Roger Rabbit turns 30!

Whoa! Who Framed Roger Rabbit has turned 30 on June 22nd and I’m feeling pretty old! Hahahaha! 1988 was a big year for me too! That was the year I graduated from high school, married hubby on NYE (So young!!) and took my first vacation without my parents. Hubby & I went back up to my hometown in PA from Orlando for the summer. Good times! 

But, again, whoa! I just can’t believe it was 30 years ago we witnessed one of Disney’s most creative films. This live action-animation combined film was a huge hit! The success of the film was the beginning of what would be known as the “Disney Renaissance”. It was between 1989-1999 when Walt Disney Animation Studios was producing musical animated movies over their standard movies. Honestly, this era plays a huge role in how we’ve come to know Disney movies that are Classics. A few of them included The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Beauty and The Beast.

But Who Framed Roger Rabbit created an action packed film that brought us back to the 1940’s and “gum shoes”.  I think the success lead to the Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers! 

Do you remember the the steam roller on display at Disney’s MGM Studios? To be honest, it always creeped me out lol! That whole scene of rolling over characters was weird and seeing it in person just creeped me out, but we used to enjoy that walking tour! 

And we can’t forget to honor the beautiful Jessica Rabbit! I know she made me embrace my curves! Lol! I think that was the first time we saw a Disney cartoon character portrayed in a sexy manor.

But we have to give props to Roger since he literally was so popular that the hip hop community embraced him by making his name a dance move! Whenever I auditioned for Disney, the choreography always included the “Roger Rabbit”!! Fun!! 

I know there’s some 30th Anniversary merch out there! I hope I can find some! 

Happy Birthday Roger! 😘 

 ~Christine Fox

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is in full swing!

This past Tuesday, John Saccheri (Big Fat Panda) & I attended the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and we were delighted to spend the evening upping our Photo Pass game!l  I loved how they had so many options for pics this year! Our favorite was the Hat Box Ghost for sure! You get two pics with one of them being your head in the box! So much fun!  

We really didn’t go for the candy, but I have to save that Disney really brings it! If candy is your thing you’ll be happy campers for sure! We’re talking Snickers, Milky Way, Skittles, Gummies and more! If you have food allergies or just not a fan of sooooo much sugar, don’t worry, they have options! I know at least one of my kids would love the squeezable applesauce option! I didn’t have my 11 year old with me for this night so I forgot to check what they did for multiple food allergies. I recall from previous years we went to City Hall for some non edible “treats”. I’m sure they still do that! 

Let’s talk Attractions! I don’t think we saw a line longer than 10-15 min. Now, I’m sure the rain had something to do with it, but it was really nice. One of our favorite things ever is the addition of live “pirates” inside Pirates of The Caribbean attraction! They’re almost like hecklers lol! One was at the end of the queue and we saw another one on the infamous bridge. Panda offered him some candy but he shut that down lol! 

Now, most of y’all know I’m the KetoFitGal and don’t do sweets, etc., but boy did they look enticing! We stopped by Sleepy Hollow and picked up one of the coolest MNSSHP souvenirs ever..... The Headless Horseman glow clip that’s attached to a straw! The head glows y’all! Awesome! So while we’re there we see all these Halloween themed treats! But, I have to say the regular waffle with berries had my eye though! Ooh, don’t forget to stop by Starbucks at the Bakery. They have a few treats there too! Plus, it’s PUMPKIN SPICE TIME Y’all!! Win!

The night ended with the Boo To You parade and Hallow Wishes fireworks! If you’ve never seen these you have too! They are worth the price of admission! Speaking of admission, don’t forget to take advantage of your Annual Pass, Florida Reaident & DVC discounts. (Side note: Not given on same day tickets). Call our Diva Jenn at Upon A Star Travel to book your upcoming trip and snag those Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets!  

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Nestled amongst a tranquil mini  forest you’ll find the largest cabin you’ve ever seen! Imagine the Lincoln logs you used to play with as a kid! That’s the Disney’s Wilderness Lodge on a grand scale!

This multi room resort boasts rooms with some of the most tranquil views around Walt Disney World. The sights and sounds of this resort are enough to make you want to not leave and just stay here for your entire vacation!

