My Visit with Radio Harambe...

I was honored to be a guest on one of my favorite podcasts this week- Radio Harambe! Give a listen as Dave and Mike talk all about the most recent Animal Kingdom news, and I share all about my Expedition Everest Challenge experience...

Radio Harambe- Episode 30

While you're there, make sure to check out the rest of the blog, including their conservation page.

runDisney Expedition Everest Challenge 2014: The Medal...

Recently back from my runDisney Expedition Everest Challenge adventure, I have a ton of photos to share, and a full race and scavenger hunt recap in the works. I couldn't wait, though, to share this beautiful medal.... 

The best part: it opens to reveal a real, working compass....

I think I'm going to wear it all week. 

Any other Expedition Everest Challengers out there? What do you think of this medal? 

Share with us in the comments...

A Silver Anniversary for Disney's Hollywood Studios

Twenty five years ago, Disney's tribute to Hollywood opened its gates for the first time! The park has gone through many changes and additions over the years, as evidenced by this overhead shot from the early years. Notice anything...familiar?

photo via Disney Parks Blog

No longer intact due to construction, reconfiguration, and a giant blue hat, this oversized Hidden Mickey used to be visible from above. Can you see it?

Happy 25th, DHS!

Secret Lounges: Upstairs at the American Adventure Pavilion

The fabled Secret Lounges of Epcot have long held my interest. OK, maybe they're not so secret, but I like to think of them that way because it adds to their mystique. Anything out-of-the-ordinary and not open regularly to the general public is bound to pique my interest.  I wrote about the Secret World of Disney's Corporate Lounges last year, and ever since, I've been trying to figure out ways to get a glimpse inside each one.

I had my first opportunity during the 2013 Food & Wine festival, when the American Adventure played host to the Chase Lounge, a stop at the festival reserved for Chase cardholders. My Disney Visa was the ticket I needed to enter.

The lounge- consisting of two main rooms, joined by a long hallway- might best be described as...underwhelming. Located in the upstairs area of the American Adventure pavilion, the lounge is meant to provide an area for cardholders to take a break from the heat and crowds. Beverages, bathrooms, and a seating area were provided. I'm not sure when this area saw its heyday, but the space feels very dated. Old style furnishings, draped fabric, and things behind glass all lend a stale feel to the area. Like the other lounge areas in Epcot, the space is not open on a regular basis, but is used occasionally for private functions.

The big draw on the hot and crowded day of my visit was the fancy Coca Cola beverage machine that lets guests choose from a wide variety of options. Free soda, in full size servings and familiar flavors? This was not Club Cool, and the line was long!

The main lounge area contained tables and chairs, with an interesting but obstructed view looking out onto World Showcase.

Drapes and artwork behind sliding glass...

There were a few nice features added for the weary visitor. Two amenitities that stood out for me were charging stations with a variety of adapters, as well as board games for children and adults.

I'm glad I can check this off my Disney List, but I'm hoping for something a bit more interesting next time. Where will my lounge quest lead me next? I'm working on a plan to visit the lounge in The Seas pavilion. If it comes to fruition, you'll be the first to know...

Have you ever visited any of the VIP lounges of Epcot? Tell us about it in the comments...

Animal Kingdom's Birthday

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Animal Kingdom! 

 

Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day in 1998.  Last year, I highlighted a few of my favorite features of the park on Animal Kingdom's 15th anniversary. This year, I want to shine a little spotlight on one of my favorite Animal Kingdom blogs.

My appreciation for this park has been steadily growing over the years, but my recent resurgence of appreciation has been in large part due to finding and following the fine folks at Jambo Everyone, a website dedicated to all things Animal Kingdom. If you haven't checked out their blog, do yourself a favor and spend some time there. They are true devotees to Animal Kingdom, and they're knowledgeable about not only the park itself, but also about animals and conservation in general. In addition to their blog, they launched a fantastic podcast last year- Radio Harambe is on my regular rotation list, and it's consistently one of the most interesting and entertaining podcasts around! Give it a listen.

Happy Birthday Animal Kingdom! Here's to the next 16 years...