and guest service reps do.

See the FULL ARTICLE HERE

The Legendary Dole Whip

Article originally appears within the Disney Theme Parks Examiner postings on Examiner.com on Jan 22, 2015.

Of course, the Dole Whip is no big secret. It's not even a little one. But do you know how to get one without standing in a prohibitive line? And no, we don't mean getting a fake one at Friendly's or making a hallow substitute at home. Hidden Magic has your solution to getting your hands on the Park's genuine, most coveted treat without sacrificing precious Disney moments, energy and enthusiasm.
The Dole Whip, for the six of you who don't know, is a seemingly simple, yet extraordinary pineapple soft-serve frozen dessert. They are vegan, gluten free and just excellent. For many they are an indispensable element of the Disney experience. Which why the line for one commonly rivals Big Thunder Mountain.
Within the Disneyland Park you will find this delicious concoction in Adventureland, at the Tiki Juice Bar adjacent to the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction. Inside the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, you will also find them in Adventureland, at Aloha Isle. Droves will forgo Space Mountain for a first-thing-in-the-morning Dole Whip, even when it's cold. There is essentially no good time to grab one. None of the typical Disney crowd-avoidance tricks apply here. During a parade, in the dead of night, beneath a downpour; guests will cancel lunch reservations and forfeit FastPasses for a whip.

So what's the hidden-magic secret? See the FULL ARTICLE HERE

Disney for Grown Ups Specialty Drinks series, Epcot's Grand Marnier and Grey Goose Orange Slush

Article originally appears within National Vodka Examiner postings on Examiner.com, Jan. 18, 2012:

Something as mundane as washing your hands in a Disney maintained sink is an absolute pleasure. Now picture drinking a cocktail with Grey Goose and Grand Marnier in it on a park bench overlooking a Disney fashioned body of water. Pure paradise.
Pure Paradise could well be the name of the Grand Marnier and Grey Goose Orange Slush, available at Epcot's France Pavilion. However, based upon the name it does bear, I suspect there were overriding merchandising considerations.
Doesn't matter. The drink could be called Glass of Dishwater and it would still be one of humanity's better creations. It's simple, sublte and be you a beer, wine or dishwater drinker, try just one GMGGOS and you will begin to crave them in your sleep.
See FULL ARTICLE HERE