The Disney Starbucks Digital Chalkboard

Had to share a bit of fun we experienced on our stop at the Downtown Disney Starbucks in Disneyland.  We stopped in and saw a huge (70 inch) digital display board on the wall.  The display board uses built-in cameras to create chalk sketches of the guests and their surroundings.  They automatically render whatever is in front so if you are standing there with coffee in hand, checking your "line app", then a chalkboard outline of you will be on the wall.  You can also draw on the screen with your fingers, which my little ones found fascinating.  What I loved was the ability to view the Orlando Downtown Disney location in live chalk sketches.  So next time you are in Starbucks in Downtown Disney, say hello to your fellow coffee lovers on the other coast!

Maria is a Travel Agent with Snapshot Getaways and a coffee lover on both coasts!  Follow her Facebook Page or email her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com to plan your next trip to either!

Starbucks Epcot Mug To Be Pulled From Shelves

Starbucks and Disney just released exclusive designs called the "You Are Here" mugs, that featured the 4 different parks. Walt Disney World has announced it  is pulling its the new Starbucks coffee mugs that feature Epcot. 




























The Epcot mug design, which also shows Spaceship Earth, The Land pavilion and several World Showcase landmarks, uses only shades of blue, gray and purple, including a purple stripe on the monorail. The problem is Disney's Monorail Purple was involved in a deadly 2009 crash in which Monorail Pink backed into the purple train, killing its pilot. Following the crash. Walt Disney World retired the pink and purple monorail and replaced with teal and peach. They also put in new safety procedures and improvements on the monorail lines.

Disney confirmed it was pulling the mug from sales for that reason. There is no word yet on when new Epcot mugs will be released or the color scheme.

Were you fortunate to get one of these mugs? If so you may have a future collectors item. What color scheme would you like them to use on the next print if the mugs?

Amanda is a self-proclaimed Disney nerd who loves everything Disney. She is a Destination Specialist with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her and her travel deals on Facebook and Twitter. She loves to chat so feel free to leave her a message.

"Garden Rocks" Performances Announced for 2015 Flower and Garden Festival

One of the fun parts of Disney World's Flower and Garden Festival is the Weekend Concert Series.  This years lineup was just announced.  You can find these groups at America Gardens Theatre in Epcot.  Performances are at 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and are included with Epcot admission.   Give yourself plenty of time to line up and get a seat for some classic bands!  

2015 Lineup (subject to change without notice):

March 6-8: Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”

March 13-15: Pablo Cruise “Love Will Find a Way”

March 20-22: En Vogue “Free Your Mind”

March 27-29: Starship “We Built This City”

April 3-5: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”

April 10-12: Village People “Y.M.C.A.”

April 17-19: Jon Secada “Just Another Day”

April 24-26: The Guess Who “These Eyes”

May 1-3: Taylor Dayne “Tell It to My Heart”

May 8-10: Little River Band “Lady”

May 15-17: Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”

This year's festival runs from March 4th-May 17th.  If you haven't planned your trip yet, contact us at Snapshot Getaways to take advantage of current promotional offers!

Maria is a Snapshot Getaways Travel Planner, Mom to 2 Boys and huge fan of the Flower and Garden Festival!  One of her favorite times to visit.  Contact her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com to plan your trip.

Freebie Friday-Ghiradelli Chocolate

Let me preface this by saying that this Freebie Friday is only free if you can manage to get out of the shoppes without buying any additional chocolate or ice cream treats!  

The Ghiradelli shops in Downtown Disney Orlando and California Adventure, Disneyland will offer you a sample of their world famous chocolate if you stop by their retail shop.  They are usually sampling one particular flavor, but if that doesn't do it for you ask for something different.  Looking for the shops?  Follow the yummy smells!

Maria is a Travel Agent with Snapshot Getaways and blogger with Disney Devoted.  Follow her Facebook Page or email maria@snapshotgetaways.com for travel planning assistance!

New Resort Option for Families of 5

One of my favorite resorts is getting a much needed facelift in it's rooms.  Caribbean Beach was the only moderate resort without Queen sized beds.  Currently Disney is in the process of changing out those full size beds for two queens and should have them all finished by early Spring 2015.  Note, the Pirate Themed Rooms will remain as is. 

Even better, some rooms will have a pull out bed, similar to this one at Port Orleans Riverside.  This gives families of 5, (with one being a little one) a new moderate option besides two rooms or Port Orleans Riverside.