I’m currently sitting on a rocking chair out on a deck back outside of the lobby next to a waterfall listening to a stream and the Disney water taxis in the background. You can hear their horns which brings on that sound that is so reminiscent of my childhood! From my rocking chair I am looking at two bunnies playing in the grass while little children look on and squeal. It’s such a delight and what a wonderful night! There’s a light breeze in the air and the temperatures in the very low 80s. A great summer sunset is approaching and we are enjoying this peaceful atmosphere after an amazing first class dinner at the award-winning Artist Point here at the Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

It’s almost as if were set back into a redwood forest or somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, but certainly not in the middle of Central Florida. It also has the ability to be a relaxing location amongst the hustle bustle of Walt Disney World. When you walk into the resort through the grand entrance you’re just stunned. Your greeted with the sites and sounds of what you will know to be an amazing family vacation!

Our dinner at the Artist Point started with an a Charcuterie board of meats and accompaniments that were by far some of the best I’ve had on any Charcuterie board! In the next course we moved on to a cedar plank salmon that just left be in awe! Chef Matthew prepared an exceptional meal for us tonight. And with this second-floor view overlooking this large resort and waterfalls it’s almost as if I‘m in the Pacific Northwest. It’s so picturesque and scenic. The aromas in the restaurant are enough to get your stomach wanting more! And whatever you do, don’t forget to pair your meal with a fantastic wine!

After dinner take a stroll around the property.  There’s so much to look at and so much to do! The beautifully winding pool leads into part of that waterfall and stream and there’s loads of Recreation ideas. We love to bike ride, rent some boats, play pool outside or maybe even air hockey! It’s all here at Disney’s wilderness Lodge! Even if you’re just coming out for dinner take a peek around and enjoy all the sights and animals! You’ll love it!

Pioneer Hall Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review

If you've never been to the Pioneer Hall Hoop Dee Doo Musical Review you need to grab a reservation on your next trip to Walt Disney World! It's a foot stomping good time! To be honest the show hasn't changed much over the years, but that's the charm of it all! If you've ever been before you'll see the same familiar faces in the entertainment. 

I think part of the show starts well before the doors of Pioneer Hall open. The front porch/front area and all around the wrap around porch is filled with people lined up sometimes two hours prior to showtime. The line forms because even though they've purchased their tickets in advance, they think that it's first come, first serve to get a particular seat in the section they paid for, but it's not the case. The seats are assigned first come, first served based on the Category you paid for, BUT they are assigned in the order you paid. For instance, if you called in two months prior, your seats would be closer to the stage depending on the Category you choose. 

The breakdown is three Categories with Category 1 being front and center and going towards the back all the on the first floor, then you move into Category 2 which is first floor to the sides and in the back and then Category 3 is upstairs. Personally, I like the upstairs when I'm not with the kiddos. It's seating against a railing that overlooks the stage and downstairs diners. When I'm with the kids, it find it a bit of a hassle when they are younger. You are in a line, not around a table...think lined up like eating at a bar. So when someone needs me to help them with food, etc., I would have to get up and walk over. it's much easier downstairs at full tables. I will say that they changed the tables downstairs. If you're used the other old round ones, you'll be surprised. They now have big rectangle ones. I guess it's easier for the wait staff to get around. There is a plus to dining upstairs with little kids and that's that it set away from a lot of patrons and I personally think less noisy. So, choose which works best for your family. The difference in pricing isn't really that much either way!

After the doors open on time, you'll be escorted to your assigned table that already has a fresh helping of cornbread and salad waiting for you! Dig in! This is just the beginning! This restaurant is all you care to eat and believe me... people eat! You'll be watching the Vaudville style entertainment which you continue with courses being served..... Fried Chicken, Ribs, Corn on the Cob, Mashed potatoes, Salad and that infamous cornbread. Then your grand finale is a beautiful Strawberry Shortcake! 

Sit back, relax and enjoy one of the most guest interactive shows Walt Disney World has on property. Lots of laughter, singing, dancing and all around fun! 

Some key tips:

Make sure you allow 1.5 hours of transportation around Disney property. (Trust me on this one) Once you reach Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (Where the Hoop Dee Doo is located), you'll find that you need to park your car in the main parking lot or if you took a bus disembark. You'll then need to board an interior bus that will have a few stops prior to getting you to the Pioneer Hall. So between multiple forms of transportation and the length it takes to get around property during construction, your better off with the 1.5 hour timeframe. 

Be at least 45 minutes EARLY! You'll need to pick up your seating ticket. They used to do this at the Guest Relations Window on the Pioneer Hall front porch, but now they are doing it with a little stand across from the porch itself. You'll see people lining up. They want you early to make sure you are in the door at show time. They close the doors and DO NOT allow anyone to come in once the show starts. It's actually boarded up with a host/hostess standing at them. 

