Hidden Magic, Disneyland's Space Mountain

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

Hidden Magic examines lesser-known attractions, snacks, tactics and distraction to help you make the most of your Disney visit. Yes, everyone is thoroughly familiar with Space Mountain, but do you know the best time to ride it?
If you have ever been stranded on that convection oven of a patio in the Space Mountain STANDBY line, on an average afternoon, you know it is an experience you don't want to repeat. You don't have to. Ever. Space Mountain is the best ride, this side of Radiator Springs, for FastPassing.
While this is an eternally popular attraction, if the wait time is 40 minutes, or more, you should come back later. Anything more than 20 minutes, you run the risk of getting caught outside as Space Mountain Disneyland runs a particularly liberal FastPass line. Gatekeeper CM's will hold up several furlongs of standby riders for even a single FastPasser. This is not a criticism. Get a FastPass.

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Grammy Awards 2015: Ed Sheeran, Ariana Grande live performances, likely wins

 

Article originally appears on AXS Entertainment

Last year on the 56th Grammy Awards live broadcast, Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers, Pharrell Williams and Stevie Wonder performed an inspired medley which included contemporary hit, "Get Lucky." A little later in the show, Daft Punk, Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams won both the Album of the Year and Record of the Year awards. During the acceptance the Daft Punk guys wore their robot outfits, Pharrell Williams had that ridiculous hat on his head, and Nile Rodgers even got to thank some people. Stevie Wonder didn't win a thing. He was not invited onto the stage, and no one thanked him. No one appreciates the classics.
The point is--aside from Stevie Wonder deserving more respect--if you are invited to perform at the Grammy's, it's a good sign. The converse is absolutely true: if you are not performing at that current year's ceremony, you probably aren't walking away with any of the major awards. You may not even win any of the minor ones.
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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

runDisney Costume Characters you should be able to beat..

Article originally appears within the Disney Theme Parks Examiner postings on Examiner.com, Aug 28, 2013.

For the fortuitous enthusiasts who managed to secure an entry into the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon before it sold out in 25 hours, perhaps you were also keen enough to train for it. Disney races are renowned for being delightful and accommodating, but if you aren't in the proper shape you are going to finish behind someone in a Buzz Lightyear costume. Think you can live with that?
One of the truly charming elements that help define a Disney race is the indelible throng of wholly passionate participants. Yes, twenty-thousands of them are willing to sign up for each half marathon the day registration opens. Yes, most of these same thousands are prepared to get out of bed at 4 in the morning to reach their assigned starting corral as instructed. But, more specifically we speak of the fervor which drives those who will pay for, plan for and participate in the whole thirteen-mile spectacle dressed like a Disney cartoon character.
The experience of seeing thousands of fanatics wearing their ears, Mickey hands and Team Sparkle skirts is nigh indescribable. Those that go the extra mile (intentional) and don an actual costume deserve special recognition. Getting passed by Tweedledum and Tweedledee at the halfway point, though, is as infuriating as it is unavoidable, and you'd better just prepare for it.
There are a great many runners out there simply bristling with Disney spirit. Watching powerless as one of them plods past you in Mike Wazowski regalia is a real kick to your own enthusiasm. To aptly compete with a Disney-costumed runner, it boils down to this: awareness. First, understand that many of these individuals are not mere fanatics. Most are well conditioned, well adjusted athletes who for reasons all their own possess the will and training to run a ten-minute mile dressed as Eeyore. Know that it is possible for someone to have more endurance than you no matter how impractically they are outfitted. The compulsion that drives one to wear a bolt of felt all through a thirteen-mile race often accompanies a determination that you cannot match, most certainly not if you are still being paced by The Little Mermaid at mile 11.
Any costumed character you don't put away early is probably going to beat you. If one, or all of the Three Little Pigs are still with you on the homestretch, you are going to finish behind them . If your combined ability and psychosis did not enable you to distance yourself from Winnie the Pooh, his closing kick is going to be stronger than yours and you will forever be immortalized in his finish-line photo.
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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.
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