Maria is a Travel Agent with Snapshot Getaways and loves planning Disney Travel.  Contact her today at maria@snapshotgetaways.com or follow her Facebook page for Disney news.

Wordless Wednesday-Living with the Land Attraction

Maria is a Travel Agent with Snapshot Getaways and this ride is a "must do" on every vacation with her family.  Email her at maria@snapshotgetaways.com for help planning all YOUR "must do's".

Frozen Fun Disneyland Promotion

Are you tired of being Frozen?  Ready to have some Fun?  Disneyland has some special rates just in time for the launch of their Frozen Fun Celebration beginning January 7th.  If you are ready for some "Frozen Fun", contact us at Snapshot Getaways for a quote!  Discounts up to 25% for travel through February 12th and up to 20% for stays February 13th-March 26th.  Your travel must be booked by February 12th so don't delay!

Disneyland California adventure will feature:

• Olaf's Snow Fest-At Stage 17 in Hollywood Land you will immerse yourself into a winter wonderland with a sow play area and musical performances.  Glide on a snow slide, build a snowman or visit Olaf himself!  He likes "Warm Hugs"
• Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome-Previously in Fantasyland, the Queen and Princess will move to a new location inside the Disney Animation Attraction.
• Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party-Every Evening in Hollywood Land, chill out with music and dancing, a winter atmosphere and tons of great photo spots.  As always treats available for all ages!
• Wandering Oaken's Trading Post-All your Frozen merchandise in one place!  
• For the First Time in Forever-A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration-The MuppetVision 3D theater plays host to this event with special guests, where there is a fun retelling of the history of Arendelle.  Complete with sing-along moments!

At Disneyland there is more for Frozen Fans:

• At Fantasy Faire, the Royal Theatre's resident storytellers present a fun-filled retelling of the Frozen story.
• Mickey's Soundsational Parade returns with pre-parade appearances by Anna and Elsa on their own float.
• Storybook Land Canal Boats will now sail through the world of "Frozen", offering views of the village, the castle, trading post and Elsa's Ice Palace.

Also at Downtown Disney is Olaf's Frozen Ice Rink and the new Anna & Elsa's boutique!

Interested in planning a trip to Disneyland?  Check out  snapshotgetaways.com and submit a quote request toay.

More Limited Edition Magic Bands Released

Walt Disney to Release New Limited Edition Magic Bands

Walt Disney World guests have been seeing the roll out of designed magic bands instead of the classic colors. They have released special edition bands for events, holidays, movie release and more. This January will be no different as Disney will release a few more designs and additional Magic Bandits. Some are Limited Edition and some are just special designs that have no limited number.

These bands will be sold at $19.95 plus tax.

Ariel will be released on January 16th

Cinderella Castle will be released on January 16th
Belle  will be released on January 23rd
Tinker Bell will be released on January 30th
Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear – January 30th

Will you be selecting one of these? If so which one are you most looking forward into getting? I haven't bought any special ones yet but I know have my eye on Tinkerbell. What character or attraction are you waiting to have on your magic band?

Amanda is a self-proclaimed Disney nerd who loves everything Disney. She is a Destination Specialist with Snapshot Getaways. You can find her and her travel deals on Facebook and Twitter. She loves to chat so feel free to leave her a message.

Top 5 Nap Spots at Hollywood Studios

Continuing our series on the Top 5 Nap Spots for little ones we head to Hollywood…

If you are at Hollywood Studios for the day and your Fast Pass for Toy Story Mania isn’t until 4pm, where do you take your little ones for a quick snooze?  With its lack of shade and noisy performances, it’s not the most conducive for sleep.  But even Hollywood Studios has some hiding places for peace and quiet.

1. Streets of America-Find a back alley (which are more shaded) and park the stroller, or simply wander the streets until your little one is down.  Avoid the Mater and McQueen, they make noise!
2. Echo Lake-While featuring some of the noisiest attractions, Echo Lake is abound with quiet shaded areas and quiet benches.  It’s also centrally located for the rest of the family.
3. Walt Disney:  One Man’s Dream-An indoor self-guided tour of Walt’s artifacts and memorabilia.  Indoor, Low Lighting, Air-Conditioned.  What else does your little one need?  There is also a movie, which may or may not do the trick.
4. Studio Catering Company-Covered patio with dining tables and chairs.  Honestly, it’s hardly ever open and you are right near bathrooms and Honey I Shrunk the Kids.
5. Take a Boat Ride-The same Friendship Boats that leave Epcot, make a stop at Hollywood Studios.  Therefore you can ride the boat with your child in their stroller as stops are made at Epcot, Boardwalk Resort, The Swan and Dolphin, Beach and Yacht Club.  There is also a walking path which if the weather isn’t miserable  makes a great option.