Be prepared for a loud show! There is a lot of stamping of feet, slamming of dishes, bells, whistles and instruments that are all going off at the same time. I have Autistic children and the little one used his noise cancelling headphones for the show. 

That's all! Don't pass up this Classic Walt Disney World treasure! You'll have a great time and everyone will remember it for years to come! 

Behind The Seeds Tour - The Land - Epcot

Behind The Seeds Tour ~ Epcot ~ The Land Pavilion

If you’ve been on Soarin’ I’m sure you have seen the big desk on the left of the entrance to the ride. This is where they book the “Behind The Seeds” Tour. In my opinion, this is one of the best tours at Walt Disney World! 

When you are at the tour desk you’ll find the hours posted for each tour. This is one of the few tours that you don’t have to book in advance. I often just walk up and sign up. At the time of this writing the tour price is $25 per person and it lasts roughly between 60-75 minutes. 

You start the tour by going behind the scenes of The Land pavilion. You’ll take a brief walk behind the scenes to a little room that houses samples of the parasites they use instead of pest control. Once inside you’ll see glass aquariums set up with plants and the little insects and here you’ll get a brief description of what they use to keep their plants pesticide free. We also learn that everything growing in The Land is edible except one plant! We’ll talk about that later. 

As we continue our walk, we are guided into the domed room you are familiar with if you’ve ever been on the Living With The Land ride. For this tour we were handed hearing enhancement devices as it was raining outside and the dome tends to echo very loud. So we’ll be using an earpiece for the rest of the tour. Our guide, Camille, was lovely! She was one of the interns and extremely knowledgeable. Camille explained the process of hydroponics being used at The Land and also how they supply a lot of restaurants around Walt Disney World with food they grow right there! For instance, Italy, France, etc., and also their Sunshine Seasonings quick service location in The Land, as well as, their table service location The Garden Grill which is upstairs in The Land. 

You wouldn’t believe the abundance of vegetation they have growing. If we take the boat ride, we see it as we float along, but we really cannot see everything. And taking this tour is slow and relaxed so you’re not feeling rushed. There’s plenty of time to ask questions and take amazing photos! I’m pretty sure I was the slowest person that day! I lagged behind so I had some great pics! We saw everything from Stevia to Cacao (Chocolate) growing! 

One of the coolest things you’ll see on this tour is how they supply the vegetation with nutrients and water. They have a pump system that runs throughout the location and feeds into the plants from above and sometimes below in what looked to me like PVC pipes. Those hanging plants that are moving along with their exposed roots are passing into machines that water them and add nutrients at every pass. It seems that these plants are growing faster this way and the best part is that they use significantly less water than in a regular field. For instance, Camille told us the one of the plants uses 2.5 gallons of water to grow a certain amount and if it was in the fields it would be over 10 gallons. That’s a huge water saver! Win! 

Our tour takes us into the infamous fish room where we see the salmon, tilapia, eels, sometimes crocs and more! We even see some albino fish and hidden Mickey’s! I was able to take lots of pictures as we walked along the tanks and waved to the boats passing by. We had a lingering stop around the spice area. Here we played a little game of “Name that Spice”. She had a treasure chest like trunk that she pulled out numbered spices in a jar and passed them around for us to guess. I have to admit I was able to get all but one (I remembered it at the last second). Camille took her time explaining the spices and this is where she also took questions on anything we might have wanted to know and didn’t already ask her. 

At this stop we also had the chance to take our picture with the two Mickey shaped plants. One of them is the oldest plant in The Land. Its over twelve years old! 

So, what’s that one plant that is in The Land and not edible? The Mimosa Pudica, otherwise known as the Touch Me Not plant! It’s a super soft leaf plant that when you touch its pretty leaves they close immediately. If you shake the plant ever leaf will close at once and reopen in about ten minutes. It’s adorable and I can tell you the kids weren’t the only ones playing! The grown ups loved it too! And speaking of kids, this tour is perfect for all ages. It’s very relaxed and informative! I urge you to give this inexpensive Disney treasure a go the next time you’re in Epcot. The last tour is usually around 4:30pm so go earlier! 

~ Christine Fox

@KetoFitGal @itsChristineFox

Celebrating Disney Hollywood Studios' Brown Derby

As Disney’s “HOLLYWOOD” Studios turns closer to their new theming, you can still find one place to transport you back into the Golden Era of Hollywood: The Brown Derby! 

