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.