These are just some of my suggestions for Nap Spots at Hollywood Studios.  Any places you’ve found in Hollywood Studios for a snooze?  Please share with our readers in the Comments section of this article.

Maria is a travel planner with Snapshot Getaways.  You can follow her on her Facebook Page or email maria@snapshotgetaways.com to plan your next trip!

Saying Goodbye to the Sorcerer's Hat

While everyone was fast asleep, Disney put up walls around the hat. There have been so the many of rumors that have been swirling around about the Sorcerer's Hat being removed.  On January 7th those rumors have become reality. While some are happy to see it leave, many are sad to see it go.

The Sorcerer's Hat debuted on September 28, 2001, and it quickly replaced the Earful Tower as the park's icon.  The 122 foot structure was inspired by the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" from the 1940 animated film Fantasia. The hat was a part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration. During the celebration interactive kiosks were installed underneath the Sorcerer's Hat, where guests could learn about Walt Disney's life and career. When the celebration ended in early 2003, the kiosks were removed. Since the kiosks have been removed it has been a meeting spot, pin trading shop, and the venue for opening ceremonies. The hat has been seen and used in many other types of media.

Feature Films:

Fantasia
Fantasia 2000
Mickey's House of Villains
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (after the credits)
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (in the credits)

Television programs:

House of Mouse
Mickey's 60th Birthday
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
Once Upon a Time

Video games

Fantasia
Bonkers
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance
Where's My Water?
Disney INFINITY

The hat may leave Hollywood Studios but we will still get to see it in other media. It will live on in our memories.  Some our Disney Devoted Team would like to take a moment and share with you some of our memories of the Sorcerer's Hat.

Please feel free to share your sorcerer's hat pictures with us as we would love to see them.

Amanda is a self-proclaimed Disney nerd. She has two boys who have grown up knowing the sorcerer's hat at Hollywood Studios icon. As an agent of Snapshot Getaways, Amanda loves to help plan Disney trips for others. You can follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Top 5 Nap Spots in Epcot

In continuing my Favorite Nap Spot series, next stop is Epcot.  Due to its size, Epcot has many places to park the stroller and cajole the little ones to sleep.

1. World Showcase-Yup, the whole thing!  Place your little one in the stroller and start walking.  Maybe even detour with a soothing boat ride across the lake to Italy.  Yes, you will be surrounded by people, but keeping the stroller moving always works for us.  Avoid the musical performances at the American Pavilion.
2. Take a Boat Ride-Exit Epcot near the International Gateway (between UK and France pavilions)and continue along the path to the resort boats.  You can ride the boats to the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin, Beach and Yacht Club resorts.  Stay on the boat or get off for a quiet spot away from it all.  You do not need to take you child out of the strollers so that is a bonus!
3. Go to the United Kingdom-Behind the shops you will find Gardens and a Hedge Maze. Grab a snack and head over to find a quiet spot. It’s centrally located to food, restrooms and other activities for family members.
4. American Adventure-Dark and Air-Conditioned.  Enough Said!
5. Visit Morocco-One of Epcot’s overlooked treasures.  Near the art exhibit there are some cool spots to sit and have little one take a rest as well.  Because it’s so overlooked, it can be very quiet and restful!

Epcot has so many beautiful nooks to find some rest for your little ones.  And your feet!  Like all Disney parks, there is a Baby Care Center for a rocking chair and some air conditioning.  However, some days a trip back to the resort is in order.  You know your kids best, so gauge their moods so everyone has a great day!

Maria is a Travel Planner with Snapshot Getaways and loves traveling with her children.  Although, usually she wants the nap!  Follow her Facebook Page or email maria@snapshotgetaways.com to plan your next trip!

Wordless Wednesday-Naps of Disney World

In accordance with our "Nap In the Park" series of articles, here are some of our favorite kiddos (and one of us) taking naps in Walt Disney World!