When you walk in the door, you're transported back in time. The sights and sounds bring you back to the golden era of Hollywood found in the wonderful movies of the past! As a matter fact, you'll feel like a star just walking into the Brown Derby down as you enter a long corridor and travel under a brown arch canopy.

As you enter, the first think you'll see is a sketch of the original Brown Derby in Hollywood, California. The location is long gone, closed around 1975, and has been transformed into many things but now exists as a vacated building on the corner of Hollywood and Vine. Back in the day, the biggest movie stars would visit - it was the place to be. In fact, this is the very location where Clark Gable proposed to Carol Lombard.

The only Brown Derby still standing is at Walt Disney World. Here in Florida, we have copies of famous celebrity sketches on the walls (the real ones from Hollywood were left to the Maître d’ in Mr. Cobb’s will). Mr. Cobb sold a few at auction (Disney acquired several, kept in the Disney Vault) and kept the rest. 

It might seem out of place to have this restaurant at Disney's Hollywood Studios considering the transformation the park is going through, but the connection goes back to 1989 when the Studios first opened. Mr. Cobb, who owned the Brown Derby in Hollywood, once served Mr. Grauman of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in the restaurant after midnight and came up with a very famous snack for him to eat - the famous Cobb salad! And in DHS today, Grauman's Chinese Theater is adjacent to the Brown Derby!

As a tribute to Mr. Cobb, I couldn't eat at the Brown Derby without trying the famous Cobb salad (finely chopped Romain lettuce, bacon, blue cheese, tomatoes and famous dressing)! It didn't disappoint! (Note: I had to modify my salad to fit my diet, so no tomatoes, dressing or extra blue cheese for me)

The Brown Derby has a limited menu. As of this week, you'll find steak, airline chicken and pork on the list with a vegetarian dish. They do have a variety of wonderful desserts and coffees available, but in my opinion, it's really the atmosphere that stands out at this location, even though the food is spectacular! The next time you're in Disney's Hollywood Studios take a step back in time and pop into the Brown Derby for a little respite in your day. I guarantee you'll love it!

2018 WDW Spring Dapper Day

It's that time again - Walt Disney World's 2018 Spring Dapper Day! The biannual grandiose affair was held today at the Magic Kingdom, and we had a chance to stop by to see all the folks come out to celebrate in their finest attire. 

I had the pleasure of spending this Dapper Day with my youngest son, Grayson, and my good friend John Saccheri of “The Big Fat Panda Show” - one of our favorite guests. We ran into many dapper friends, both Cast Members and Disney lovers alike, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. The sun was shining on all the fine garments, both handmade and thrifted, vintage outfits. As an Orlando local, I saw thrift stores and vintage shops buzzing with life in the days, weeks and months leading up to the event. Not only did the ladies up their attire, but we saw a lot of dapper gentlemen as well! 

The Dapper Day events are held twice a year in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, with the fall and spring events each having a mixer or get together. During this weekend's festivities, the mixer was held on Friday night at the new Edison in Disney Springs, which was a fitting location for all the beautiful outfits among the classic Diesel punk style interior. As the evening went on, the Edison brought out burlesque dancers to entertain everyone and encourage folks to dance!

The first park decorative event was held on Sat. April 28 at the Magic Kingdom. There was no formal event, but folks dropped by in their Dapper Day attire to enjoy the park. 

The idea behind Dapper Day is to be be reminiscent of the Disneyland days during Walt’s time when guests would often attend dressed in their 'Sunday best.' From what I'm told, even now on Sundays in Disneyland you'll often find folks dressed up to keep this tradition alive.

We spent the evening at Be Our Guest in Fantasyland, where we enjoyed a lovely evening with some very Dapper friends. It was a perfect ending to a perfect Dapper Day!

100 never looked so good!

We’re turning 💯 y’all!! Actually... our 100th episode is coming up and we’re doing a #Giveaway to win an Amazon.com Dot with #Alexa!! Two of them! You have until October 30th 12pm PST
Here’s how:

To win, leave an iTunes Review on for our Podcast & send a screenshot to DivasDishDiz@gmail.com

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party

Halloween has transformed the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World already! Last night I had the pleasure of meeting Diva Jenn and her husband Brady, along with my hubby at Disney. It was the opening night of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and it was amazing! 

After arriving at the Magic Kingdom entrance you’re already immersed with Disney’s Halloween decor! Giant Jack-O-Lantern Mickey's welcome you in which allows plenty of opportunity to grab some great family holiday photos. You’ll move into the entrance and when you walk in you’ll be greeted by the special event Cast Members and receive your special wristbands. (Great for scrapbooking or just hoarding lol). 

Under the Main Street Train Station you’ll find your Guide Maps to help you set off on the Sweetest Scavenger Hunt you’ll be on! (Another great souvenir as well.) Once you’ve reached Main Street you have to stop and soak it all in. The decorations are on every building, in every corner. Jam packed with family friendly Halloween fun! The family friendly part sets is aside from some of the other Central Florida events. 

I have to say that the Cast Members all seem to love working this event. Everyone was uber happy to hand out the candy and goodies despite some drizzle here and there! So don’t let the weather in Orlando deter you from coming to the spectacular party! You’ll still have plenty to do and I promise you’ll not leave empty handed! 

As if you need more reasons to come to this event, Disney puts on one of the best Halloween shows I’ve seen..,.. the infamous, widely beloved and out right awesome Hocus Pocus show! It’s right on the Castle stage and it’s not to be missed! Get your viewing spot early if you want to be right up there in the action! 

The show isn’t the only extra you'll see while at this event. They also have the HalloWishes fireworks and the Boo To You Parade. The parade has two showiness for those of you traveling with small children you’ll be pleased to be able to Trick-Or-Treat with them and still see the parade before heading back home or to your Resort. 

All in all this is one of the best times to see the Magic Kingdom. They don’t sell the park out like they do on a normal day, so the crowds are way less and you’ll be able to enjoy the rides they have open for the night. Not all are open, but the most popular ones are for the most part. 

Happy Halloween Ya'll!!! 

"We Had FACES"

“We had FACES”

Who doesn’t get chills when you enter the last scene in The Great Movie Ride? If I’m being honest, the original screening is my favorite! But I’m old school. I’m the type of person who likes things just the way the are, within reason. Can you picture Disney Hollywood Studios without the Great Movie Ride? It seems impossible, but we are out of luck. 

Walking into the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre we are first hit with the almost pungent smell of the past, our past, our parent’s past and so forth. It wasn’t a “smell” in the way we think of old, dusty clothes. But it did have some hint of age to it and I think the visuals of timeless treasures behind those glass boxes helped secure that thought. For years we were able to gaze at the magical slippers Dorothy once clicked and ran up that infamous yellow brick road. We were able to set eyes on objects that we had seen only in movies, maybe only in black and white movies even. These treasures kept us occupied in the long line. That winding queue was also one of Disney’s most functioning lines I've seen. Synchronicity at its best. You hardly remembered you were spending an hour in line back in the day! 

While you wind around those velvet ropes, didn’t you almost feel part of the movies? The immersive Hollywood theme in this attraction was unlike non other for me. Even the pre-show was able to bring goosebumps on your arms and maybe shed a tear or two. Silly, I know! But, the collection of talent on the screen in front of you just sometimes takes you there! 

“How many in your party” You hold your breath waiting to see if they had enough room for your party size.… It's almost time CB! Those doors swing open and its time! You made it in! Who wanted to be in the from row?? ME! I didn’t mind which section of vehicles I was in, I just preferred the front row. (Ok at times the back row too when I was moody LOL)

Here’s where I feel sorry for all the younger folks or those that hadn’t been to the Studios in years. You don’t know how cool it was to watch the Busby Berkley’s Footlight Parade gals covered in bubbles and rotating around. Each tier of that wedding cake style display rotated independently making it quite the display all while hearing Hooray for Hollywood”.

That’s it! It’s started and I dare anyone to say that this attraction was not one of the most well themed rides in Walt Disney World history. Every room was saturated with movie history down to the tiniest detail. Detail is the key! It’s the theming that allowed us to never truly get bored of the Great Movie Ride. Sure, we might skip it here and there, but we were never bored of it. You couldn’t be! 

One of the oddest OCD traits I have would be finding something new on attractions every time I ride them, but not all of them. I engage in this sometimes tiring ritual on the Pirates of The Caribbean and The Great Movie Ride. What do both of these attractions have in common? A full guest themed experience! So, there hasn’t been a time that I’ve I hit up these attractions without partaking in this sport! And the Great Movie Ride never disappointed! 

I won’t regale you with every scene and detail, but just for a moment imagine Gloria Swanson and her striking beauty saying “We had FACES”! 

That’s a Wrap… The Great Movie Ride closed August 13, 2017, but will always be remembered!